Just as, of all trees, the balsam is foremost in terms of softness & pliancy, In the same way I dont

envision a single thing that, when developed & cultivated, is as soft & pliant as the mind. Mudu Sutta

October-December 2011 Volume 7, Issue 4

NEWSLETTER
Buddhist Correspondence Course Becoming
Tissa (Concord, NH)
Before coming to prison, I knew who I wasa father, a husband, a son. Over the years, these identities cemented who I am. Now as the years have passed, I am no longer a father, a husband, or a son. In the absence of these labels (mental formations) I was losing my sense of being. I wanted to know what is the I am of me. The Dhamma provided insight as I began inquiry as to what was the becoming of me (rather than, what Ive become). I would like to share with you some things that have helped me with this understanding. From birth we attach to things to form our identity: mine, that is me, this is me. I cry when I am separated from me, and I am happy when self returns to me. Many of us want to carry this over into/past the breakup of our body in the means of a legacy as this is (was) me. So much effort is put into being something, as well as to prevent from being nothing. There are two quotes that have really gelled with me. Renunciation is letting go of holding back (Trungpa Rinpoche) and, Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different (recounted by Oprah Winfrey). Letting go seems to be the resulting theme of my inquiry (i.e., letting go of acquisitions). Becoming is described as the process of giving rise, within the mind, to states of being that allow for physical or mental birth on any of the three levels (sensuality, form, and formless). Acquisition (updahi) literally means belongings, baggage, paraphernalia. In the suttas, it means the mental baggage that the mind carries around. (Definitions by Thanissaro Bhikikhu) Becoming. I am. I am becoming. I am a continuing collection of acquisitions. To stop becoming, stop collecting. I am a heap of acquisitions. Abandon the acquisitions. What remains? The cessation of stress?
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Inside this issue:

Becoming, Tissa Meditation on Anger, Stefan Crisbasan Tara, James L. Halbirt Soul Coal, Erik Fite Contentment, C. Patrick OConnor Awake in Darkness, Bobby Thiem Sandalwood and the Lamp The First Night of Forever, Travis L. Adams (Mujin) Dhamma Practice in Prison, Shane Blake Liberation, James Davie Buddha, Michael Judd Lucidity, Alton Overweg Meditating, Chad Frank Suffering, Andre Marzetta Within Truth, Domineque H. M. Ray Far Shore, Alton Overweg Twelve Hours, Steven Hyman Letters Guided Meditation, James L. Halbirt Practicing and Release, Timothy 1 3 3 4 4 5 6

Open the Book, Timothy Elsten 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 10 10 11 12 12

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The manifold stresses that come into play in the world, come from acquisition as their cause. Anyone not knowing *this+ creates acquisition. The fool, he comes to stress again & again. Therefore, discerning *this+, you shouldn't create acquisition as you contemplate birth as what brings stress into play. As you contemplate birth, As what brings stress into play. (Sutta Nipata III.12) It would be nice to let go of who I think I am, to let go of concern if I was perceived this or that way, to let go of relying on things to be a reflection of myself, to let go of trying to perpetually maintain this persona so as to believe I know myself. To thine

Those, having seen what's come to be as what's come to be, and what's gone beyond what's come to be, are released in line with what's come to be, through the exhaustion of craving for becoming. If they've comprehended what's come to be, and are free from the craving for becoming & non-, with the non-becoming of what's come to be, monks come to no further becoming. (Itivuttaka 49) The word disenchantment offered me much insight. As though I would have had to be enchanted to attach to something I would otherwise not be (to the external six sense media) and on the flip side, an aversion to. Becoming disenchanted, like a spell

I had to find a way to embrace the chaos and be able to breathe and meditate or I was going to go nuts.
own persona be true. This illusion, manifestation, self-imposed creation begetting our own stress. Are not our own effects of our own causes? Yes, it would be nice to let go and as the saying goes to just be. Just to be. Just being. No duality. No views. No judgments. No ego, Complete and utter equanimity in its fullest. Imagine. Can you see it? And how do those with vision see? There is the case where a monk sees what has come into being as come into being, He practices for disenchantment with what has come into being, dispassion for what has come into being, cessation for what has come into being. This is how those with vision see. wearing off, has me see (a bit) more clearly the actual non-existence of the acquisitions that Ive been collecting. However, my self-affirming ego does a good job at trying to keep me enchanted by so many things that I am left to believe are so vitally importantto attain and to defendso I can have this (false) sense of reality about myself. Robert Thiem in his article, Dealing with Distractions on the Inside, (BCCN, Vol. 7, Issue 1) poignantly describes many of the onslaughts that Maras arrows have been thrown our way in an effort to strip us down gradually and persistently, leaving us to ask, How much more needs to be shed before Im
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The BCCN is distributed at no charge to those taking the Buddhist Correspondence Course. This is your newsletterby you, about you, and for you. You are the major contributors, so send us your questions, problems, solutions youve found to difficulties in practice, thoughts you have on practice, artwork, poetry, etc. Due to limited space, some editing may be necessary. We also welcome your comments on the newsletter and suggestions for ways we might improve it to serve you better. Please mail all correspondence to: Buddhist Correspondence Course c/o Rev. Richard Baksa 2020 Route 301 Carmel, NY 10512 Let us know if we may use your full name or just your initials.

(Continued from page 2)

finally free? We know that stress comes from being with what we have an aversion to, as with to be taken away from what we are attached to. Indeed, Robert, much as has been taken away. There were several questions that Robert raised seeking release from this suffering, and one in particular: Is it necessary for all my understanding of who I think I am to go up in flames *as though that of a phoenix+ and burn into ashes before the ascent toward a more wholesome identity than prisoner takes flight? As for me, what I have come across is that all of it needs to be shed, definitely for our understanding/belief in self to go up in flames, and not reach for more becoming in the form of an identity. Sure, it is easier said than done. But it is a process that can only be achieved through practice, practice, practice. I still suffer and stress out and thanks to the Three Jewels and you monks that I suffer and stress out a lot less. May what I have shared be of benefit to help alleviate your stress.

Meditation on Anger
Stefan Crisbasan (Dixon, IL)
On the horizon loom clouds Of smoke coming from the top And from the bottom also From emotions like anger It is the end of the day Clouds join with the darkness The moon rises high Like a lamp in my mind. The storm begins to ruffle The peace and quiet of the night Stirring up the leaves Of the fallen trees inside my head An owl appears to hunt for prey Rabbits and mice hide in the night But the ghosts have to eat Eat my angry thoughts away At dawn nothing on the lawn Only garbage bags with the Remains of my brain screaming, What happened to my anger?

In Memoriam: Rev. Bill Ford

Rev. William Ford, a BCC mentor, died in September after a brief illness. Bills natural curiosity, warm sense of humor, and broad knowledge made him a natural teacher, and, in fact, that is how he spent much of his life. In his 30-plus year career as a schoolteacher, he taught English and computer science. He also tutored students and helped students prepare for the college admissions process. Bill taught the Dharma at Chuang Yen Monastery near his home in New York and at the Redding Meditation Center in Connecticut. He also enjoyed acting, opera, films, and literature. Bill is survived by his wife, daughter, and granddaughter, as well as by scores of loving friends.

Tara
James L. Halbirt (San Luis Obispo, CA)

Soul Coal
Erik Fite (Draper, UT)
Seeking self transformation Trying to turn pebbles to pearls Sand to gold, sapphires from sawdust Or change gravel to emeralds. Impossible. Too many impurities, Imperfections, blemishes, and defects A tainted turquoise, jaded jade Rusted ruby or tarnished amethyst. I wish I were pure garnet Beautifully translucent so I shine and polish Layer after layer Only to reveal concealed shades of onyx. Darkness, I swim these murky waters In search of pristine aquamarine Hopeful for opals or topaz handfuls One again surfacing in defeat. Im only me, not a superficial gem Or expensive jewel item. With this realization I finally discovered Within myself a Flawless diamond.

Contentment is a State of Mind

C. Patrick OConnor (Amarillo, TX)
If youre angry, youre obviously not happy or content. And contentment is a state of mind, free from negativity, from excessive wanting, anger, confusion, restlessness, and fear. When your mind is absent of worry and discontent, then you can relax. If youre frustrated, anxious, or angry, then youll never be happy. Getting something that you want is only getting what you want; it may not actually lead to satisfaction. True contentment transcends all circumstances as you abandon negative mental states and appreciate the positive aspects of your life. Instead of acquiring material possessions, changing your surroundings, or indulging yourself as a path to a limited form of short-lived contentment, it becomes necessary to train your mind to let go of anger, longing, anguish, and so on, as those states of mind arise. It is important to feel secure and thus content with everything you already have and realize that letting go of the concepts that cause stress and suffering is the actual path to real long-lasting contentment. In this way, appreciation of your current situation will increase. Utilizing equanimity to dissolve the mental constructs that extend out longing for objects, places, and particular sense pleasures, it is possible to lessen and eliminate the grasp that objects seemingly cast on us. When we consider a person, place, or thing, we project a concept onto them as if we have a slide projector in our hands. We see not only what is actually in front of us, but the slide presentation obscuring our view as well. Consequently, any phenomenon is regarded only as it pertains to ourselves, and whether it is beneficial and desirable to us, detrimental, or neither. This is the difference between skillful and unskillful attitudes regarding your perceptions and ideas. Everything youve done, are doing, or will do is either beneficial and helpful to others as well as yourself and thus skillful. Alternatively, it is detrimental or harmful and, therefore, unskillful, or it is at a neutral point between those conditions. Unskillfulness leads to eventual suffering, as it is often selfish behavior, even if those negative results do not appear at the outset. Skillfulness leads to happiness as your thoughts and actions are free from negative attributes, even if it seems to take a while to manifest positive conditions. Freeing ourselves from unskillful habits and transforming our positive qualities into skillful habits is the goal of mental cultivation and development. Therefore, it is not about what you have, but what you do not have. One should not cling to negative states of mind, and material possessions are a fleeting sense enjoyment, not something deep and profound. It is the absence of wanting more than you really need that renders true contentment. Once any overwhelming negativity is gone, it becomes easier to treat others with kindness and compassion, as negative feelings towards them no longer arise. They may suffer from a negative grip on their minds, but you do not. You are free.

AWAKE IN DARKNESS
Bobby Thiem (Florence, AZ)
He awoke at midnight. An unfriendly draft blew frigid air against an exposed, fleshy area near his lower back. A faded orange shirt irritatingly crept up during sleep. Like emotionless words whispered from a dispassionate lover, the chilly presence educed a heartbreaking reality. It brought shivers up his spine. Clumsily he tucked the shirt into same-colored baggy sweatpants and rolled over agitated onto his other sideall too coherent of the surroundings. A beige brick wall cuddled too near. A thin blanket covered too little. A sad, lonely mattress: lifeless. With a tired sigh and a tinge of despair he began to practice, once again, Buddhist meditation. His posture was all wrong, but effort to identify with emptiness, promising. way radios carried by cops doesnt help. Nor do their flashing lights beaming menacingly upon his face to determine if hes still breathing. Their face-to-ID check occurs routinely multiple times each night. These frequent disturbances cause trouble. Aggressive inmates yell angrily when awoken by such measures. Loud, vulgar insults increase tension, terribly spoiling attempts for finding refuge inside a far away, tranquil dreamscape.

Sleeping at night in prison takes a while to get used to. Most dont consider it a wise idea, however, to be so comfortable sleeping here. This incongruous environment needs to provoke, they say. If their system of punishment is going to work, stimulating lasting Robert used to go to bed Beyond afflicted perceptions believed to be positive change, then a shirtless before he came to true about prison, an interesting life can be rough nights sleep apprison. With windows embodied. Its truly possible, even through pears to be a necessary disastrous moments in life when all were portion of their method opened, even during snowy left with is nothing at all. winter evenings in the for improving human bemountain pine forest havior. Never mind the where he lived, Robert fact that sleep deprivation slept like a content bear, naked and confident inside is a violation of basic human rights and an immoral his family den. The crisp air, wonderful. Now alact of torture. As ridiculous as their form of correcthough its June in the hot Arizona desert, Robert tion is, their standard approach toward correction is wraps himself, sometimes in layers, before sliding militaristically forced upon inmates by stealing all underneath the covers. He even wears socks. It accounts of personal privacy. Even during sleep, eveseems the need to feel a loving embrace urges him rything boils down to a security threat discerned to swaddle himself in clothes. He perceives on a cer- (usually ignorantly) by insecure prison authorities tain level this self-bundling is therapeutic. It helps brainwashed by corrupt policies. comfort pain and loss hes experienced. Simply put, Incarcerated guys like Robert can hardly avoid such theres something reassuring about a light physical inhumane treatment. Either fellow inmates, or prison weight pressing upon skin, rather than an imaginary staff, or oneself inflicts havoc. This is a sad reality. pressure weighing down upon the mind. Still, its Bullies torment, cops intimidate, and one creates weird how cool night air now bothers him. imaginary hells. Unfortunately, it is commonplace to Hoarse nasal vibrations and incomprehensible grunts have the cycle of suffering restart over and over heard eerily throughout the over-populated bunkagain. For many, it is an inconceivable thought to house also make for a restless nights sleep. Strange, liberate themselves free from the chains that bind. dark sounds play cruel tricks on the mind. Prior to Self-imposed prisons are the hardest to escape. And entering the prison system, Robert slept long and yet elevating ones awareness of brighter healthier, easy. He was told by some that he could probably more progressive, intelligent, compassionate realities sleep through a train wreck. Now, the slightest noise is all one must do. Beyond afflicted perceptions beor movement arouses strange curiosity, disrupting lieved to be true about prison, an interesting life can sleep. Beeping Morse code chattering through two(Continued on page 8)

Sandalwood and the Lamp

Travis L. Adams (Mujin) (Raiford, FL)
Mountain wind, not a thing can be heard. So dark is the valley of red flowers, so clear is the breath of the Master. Shuuu...., just listen, listen to the wind of the mountain. Smell the rise of sandalwood, flickering of the lamp. Who are you?

Dhamma Practice in Prison

Shane Blake (Sioux Falls, SD)
It seems to me that the whole process of Dhamma practice in prison boils down to courage. That courage seems to develop in stages, sometimes baby steps, but increments nonetheless and it cant be forced or coerced. A persons Dhamma practice matures at his own pace. and introducing anything new, let along time to just sit silently, watch the breath and turn inward can be terrifying. It also takes courage as you sit there while other inmates come and go or peek in your cell wondering what you are doing, not to mention all of the stuff you read about in the books about monkey mind, emotional The first step of courage (at least here storms, and having to face yourself. at South Dakota State Penitentiary) is Some people in prison have done attending the weekly Buddhist group some pretty horrific things in their and/or attending the monthly Buddhist lives, not to mention having the fragile Vihara and to learn what you can. This emotional state of beis followed up by ing told that they the courage to are garbage, check out The natural progression of not worth education developing your own anything and materials being torn practice takes immense (books, down from courage for an inmate. magazines, staff, former etc.) that are loved ones, and available and the society as a whole. courage to be seen reading them by The courage to not only face calloused, other inmates. Later as youve learned negative inmates and staff but also the intellectually the basic vocabulary of courage to not run from yourself anythe books and what the Four Noble more and to stand bravely alone no Truths are, what the Noble Eightfold matter what rises. This brings us to the Path is, and what the five precepts third step. mean, you next have to have the courage to do something about it. Mere The third step of courage is continued book knowledge of the path isnt practice. This might be the hardest enough to help yourself. You have to part of the path; at least it is for me. practice it and that is where the real After beginning meditation, calming test of courage begins. the mind (a little), you seem to have certain things bubble up. What landed The second step is putting the stuff you here in prison, how shitty you you have read and learned into practreated your loved ones, how you hurt tice, whether this is the continuing countless beings in your life, everyone attendance of the weekly Buddhist from family and friends to complete group and/or the starting of your own strangers and animals. Just real Im a meditation practice in your cell. The piece of shit insight to who youve natural progression of developing your been all along. These personal strugown practice (because really no one gles combined with the hate-filled can develop it for you) takes immense speech and actions of the other incourage for an inmate. The courage to mates you are living with can be expull away from their normal routine of TV, radio, recreation times or whatever (Continued on page 7) daily habitual routine we are used to

The First Night of Forever

Travis L. Adams (Mujin) (Raiford, FL)
The mountain sits, the rivers sing its tune. The wolves howl from the caves of saints, and the great sages are silent. As the wind of autumn flows, so does all things. The first night of forever. Bong, Bong, Bong........

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tremely overwhelming. Once overwhelmed, it is so easy to fall back into the same patterns of wrong speech, wrong thought, and wrong action. But you have to make that courageous leap and remind yourself over and over again to stop what you are doing, to relax, to take a breath and re-center your mind on the wholesome, on the skillful, on the Dhamma. To practice mindfulness in a prison setting is a daunting task, to say the least, and it takes courageous energy to keep it going. It is lonely. To distance oneself and not interact and engage with inmates that are speaking hate, gossip, or idle chatter or acting unskillfully is almost impossible in these conditions. That is why it is extremely important to have guidance and supportsupport in the form of spiritual friends. Whether that is another inmate practicing the Dhamma, family members on the outside, or members of the Sangha (like yourself), it is important to associate, confide in, and draw strength from such people and in return offer strength and support when they need you.

To receive copies of any of the resources listed below, please write to Rev. Richard Baksa at the address on p. 2.

A listing by state of Buddhist groups that may be able to send volunteers to your prison to conduct Buddhist activities. The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000: This guarantees equal access to all religions to prison facilities for the purpose of religious meetings. What is the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act?: This explains the act and how it is to be applied.

My cell has become my monastery and my practice is 24/7 and within these walls, prison no longer exists. I look to everyone as my teachers, studying and learning. Open the Book. Practice, Practice, Practice.
Timothy Elsten (Westville, IN)
I was introduced to Buddhism by a very wise and intelligent teacher. He was more than just a teacher, he was my friend. As I got started, Id listen to him explaining how to practice. I bought many books, but didnt read any of them. In fact, I had one that was written by the late senior monk form the temple I belong to. I put a towel over my desk and placed the Heart Sutra at the back, and the book in the middle of the desk like a trophy. As for my practice, I was a part timer. My teacher had also become my bunkie and I was put in check. I began to see his input as criticism which brought a lot of tension to our cell. After some time passed, he was moved to another part of the camp. I was now on my own. I had all the material such as books and notes and all the other items such as a Buddha, mala, etc., but thats as far as it went. After some time and trouble, I found myself moved to a solitary setting stated for long term. Then one day as I looked at all my stuff lined up real nice, I remembered something my teacher once said to me. As we sat in our cell, he looked at me, then that precious book I was so proud of, and said, Thats a real nice book, dont you think you ought to open it and read it? That stuck in my head until I started reading all my books and learned a strong practice. I see his wisdom and understand all he tried to teach me. His teachings have become the backbone of my practice, all because I opened the book. To open the book is also saying to practice, practice, practice. Our practice is where we find peace and harmony. Knowledge is great, but we have to put it in to practice. My cell has become my monastery and my practice is 24/7 and within these walls, prison no longer exists. I look to everyone as my teachers, studying and learning. Now, what I once thought was criticism I see as wise advice. I cant stress enough how important it is to actually practice. I opened the book and found understanding and wisdom, now Ive peace in my heart and compassion for all sentient beings. I wish I could thank my teacher for his words of wisdom and greet him in namaste.

Liberation
James Davie (Brent, AL)
Even though Im in prison, Im happy and content. They can lock my body into a confined area but they can never put a lock on my mind. Im free, no matter where I am. In fact, I never realized freedom until I came to prison and learned about the teachings of Buddha. Im a lucky man. Luck has to do with chance. By that I mean Im thankful for the chance Ive been given to study and learn about the Four Noble Truths and how the Noble Eightfold Path is the way to end all suffering. I hope everyone eventually finds liberation in their life. I wish them well.

Buddha
Michael Judd (Somers, IL)

I never realized freedom until I came to prison and learned about the teachings of Buddha. Im a lucky man.
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be embodied. Its truly possible, even through disastrous moments in life when all were left with is nothing at all. Remember, when nothing is all we have, nothing is all we have to lose. When we live as though we have nothing lose, we are remarkably liberated from cheap, delusional, mental restrictions holding back true identities, true freedoms, true beginnings. Its refreshing for Robert to remember this as he does time in prison. Living with nothing to lose is not an ignorant, hedonistic, naive, or self-centered ideology. Rather, in this case, it means letting go of attachments. Back inside the locked dormitory, nighttime activities go on. Numerous plastic fans push stale air around. Buzzing electric white noise lulls everyone inside the cramped bunkhouse deeper into unconsciousness. Yet, Robert is still awake. He hears rotating fan blades whirl ceaselessly. A few fans must be unbalanced, since a revolving da-daah-da-daah-da-daah persists. Its way too easy to compare some of the guys here to the ongoing drone from these annoying fans. But Robert lets that analogy go. Other things interrupt his sleep. Outside in fresh air, security lights flood the prison yard. They scour away evenings gentle touch. Robert fears some birds have grown confused because of this unnatural illumination. A number of these feathered creatures sing out songs, thinking it daytimeor at least thats what he assumes. Somewhere nearby but hidden, a cricket fiddles her legs. Shes trying to play a delicate chord for him to slip into a soft lucid realm. As kind as her gesture is, he fails to follow her instructive lead. His mind wants to replay events from long ago. At 1:00 a.m., Robert is restless. Why do memories haunt? he wonders. Robert has a strong desire to do something. He wants change. Ultimately, he wants a change in living conditions. The reality is, however, that Robert must bide a couple more years behind razor and chain-linked fences. If change is going to arrive, it will have to come from within. Therefore, in an attempt to remain cool, not heated, he breathes in a little bit deeper. He exhales a little further. Intimately he focuses on the passage of air. He concentrates on generating peace. Mindfully, he ris(Continued on page 9)

(Continued from page 8)

es up and rolls out of bed. The concrete floor feels like a hard slab of grey ice underneath worn out socks he wears. Big holes by toes and heels beg to be covered. His calloused feet not completely deadened. He slips into a par of flimsy orange canvas shoes. Walking silently down the middle of the snoring bunkhouse with an old towel around his neck, and hands holding a bar of soap, razor, toothbrush and toothpaste, a roll of single-ply toilet paper, and a cup, Robert makes it to the community toilet room and washes up. He fills the plastic cup with hard tap water, drinks it right down shaves, eliminates, and returns to the small assigned housing location. He dresses the metal-framed bunk bed into compliance, careful not to disturb his sleeping bunkie or any of the thirty-four sleeping neighbors. He knows they need their beauty sleep. Awake at this hour, he feels a sense of danger, a daring sensation. There is no rule disallowing him to be up at this dark hour. Nonetheless, a mysterious energy stirs. If anyone has ever hiked alone inside a moonlit desert canyon, where nocturnal life seems to magically entice peculiar moodssurprisinglythen theyd understand what Robert now feels. He folds the blanket into a square to cushion his seat, and places it on the floor. Soundlessly, mindfully, he moves his body and performs three rounds of yoga sun salutations willing strength and light. He bows respectfully to Buddha. Now feeling more invigorated and brave, he sits on the folded blanket facing the wall. In half lotus, his posture flowers more correct. He continues to awaken bodhichitta.

Regularly, through the practice of the teachings he so judiciously studies, the heart jewel of compassion is being actualized. Compassion for his situation, the other confined men and generally speaking compassion for everything. His mind may still wander now and again, away from this focused attention, but his engaged practice allows him to return united, cradled in the arms of lovingkindness. In meditation, time means nothing, and tolerance for the myriad idiosyncrasies showing up in this beautifully diversified world, grows. The deeper he connects with the progression of meditation, Robert feels himself changing into a romantic little Buddhist who has fallen in love the with wise gurus and the great, liberating teachings. Now he sits more aligned. Two a.m. arrives like sound waves reverberating off a consciously struck gong. He bows to the sacred meditation practice. He speaks softly, devoting any merit he receives to liberate all sentient beings out from the poisons of suffering. A smile shines on his face. With his heart open and mind clear, Robert eases his way back into bed. Everything is going to be all right. Actually, things already are. Indeed prison is a difficult environment to abide in, but it too allows passage through, as Robert learns to flow with the Dharma. With a mindful practice and focused attention, Robert sees that darkness lives at peace with light. Reflecting Buddhahood transforms the sacred ritual into a rite of passage, becoming great destiny. Finally, tonight, Robert can rest his soulful blue eyes, unwind his busy mind, and happily fall peacefully to sleep.

Meditating
Chad Frank (Butner, NC)

Lucidity
Alton Overweg (Jackson, MI)
Stilling of pain unchained from fear Unbound in time and moving free Bright as a full moon thoroughly clear Intrepid mind rapt in ecstasy Whenever I meditate, Mara tries to distract me with temptation By having his three sons dance lasciviously in their underoos. When I ignore them, he gets angry and unleashes an army Of chattering chimpanzees upon me; They swing limb from limb, stealing fruit from my Bodhi tree But I continue to sit, still and silent, Knowing how much it helped Siddhartha and countless others before me. Returning to my breath, I remember the Four Noble Truths and resume my journey down the Eightfold Path toward Enlightenment. 9

Suffering
Andre Marzetta (Vacaville, CA)

Far Shore
Alton Overweg (Jackson, MI)
Buddha taught The Noble Truths four Into Nibbana He opened the door. Step by step Through four attainments Letting goof Stress, despair, laments. Through sila, jhana, Wisdomascend, And Maras cyclic Trap we transcend. Like the arahants Gone on before, The Path is left To complete our chore, By our entry Into the stream Shatter illusion That phantom, that dream!!! Strive, make effort For the Far Shore! Truth compels us, Hear the Dhamma implore!

Suffering
Gregory Howard (Pittsburgh, PA) Buddha explain to Me the world? Why do you sit And smile, when Theres so much suffering?

Within Truth
Domineque Hakim Marcelle Ray (Altmore, AL)
Im a gentleman in my third decade of wisdom whos (falsely and illegally) on Alabama death row right now. Ive been here since the month of October 1999. In the early 1970s, my parents married, then separated and then divorced. My father was a college graduate and also in a branch of the U.S. military while my mother was uneducated until later. Both traveled the globe together. I came from a huge and very loving family. I grew up shy and lived in globally diverse neighborhoods in which Hinduism and Buddhism both became my very first encounter with religion. All the rest followed afterwards. I was a disciplined child to both my parents and also a very talented schoolboy and even then learned how to cut hair at the age of 11 and started my very first two government jobs at 14 and 15 years of age. From 16 to 20, I dropped out of high school. And then I became a Job Corps successor, and then attended community college. I completed a college study course, became a free mason, worked at several businesses, and then created two very talented creations. At 21 to 23, I was then arrested, tried and sentenced, with no criminal background. They falsified evidence, both my trial attorneys sold me out on purpose, while my co-defendant took a plea bargain and his pastor received the cash reward at the end. Truth is my life has turned sour in the blink of an eye back then, but today my spirit and physical have gained enlightenment. When you know the truth, you are within truth. And nothing or nobody can ever eradicate you and your belief only a weak-minded person can. The study of Buddhism teaches us how to live, forgive, recognize, and solve any problem, and then move on. It did for me and it can for you too. Know yourself. Know the truth. As ever.

Twelve Hours
Steven Hyman (Mt. Kisco, NY)
Awaken the morning with a smile Embrace it as a friend Go walk with the angels Open your eyes See the sunlight Hear a song Have a good laugh Nourish the soul, observe Hope for the day No fear, be worthy At night relax and reflect What have I learned? Can I change? Say thank you Go to sleep.

10

Letters
I would like to post a question: How do you get through the loss of a loved one and feelings of loneliness that follow? And if thoughts of suicide arise, how do you combat those thoughts? Buddy Ray Lewis Altmore, AL Those of us here at Lincoln Correctional Center, Illinois, had our first Mindfulness Meditation Retreat on February 21, 2011. We are lucky enough to have a Buddhist staff member, would I will refer to as Ms. F. Ms. F. facilitates three meditation groups here. These groups each meet one day a week and are open to all religious affiliations and denominations. Our Sangha here has been working with our teacher at requesting we be allowed to have at least a one day retreat. The chaplain has been very closedminded and discouraging to us. Most of the Sangha has spoken to Ms. F. about our disappointment. This is how she helped us. Ms. F. went out of her way to get approval for a one day Mindfulness Meditation Retreat. Since she is the meditation facilitator, she got the administration to allow a one-day meditation. She just couldnt put a religious name to it. She made it open to her meditation groups and invited the Sangha. The retreat was from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There was a short introduction and explanation of how the day was going to go. A couple of us from Sangha explained and demonstrated how to do walking meditation since it was new to the meditation group. From 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., we rotated from half hour sitting to fifteen minute walking meditations. We took a short fifteen-minute break, then back for another sitting and walking meditation before lunch. After lunch, we had two more sitting and walking meditations, we listened to a CD by Miguel Ruiz for half an hour then we finished with a half hour of stretching. There were Muslims, Christians, Wiccans, and Buddhists all there together, all of whom were feeling love, compassion, and understanding for each other. It was a beautiful experience. Since the 21st was a holiday, we had our Multipurpose Room all to ourselves. The noise of the gym below us was minimal. It was a blessing to have peace and quiet for six hours. If you think one woman can be loud and annoying, try living with 100 women where there are no doors to block them out. Most of us have learned how to meditate with distractions around us. Being able to have quiet and stillness made it easier to obtain a deeper meditation. Things went so well and everyone enjoyed themselves so much, Ms. F. is considering doing this again with us on the next holiday. This is as close to an actual Buddhist retreat as the Sangha is going to get for a while. We are grateful to have Ms. F. and appreciative for all she does for us. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share this experience with you. Any suggestions on how to move the chaplain to stop blocking the Sangha from a full retreat are appreciated. Much metta, Angie Oakes Lincoln, IL

This is in response to Darwin Brown, in Kingsley, Michigan who wrote Everything is New and Impermanent (BCCN, Volume 4, Issue 3, page 3). Your reflection upon present moment was refreshing. Reminds me of the classic Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. Gassho. Ronald Couch, Jr. Beaver, WV

There was an article* by James L. Halbirt in the October to December 2010 issue of the BCCN (Vol. 6, Issue 4) Overcoming a Convicts Blindness. This article made so much sense to me that it made me cry and realize that that is me in so many ways. Wilmer Hause Cranston, RI (* If you havent seen this article and you wish to, please let your mentor know with your next assignment.)

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GUIDED MEDITATION: What Is This?

James Halbirt (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Get comfortable. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths. Sit with your back straight, feet apart and balanced, hands in a comfortable position, eyes if slightly open at a 45-degree angle toward the ground. You are poised, at ease, and attentive. With the first few breaths, connect the questions to he outbreath. As you breathe out, ask What is this? As you continue, the question becomes a circle. As one question ends, steadily start the next. What is this? You are repeating the question like a mantra. You are developing a sensation of perplexity, asking unconditionally What is this? This is not intellectual inquiry. You are not trying to solve the question with speculation or logic. Do not keep the question in the head, try to ask it from your belly. With the whole of your being, ask What is this? What is this? The answer is not found in a thing, or in empty space, or in the Buddha, or in a designation. You are asking What is this? because you do not know. If you become distracted, come back to the question again and again. Let the question be like a stick to which a goat is tethered. As the stick stops the goat from eating the crops, so the question keeps you centered, away from passing thoughts, feelings, and sounds. The question What is this? is an antidote to distracted thoughts. It is as sharp as a sword. Nothing can remain on the point of its blade. By asking this question deeply you are opening yourself to the whole of your experience, feeling deep wonderment and awe. When the session is finished, move your shoulder, back, and legs, and gently get up with a fresh and quiet awareness. 12

Practicing and Release

Timothy
Ive been practicing Pure Land for years. Recently, I have expanded my studies in order to get a better understanding. I have been studying Tibetan and Vajrayana. Regardless of what type of Buddhism that I am studying, what I am reading is so profound and powerful. Since studying Buddhism, I have found a purpose in life, which I have never had. It was through writing to the BCC and starting the BCC and reading the BCCN that first started me on Buddhism. So, for that I thank you. In December, Ill be getting out of prison, after serving nine years with nothing except $48.00 and my Dhammapada and other Buddhist This may sound strange: I books. It will be a strugregret doing the crimes that gle and I hope that the led me to prison, but Im compassion of others glad that I did them. Without will make sure that I will not go hungry and will doing them, I wouldnt have put a roof over my head found true inner peace. until I get on my feet and get a job. Buddhism has become my life! This may sound strange: I regret doing the crimes that led me to prison, but Im glad that I did them. Without doing them, I wouldnt have found true inner peace. I lived a life that hurt everyone around me, without realizing that I was causing them so much pain. Now that I have found peace, I can move on with my life. I had a lot of anger and hate (just to name a few) in my heart because I was sexually abused as a child (from 8 to 16) by my moms boyfriend. Hes been incarcerated since 1997, but the hate, anger, and everything else remained until I came across Buddhism! It took me coming to prison to find Buddhism. So, going to prison is not always a bad thing. I have more peace now (in prison) than I had before I got locked up. Buddhism has brought me peace. So, to anybody who may read this, you may have lots of struggles, but without them you may never find peace. Even though Ive been through lots of struggles (including the sexual abuse), I wouldnt want any of them to change because they all make me who I am today. As I leave prison in December, I will continue with my studies (BCC) and bring people to Buddhism. I will keep all of you in my thoughts as I continue to read your inspiring words in the BCCN. In closing, I leave you with two things to ponder on: (1) Verse 173 of the Dhammapada, He who by good deeds covers the evil he has done illuminates this world like the moon freed from clouds and (2) a quote from Ajahn Pasanno, Generosity can be your foundation, the spring from which all good things come. Always in the Dharma.