Prison Dharma

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

All Posts in Prison Dharma

Rice in different colors on a table.
By Prison Volunteers

Practicing the six perfections

Members of a Buddhist group in Spokane, Washington, practice the six far-reaching attitudes.

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Sunlight streaming through the tress onto a snowy path in the woods
On Mindfulness

A chosen life

What if a person who looks different could impart life-changing wisdom. Open one's heart and…

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Times Square
On Attachment

Circus

The overwhelming effect of social media and technology, making one's daily life feel like a…

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Potato chips on a plate.
On Attachment

The jerk and the potato chips

Using one's meditation practice to become the observer of one's mind and to release the…

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Prison cell with the words 'Prison poetry IV" superimposed over it.
Prison Poetry

Prison poetry IV

Poems written by incarcerated people associated with the prison Dharma outreach program.

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A dragonfly resting on a straw of weed, glowing in the sun.
On Self-Worth

Kindness to myself

An incarcerated person reflects on the changes in his outlook since noticing the good he…

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Sneaker with the label 'Bat Shoes' on it.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

The Ronco label maker

Seeing all sentient beings with equanimity and not judging others opens one's heart and mind…

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Invitation to a high school reunion.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Reunion

An incarcerated person begins to release his own worldly concerns of materialism, reputation, and praise.

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Sculpture of a knotted gun with the word Non-Violence engraged on stone.
On Overcoming Anger

The precept of nonviolence

A person in prison recounts an incident in which he chose to keep his vow…

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Nelson Mandela in a suit
Prison Dharma

Nelson Mandela’s advice

Nelson Mandela's advice for those who are facing incarceration.

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Big blue sky with fluffy clouds above the tree line
On Mindfulness

Vanquishing depression and anxiety

It is possible to free oneself from reacting negatively to life through meditation and practice.

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