for Chaplains, Volunteers, Inmates and their Families
RESOURCES
“Buddhist Prison Ministry brings the dharma to incarcerated individuals with great compassion and care, offering a path to healing, resilience, and spiritual growth in places where it’s most needed.
As the former staff chaplain for New York City’s Department of Corrections, I recognize the deep need for this work, and commend BPM and its community for showing up to honor the humanity and potential of those so often overlooked”
—Lama Justin von Budjoss, Vajrayana Buddhist teacher, author, and co-founder of Yangti Yoga Retreat Center and Bhumisparsha.
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Recommended Reading for Prison Work
This is a very general reading list complied by Susan Shannon, M. Div.
Many of these entries can be categorized under more than one heading. Please share this with anyone you know who is interested in working with the incarcerated. Please email us if you have any additional suggestions.
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Pema Chödrön Foundation Book Program
The Pema Chödron Foundation aims to make Pema’s books and recorded teachings available to underserved individuals, and the organizations that serve them, free of charge.
This program is for the benefit of those who have no access to Pema’s teachings, and to groups and not-for-profit organizations who serve people in need.
Download the printable reading list below.
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Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go
Book Recommendation
Leaving Prison Behind: A Council Before I Go is an illustrated novella created from the words and stories of system-impacted individuals, and those who support them. From the work of the Center for Council , includes a robust resource section with ideas, references and practices intended to be of support in the preparation for the journey that lies ahead.
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Comparison Chart of Buddhist Schools and Sects
Compiled by Susan Shannon M. Div. for use of chaplaincy and dharma students. (Great thanks to Professor Donald Lopez, Buddhist Scholar, for editing in 2021.) Any and all mistakes or omissions claimed by Susan.
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Resources for Buddhist Books and other Services
This is a list of orgs that offer various Buddhist literature and other services to our incarcerated brothers and sisters. Please let us know if you know of others.
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The Spiritual Needs of Inmates
A guide to finding hope, faith, and grace on the journey of an awakened heart.
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If a Friend or Family Member is Arrested
This is from the O’Mara Law Group, a great resource.
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Higher Education After Incarceration
Our Higher Education After Incarceration guide reviews how to get into college, the best degrees for people with prior convictions, and everything formerly incarceratedfolks should know about higher education. It is free to access, and we are happy to show our support to your community by sharing this valuable information.
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Building a Career After Incarceration
This guide offers programs that help with life after prison, finding employment with a felony record, family assistance for those with a direct relationship with an incarcerated person, skills workshops, education, and more.
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Branding Yourself After Prison
Brand building after incarceration is a transformative journey that involves reshaping one’s identity, leveraging personal experiences, and creating a powerful, authentic narrative. It starts with self-reflection and embracing the lessons learned during incarceration, turning those experiences into strengths that set the foundation for a unique brand. The process involves identifying core values, defining a clear mission, and crafting a message that resonates with a target audience—whether it’s to inspire, educate, or motivate others who may be on a similar path.