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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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All Posts in Prison Dharma

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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A man fist on the wall and the wall cracked.
Healing Anger

Anger and the practice of patience

Using patience to overcome the painful affliction of anger.

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The word: Punish written on a wall.
Prison Dharma

Working with Buddhists behind bars

Overcoming fear and the judgmental mind to reach sentient beings in prison.

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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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Prison cell window that has light pentrating through, surroundings are in darkness.
Prison Dharma

The Dalai Lama on prison life

His Holiness talks about how to generate compassion for incarcerated people and the need for…

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Silhouette of guard station atop Oregon State Penitentiary.
By Prison Volunteers

A prison visit following the killing of an incarcera...

Incarcerated people's faith in dharma and their dedication to practice.

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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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