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By Incarcerated People

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

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Silver medallion with the words 'Thank you' engraved on it.
On Meditation

Appreciating the Dharma

An incarcerated person's letters express his gratitude for the Dharma.

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A wooden sign reads "Vajrasattva" in front of a tree covered in snow.
On Meditation

Doing Vajrasattva retreat

A person in prison relates his intention to take refuge and importance of purification.

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Man with head resting on folded arms.
On Meditation

Personal demons

It´s not easy to replace old thoughts about oneself and to accept full responsibility for…

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Cell block
On Meditation

Doing retreat in prison

A person in prison describes the challenges of retreat practice inside prison and the benefits…

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Transparent image of a Buddha transposed over a landscape with mountains and trees.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Seeing Buddha nature

With gratitude and admiration, an incarcerated person sees and is inspired by the good qualities…

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Transparent image of letter over photo of house in the country.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Supporting a loved one in prison

A list of suggestions for family and friends who face uncertainties in relating with a…

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Woman holding flowers.
On Meditation

Positive thinking

An incarcerated person's daily Vajrasattva practice becomes a constant reminder to him to stay in…

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Silhouette and transparent image of a man.
On Self-Worth

Talking to the person I used to be

What would you say to your former self?

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A sad man sitting in the street, head bowing low.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Squeezing George Washington so tight he cries

A person in prison discusses his mistaken notion that renunciation means not caring.

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The words past, present, and future in yellow neon.
On Mindfulness

Transforming the three times

How to use the present wisely to create causes for a happy future instead of…

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The face of an angry man.
On Overcoming Anger

Creating problems

Reflections by a person in prison about his recent treatment of others, contrasting it with…

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A single orange.
On Mindfulness

An orange of mindfulness

Eating an orange becomes a meditative experience.

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