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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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Prison Poetry

Deeply committed to freedom

An incarcerated person writes about the choice we make each day: to rise above our…

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On Overcoming Anger

Growing pains

A story about an unhappy childhood, a lot of hate and anger, and, in the…

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A group of women waiting for a group therapy session to begin.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Scars and catharsis

An incarcerated person is asked to confront the results of his actions.

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A man standing a very dim prison, using his hands to grasp the window grills, looking outside the window.
Prison Dharma

A new way to see it

A person in prison finds strength in non-violence.

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A white sign on a window with the words: If you are grouchy, irritable or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
On Overcoming Anger

Grouchy me

Controlling the mind in order to control anger.

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A sign on the wall that says 'Change'.
By Incarcerated People

Adapting to changes

Meeting both good news and bad news with equanimity.

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Silhouette of men behind prison bars.
By Incarcerated People

The prison way of life

A person in prison reflects on how the rules of life in prison run counter…

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A letterbox with the word HOPE, very clear blue sky in the background.
By Incarcerated People

We are human beings

What the people on the outside should know about life in prison.

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On Overcoming Anger

Dealing with the guards

If we change our behavior, others might change in response.

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On Overcoming Anger

Worldly views

An examination of our habitual reactions to tragedy.

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A pair of feet hanging in the air.
On Cultivating Wisdom

Suicide watch

Thinking that it will be the end of pain and suffering, a person in prison…

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Mala and a sutra on a biege cushion.
On Attachment

It could be worse

Feeling blessed even in difficult circumstances.

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