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By Incarcerated People

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

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A closeup image of flames.
Prison Poetry

The extinguishing of fires

A person in prison reflects on the benefits of meditation practice and mindfulness.

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Man holding head in his hands
On Overcoming Anger

Discovery

Applying the Dharma to identify the root of one's anger. Accepting the self-centered cause as…

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half green half red apple
On Addiction

Choices and consequences

A person in prison shares his thoughts to young persons considering using drugs or alcohol.

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The word 'atheist' on a red label.
On Cultivating Wisdom

No more labels

An incarcerated person discusses his views on spirituality and religion.

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Woman's face looking into the distance
On Self-Worth

Showing up for yourself

Choosing to do a daily meditation because the benefits it brings, both for self and…

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Face of a serene buddha.
On Overcoming Anger

Dealing with anger

An incarcerated person realizes how much he has changed since he began to study the…

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Two older men walking together.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Choosing friends

The best friends are not just people who like us. They are people who have…

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A buck standing still, looking toward the camera.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

The deer

An incarcerated person reflects on the harm done when an animal is killed, both to…

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On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Taking the bodhisattva vows

How an incarcerated person prepared for taking the bodhisattva vows and what they mean for…

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A man looking down in contemplation.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Sticking to my principles

A person in prison describes how his courage to live the Dharma increases even though…

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A man staring out a window.
On Overcoming Anger

Remaining calm

Applying the Dharma restrains a person in prison from violence and trouble.

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Hand-painted sign that says '$5.00 for whining'.
On Self-Worth

No more whining

Complaining doesn't change an unpleasant situation: it only causes more suffering and negative thoughts. A…

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