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By Incarcerated People

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

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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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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…

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On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

People serving time

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

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Prison Poetry

Don’t weep

A poem from an incarcerated person about death.

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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Closeup of a leg and hand of person in sitting meditation.
By Incarcerated People

Practicing in prison

An inmate reflects on his situation on being transferred to a different prison.

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The words: What does Humility require?, written on a wall.
On Self-Worth

Becoming humble

Having the courage to apologize can bring a sense of peace.

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Drawing of Gaza bombing- planes dropping bomb, buildings bomb and people dying in blood on the road.
On Overcoming Anger

An eye-opener

A person in prison feels empathy not only for those who are suffering, but also…

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On Overcoming Anger

Inspirations for overcoming anger

An incarcerated person shares his reflections on Working with Anger by Venerable Thubten Chodron.

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