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By Incarcerated People

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

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All Posts in By Incarcerated People

On Overcoming Anger

Dealing with the guards

If we change our behavior, others might change in response.

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On Overcoming Anger

Worldly views

An examination of our habitual reactions to tragedy.

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A pair of feet hanging in the air.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Suicide watch

Thinking that it will be the end of pain and suffering, a person in prison…

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Mala and a sutra on a biege cushion.
On Attachment

It could be worse

Feeling blessed even in difficult circumstances.

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An owl with wings spreading out.
On Mindfulness

Owl

An owl appears in the prison recreation area.

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A man sitting on a big rock meditating, huge trees in background.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Seeking peace

Reflections by an incarcerated person on how we are in suffering due to ignorance.

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Closeup of handwriting on a page in a journal.
On Mindfulness

Right effort, learning, and love

Journalling reveals insights into how the mind spins stories.

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A hand holding a pen, writing on a piece of paper.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Gibberish

The stability of our thoughts and feelings is just a myth.

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The words: Publish identity in neon lights.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Creating an identity

Contemplating the identity of "me" in the prison system.

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Man sitting on floor, meditating.
On Attachment

Strong attachment to desire

The feelings of a formerly incarcerated person and his gratitude to the Dharma.

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Shot glass with vodka in it
On Addiction

Without a vodka bottle in my hand

Addiction and the wasted opportunities of life.

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On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

“Impact of Crime on Victims” class

A person in prison keeps a journal of a program in which incarcerated people and…

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