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By Incarcerated People

Reflections, essays, and poems by people in prison about their Dharma practice.

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A fireplace
On Overcoming Anger

The spark

A student learns his real prison is his own mind.

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Barbed wire against blue sky with one plant growing
On Overcoming Anger

Practicing in prison

Prison provides a unique place to practice the wish to benefit all sentient beings.

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Man walking out of a tunnel toward light.
Prison Poetry

Upon life’s journey

Putting the needs of others ahead of his own, an incarcerated person makes a pivotal…

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On Overcoming Anger

Why should I fight?

An incarcerated person shares his experience of learning patience from a cell mate.

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A man's hands in front of his face with his eyes closed.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

A final farewell

An incarcerated person offering gratitude for the dharma and the friendship of the Sangha before…

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A guy sitting down on grass, his hand holding a cardboard with the words: The power to choose The power to change.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Choice

A person in prison reflects on the choices he is able to make in his…

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A building with the words Take Courage painted on the wall.
On Self-Worth

Courage

A person in prison reflects on the nature of courage and confidence. How does one…

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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.

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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…

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Prison cells.
By Incarcerated People

Stress

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

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A single daisy in color against a black and white background.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Dear Mom

A man released from prison rediscovers freedom.

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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…

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