By Incarcerated People

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

All Posts in By Incarcerated People

Man with eyes closed.
On Mindfulness

Let the mind see the mind

A person in prison shares on how his daily practice is transforming his view of…

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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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