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Prison Dharma

People in prison and volunteers who work in prisons reflect on how to apply the Dharma in prison settings and beyond.

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Statue of a bodhisattva.
On Overcoming Anger

A test of my bodhisattva vows

Keeping oneself free of violence by remembering the vows and showing compassion.

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The word 'forgiveness' written into red and orange tile.
On Self-Worth

The liberation of self-forgiveness

An incarcerated person shares his experience of transforming self-hatred to open up his heart for…

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The word 'love' stamped into metal.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Opening up to love

Being stuck in a selfish lifestyle centered on "me" keeps us from realizing the interdependence…

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Black and white image of a young man meditating.
By Incarcerated People

Inside-out practice

An incarcerated person narrates practicing inside the prison to practicing outside and compares that to…

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The word 'forgive' spray painted on a red wall.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

A thought …

The essence of insight during life in prison: compassion.

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Statue of a Buddha.
On Attachment

On attachment

Attachment brings suffering, but what does non-attachment bring us?

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Young man holding a sign that says 'The power to choose... the power to change."
On Cultivating Wisdom

Choice and changing

A courageous look at the selfish mind and the suffering it creates in life.

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The words 'Let go' painted on cable car tracks.
On Self-Worth

Letting go of guilt and shame

Overcoming guilt and shame by cultivating loving kindness for oneself first and then expanding it…

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A worker picking flowers at a very colorful flower fields.
On Mindfulness

The path and the garden

C. M. reflects on the effects on his practice of time spent gardening. Any work…

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Man sitting in meditation with eyes closed.
By Incarcerated People

Daishin, big mind

We can embrace our experiences, whether difficult or pleasant, in a way that is neither…

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A yellow flower growing out of a crack in concrete.
On Mindfulness

The reality of adversity

Learn to smile and let go instead of flipping out, even in the most difficult…

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Path through trees
On Self-Worth

The journey

If looking back is hurtful, it can be a relief to find a way forward…

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