Incarcerated people

Many incarcerated people from all over the United States correspond with Venerable Thubten Chodron and monastics from Sravasti Abbey. They offer great insights into how they are applying the Dharma and striving to be of benefit to themselves and others in even the most difficult of situations.

View Posts

Pile of snow melting in a bird bath
Prison Poetry

Who understands me but me

Self-acceptance gives a person in prison hope and courage.

View Post
Man looking out window.
On Cultivating Wisdom

The middle way

Thoughts on the importance of taking responsibility for one's own experiences. We are not victims…

View Post
Prison cells.
By Incarcerated People

Stress

To be in prison can be a strong external stress factor, but an incarcerated person…

View Post
Older female hands clasping each other.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Wisdom from Great Aunt Ga-ga

A person in prison remembers his great-aunt and the wealth of advice she gave. He…

View Post
A man carrying a bag walking out in a passageway.
By Incarcerated People

The day has finally arrived

A person in prison is hopeful and sure of himself when, after being incarcerated for…

View Post
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

People serving time

One incarcerated person's advice on how to relate to people in prison without stereotyping them.

View Post
Man sitting outside in field under clear sky at dusk.
By Incarcerated People

Release from prison: Shock or growth?

A hard-earned experience of over 20 years in prison and a clear-eyed assessment of what…

View Post
Man with sunglasses looking forward
On Addiction

Leading ourselves out of addiction

Taking refuge in drugs or alcohol simply leads to more destructive, addictive behavior, which then…

View Post
A man daydreaming looking a the sunshine shining on him.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Meeting Tara

An incarcerated person recalls a dream of perfection and enlightenment.

View Post
A man sitting on grass playiing a guitar, there's a card with the words: Will work for ATTENTION in front of him.
On Mindfulness

Paying attention to life

An incarcerated person discusses the ways practice has helped him cope and improved his life…

View Post