Dharma in Action

The real meaning of Dharma practice is to transform our minds. The rubber meets the road when we get off the cushion and live our practice in daily life.

All Posts in Dharma in Action

Venerable Chodron at San Quentin prision in California.
By Incarcerated People

The most stable people in prison

Why those in prison for murder tend to be easier to get along with and…

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Venerable Chodron holding a baby.
Family and Friends

Baby blessing ceremony

A ceremony to welcome babies and children to their Dharma friends and family.

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A group of teenage boys.
By Prison Volunteers

Compassion at a juvenile reformatory

A visit to a juvenile facility in Mexico raises doubts and leads to thoughts of…

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Painting of Dalai Lama
By Prison Volunteers

Tibetan Lama visits incarcerated people

Khensur Jampa Tegchog Rinpoche speaks to incarcerated people and answers their questions.

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Woman with her hand over her mouth.
Speaking Wisely and Kindly

Speaking of the faults of others

Belief in the faults of others and ourselves lead to missed opportunities for love.

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A spade and some potatoes being digged out of the soil.
By Incarcerated People

Humor

Difficulties can be overcome with fortitude and a little creativity. And laughter.

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Closeup photo of Brother Hue Chuyen.
On Working with Afflictions

This hit home

Understanding affliction through an everyday example brings self-awareness and compassion.

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A man sitting outside, meditating.
Speaking Wisely and Kindly

Antidotes for the complaining mind

Applying antidotes to our habit of complaining increases tolerance and helps others.

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Tracy helping raise prayer flags at the Abbey.
On Cultivating Virtue

Taking the vow of celibacy

A student shares her reasons for taking the vow of celibacy as a lay person.

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Brother and sister walking together down country road.
On Love, Compassion, and Bodhicitta

Joshua

An incarcerated person describes her relationship with her brother and the love they share.

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Someone wrote the words Nothing is permanent on the sand.
On Attachment

Prison, life, impermanence

A person in prison describes the experience of solitary confinement and how by taking refuge…

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Woman deep in thought.
Fear, Anxiety, and Other Emotions

Ruminating

How to use our precious human life to develop love, compassion, and wisdom.

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