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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

The word 'compassion' engraved into silver metal.
On Self-Worth

Having compassion for yourself

Even in a difficult environment, making changes in one's life for the better will benefit…

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Silhouette of inmate.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Friendship

After burning every bridge and pushing away every potential ally, an incarcerated person finds himself…

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A woman meditating on a rock by the seaside during sunset.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Keeping balance

Necessity for cultivating kindness and compassion for others in addition to practicing meditation.

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Neon sign of the word belief with lie highlighted.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Beliefs turned on their head

An incarcerated person finds that his attachment to the traditional cultural beliefs he grew up…

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A glass medicine bottle with the label Awareness, 20ml concentration, Basic medicines are still needed in many parts of the world, but basic awareness are what we need here. Increasing knowledge of different cultures promotes understanding and compassion, which helps eradicate the disease of discrimination.
On Mindfulness

Awareness that sets you free

The ways being in prison has forced an incarcerated person to face his delusions and…

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Man with head resting on hand, in contemplation.
By Incarcerated People

Learning to find inner peace

A person in prison shares his thoughts on keeping up hope in a difficult environment.

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On Addiction

Who’s poisoning me?

A person in prison speaks about his addictions and a brush with death.

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A signboard with the words: Happiness in not a destination. It is a way of life.
On Attachment

Searching for happiness

Thoughts on fleeting nature of objects of attachment such as reputation, possessions, and emotions.

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Silhouette of man holding prison bars.
By Incarcerated People

Facing fear and stress in prison

An incarcerated person discusses his experience in dealing with fear and violence in prison.

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Sign in the forest that says love
On Self-Worth

Deserving love

Reasons why people do not feel worthy of love. Having compassion and love for oneself…

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Shaggy dog looking into the distance with fall trees in background
On Self-Worth

Getting back on track

Some ups and downs in Dharma practice, and a bit of "muscle ache" after getting…

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