Prison Dharma
People in prison and volunteers who work in prisons reflect on how to apply the Dharma in prison settings and beyond.
Prison Outreach Program
It all began with one man in prison writing a letter to Venerable Thubten Chodron. Today, Sravasti Abbey sends a quarterly newsletter, Dharma books, DVDs of teachings, and prayer beads to thousands of people in prison.
Here, you’ll find reflections by Venerable Thubten Chodron, other prison volunteers, and people in prison themselves on what it’s like to practice the Dharma in prison.
You can support our prison outreach program by making a donation to Sravasti Abbey here. Be sure to indicate “Prison Dharma Program” in the comments box. Your contribution helps to produce Dharma materials and supports the postage to send them.
For a listing of films related to Buddhism in correctional facilities see Vipassana Meditation for Correctional Facilities.
Subcategories
By Incarcerated People
Reflections, essays, and poems by people in prison about their Dharma practice.
VIEW CATEGORYBy Prison Volunteers
Volunteers reflect on what they have learned from sharing the Dharma with people in prison.
VIEW CATEGORYRelated Books
All Posts in Prison Dharma
Gratitude for the Dharma
A. L. reflects on how prison has afforded her time to reflect on her spiritual…
View PostGathas for daily life
An incarcerated person is inspired by the writing of Thich Nhat Hanh.
View PostDealing with difficult changes
A woman in prison uses a mind training prompt to deal with a difficult situation.
View PostMy time in prison
A Sravasti Abbey volunteer confronts his preconceptions on what prison life is like.
View PostI am a Buddhist
D. S. reflects on how his studies in Buddhism have influenced his life as an…
View PostBringing Avalokiteshvara into the circle
An incarcerated person uses his Dharma practice to quietly support the victims of crimes.
View PostHealing past relationships
An incarcerated person finds new ways to support his Dharma practice.
View PostTime, inspiration, and gratitude
Calvin is free after 27 years of incarceration. He reflects on how he met Buddhism…
View PostPrison labor
Today's prisons provide few chances for rehabilitation, instead using incarcerated people for cheap labor. One…
View Post