Kamalashila

Books

I'm new to this, and I'm curious about how to help prisoners get books?

Melina

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Thubten GendunPermalink Reply by Thubten Gendun on April 26, 2009 at 1:14pm
Dear Kamalashila,

I am an ex-prisoner, and I now work for Liberation Prison Project. As I have some experience from both sides of the fence, I would suggest that you ask your Pen Pals what the regulations are for his/her facility. You could also call or write the Prison and find out their regulations, as each prison has different regulations depending on location and level of security. It is also possible to donate to prisoners through the Chaplins office.

Hope this helps,

Gendun
KamalashilaPermalink Reply by Kamalashila on April 26, 2009 at 1:25pm
That's definitely helpful. I was also sort of curious as to whether we as penpals should be sending books, or if there was a way to make different arrangements? I would be very happy to send my penpal some books, but i don't know if that's crossing a boundary? I hope that makes sense. I don't think it is crossing a boundary, but I don't know if there's a PDN policy on that. Again, I'm just new to this and guidance is definitely appreciated!

Kamalashila
Thubten GendunPermalink Reply by Thubten Gendun on April 26, 2009 at 2:25pm
Dear Kamalashila,

My PDN mentor sent me a great deal of materials in prison. In fact she once sent me a transcription of a talk by Venerable Robina Courtin, when I read this particular teaching and saw her picture I had a strong Karmic connection to her that I could not explain. About two and a half years later I meet her in person and retook my vows with her. I went to work for her project and she became my Teacher. I am telling you this because you never know what can happen in these situations, benefits come in many forms.

I don't think I ever asked my mentor for anything and she never asked me, it just happened. If you are in doubt ask your prisoner if he/she would like you to possibly send materials occasionally. Just be cautious about anything being asked from their side.

I hope this helps.

Gendun
Kate Crisp (PDN Director)Permalink Reply by Kate Crisp (PDN Director) on April 27, 2009 at 2:34pm
Hi, we are happy to send books to any prisoner....just either email info@prisondharmanetwork.org or write to PDN PO Bx 4623 Boulder CO 80306

sometimes facilities dont allow books from 'private' individuals..but as we are an org and a publisher we generally dont have a problem getting books in.

Kate @ PDN
WongmoPermalink Reply by Wongmo on May 25, 2009 at 3:27pm
If the prisoner is a Tibetan Buddhist practicioner, he/she can apply to become part of Liberation Prison Project...we send out books. There are other dharma publishers who might send free books, I'm not sure. The prisons need the books to be sent by a recognized publisher that's on their list.

Wongmo (Buddhist nun)

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