By Kate Olson for PBS, May 10, 2013

KATE OLSON, correspondent: For most of its 160 year history, San Quentin has been known as a tough place to do hard time. But over the past two decades, this has begun to change.

Thanks to thousands of engaged citizens…

Today as I approached the Supermax prison, overhead was a crystal clear bold blue sky, a gentle cool breeze enveloped me, and the razor wire glistened in the warm morning sun.  I felt settled and good as I entered the prison entrance and was met by my favorite correction officer who greeted me with a smile and…

By Shannon Dininny, Associated Press, May 12, 2013

Six inmates, each shackled and chained to a chair,…

Feelings of guilt and hopelessness can put extreme pressure on prisoners. In one German prison, inmates are discovering a new sense of calm with regular meditation that also prepares them for life on the outside.

By Jen Mulson for The Gazette, April 30, 2013

There are a handful of yogic paths, and karma yoga is known as that of selfless service.

I've met several yoga teachers this year who are practicing karma yoga in our local criminal justice system. They are teaching prisoners and…

This morning at the supermax was a study in contrasts.  Upon entering the prison there were two correction officers in uniform holding semi-automatic rifles. They were waiting to start their shift at one of the security towers. They cordially greeted me and I felt their warmth yet feared their…

One day at San Quentin State Prison, I was walking down the paved ramp towards the yard to my destination, the education building.  I like walking down this leisurely quiet route verses the stairway, which seems so abrupt and crowded. I admire the greenery on the side of…

Just wanted to share a story from one of our Path of Freedom participants here in Rhode Island about the recent Boston Marathon bombings.  This woman is in her 4th round of Path of Freedom and is serving time for "DUI-- Death Resulting" (a fairly common charge at Women's Minimum).  I will do my best to quote her…

I must say thank you to PDN for the inspiration to study and practice while I was in prison, and for the inspiration to continue these past 6 years while free.  Here is the link to my project "The Homeless Dharma Network":

http://homelessdharmanetwork.weebly.com

Stephen Conover (Sonam Dorje)

In 1959, the Chinese invasion of Tibet threw open the doors to the mysterious realm of Tibetan Buddhism and suddenly this rich, ancient tradition was propelled into the modern world. Half a century later, Padmasambhava’s prophecy has come true and the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism are found in every corner…