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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 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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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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A cartoon drawing of a person in jail clothes(black and white stripes) trap inside bars surrounded by the words:Fear, Anger, Pain, Innocent, Shame and Trust.
Prison Dharma

Prison Dharma

Reflections on visiting incarcerated people to share the Dharma in prisons throughout the United States

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Venerable Chodron in conversation with Dr. Steven Vannoy.
By Prison Volunteers

Teaching meditation in the prison system

Steven Vannoy taught Buddhism and meditation to incarcerated people. He got a psychology degree to…

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Image of a man behind bars, one of his hands holding the bar.
Prison Dharma

Prison revisited

Returning to a federal prison in Ohio to offer bodhisattva vows to a person who…

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The shadow of a man sitting on the floor and shadows of window grills.
Prison Dharma

Offering precepts in prison

Connecting with an incarcerated person leads to offering precepts in an Ohio prison.

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