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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 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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A page from a book about Zen.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Hermitage

The path to awakening can start anywhere, at any time.

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Long line of cars in a traffic jam on the highway.
By Prison Volunteers

Prisons of the mind

A person in prison relates how he feels more free than those outside who are…

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Close up of Kwan Yin's face
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Kwan Yin

A person in prison reflects on the many forms of the bodhisattva Kwan Yin.

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On Overcoming Anger

Reflections on anger

Stories from incarcerated people about their struggles with anger and other afflictions.

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Silhouette of a sailboat in front of a sunset.
Prison Poetry

Truth

Finding the way out of samsara and ignorance.

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