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By Incarcerated People

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

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Closeup of a mule's face.
Prison Poetry

The mule

How to open up one's heart and guide oneself on the path.

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Shadow of a hand trying to catch a shadow of a man running away.
On Overcoming Anger

Fear and hate

An incarcerated person relates how he gradually overcame his fear while in prison.

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Black and white image of a Buddha statue.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Inspiring story

Importance of understanding karma, taking personal responsibility and transforming oneself based on practice.

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Words written on paper with colored pencil.
Prison Poetry

Poem to Mom and Dad

A touching poem from a formerly incarcerated person to his parents.

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A hand holding a cup of water, pouring it onto seeds.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Watering seeds

We have a choice as to the kinds of seeds we plant in our mindstream.…

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Two woodpeckers in a tree
On Mindfulness

A bird

An incarcerated person contemplates the natural world outside.

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A person sitting on top of a moutain, meditating.
On Meditation

Changing

Accepting one's feelings of anger and pride leads to a greater understanding of oneself, and…

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On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Transforming grief into gratitude and love

A letter from an incarcerated person on coping with the death of his best friend…

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By Incarcerated People

Growing through the Dharma

A person in prison shows how through thought transformation, we can find some good even…

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Folio image in Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Cuddling up to the Dharma

A great task, a big love. An incarcerated person describes the power of intention in…

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Golden statue of Vajrasattva.
On Meditation

Purifying negative karma

Using the retreat experience to purify the root delusions of pride and attachment.

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Jizo over a red and white patchwork quilt.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

A quilt of compassion

Bodhisattvas constantly work to end the suffering of others; even in prison, one can practice…

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