The following Essays are excerpted from The Ratna Prison Initiative Publication, Confusion is the Ground of Wisdom.  This compilation was created in an effort to provide a venue for inmates to communicate their experience to each other. 

• THE ROAD TO PRESIDENTIAL PARDON

• ALIVE IN BUDDHA TIME

• THE WHEEL KEEPS TURNING

• GREETINGS TO ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE DHARMA WHO PRACTICE IN PRISON:

• BUDDHISM AS A PERSONAL PRACTICE

• THE DREAM OF ESCAPE

• STRONG EMOTIONS DURING MEDITATION

• SACRED GROUND

In our office, day after day, we receive letters from prisoners which demonstrate tremendous insight and wisdom.  We felt that these insights would be a very beneficial support and encouragement if they could somehow be communicated among the prison sangha.  However, because in most cases, inmates are not permitted to write to other inmates, we decided the communication could be accomplished by collecting and compiling their essays, anonymously, which were requested to be addressed to the collective practicing prisoner population.  We asked them to address their comments to what they perceived to be the obstacles to practicing in prison, and to offer suggestions, support and encouragement to one another as to how to deal with these difficulties.

The results have been astonishing.  With a great deal of enthusiasm, generosity and camaraderie, practitioners behind prison walls produced a wealth of  advice and inspiration to offer one another that could not have come from any other source.  Only they possess the knowledge of the reality of their lives and situations.

The compilation is available for purchase.  Email The Ratna Prison Initiative for further information.