I visited South Woods State Prison this week for Buddhist/Meditation services. We had a very good discussion as how the men find their practice in times of extreme stress. One of our men talked about how he finds his practice when the C/O's have pulled them out of their cells at 2:00 am to search, or when he witnesses other men being verbally or physically abused at the hands of the C/O's. I thought it was profound to hear all of the men talk about how their practice is applied, and makes me respect and appreciate our practice even more. I know how a Buddhist/Meditation practice has helped me to transform my anger into love and compassion but to hear the men talk about the practice in such times of stress reinforces the work that we do.

 I have enountered my first practicing Nichiren Buddhist, and have to say that i am entrigued. I am a self taught Buddhist and have always gravitated towards the Zen tradition. I have many teachers and have applied what i have learned from all traditions, but found it amazing how this man found peace and equanimity especially after already serving 27 years of a life sentence, and how he has awakend to his reality. I have used the Nam Myoho Renge Kyo chant in my daily practice and was wondering if anyone had any experiences they could share.

 With Metta,

robert