Dan Wackerly was known, to some, as a committed Buddhist. But earlier in his life, while in the midst of committing a robbery, he killed a man — and the Oklahoma criminal justice system has since seen fit to execute Wackerly. (See local news coverage from before the execution here.) The execution happened Thursday evening at 6PM, CST. Wackerly’s request to have his Buddhist spiritual adviser present at his death had been denied; but as a note from the Liberation Prison Project (following here) said: “A number of us will be joining Don in his practice at 6pm Thursday. Join us if you can.” Update: details of the execution have been released in the local Oklahoma press; these can be seen here.
Via the Liberation Prison Project, here is a note explaining how Wacklerly’s Buddhist community was seeking to support him:
Dear Dharma Friends,
Thank you for all your prayers for Don Wackerly.
His execution is scheduled for 6pm Thursday 14 October in McAlester, Oklahoma. His appeal for a spiritual adviser to be present in the execution room with him at the time of death was unsuccessful, however it is likely that Ven. Jampel will be able to be physically in the room with him, for 30 minutes after he is pronounced dead, and can be with him for before his execution.
Here is a link to one of the latest news reports.
Last night I sent an email to Ven. Chodron at Sravasti Abbey to pass on all your messages and the practices being dedicated for Don, by individuals, centers and Dharma networks, worldwide. […]
Monks at Kopan Monastery have started and are continuing pujas for Don. A number of us will be joining Don in his practice at 6pm Thursday. Join us if you can. Don has made and continues to make a huge impact on us all and has brought us all together in dedicating our Dharma practice, for a stay of execution and the best possible outcome for Don.
May he meet the Dharma and precious Mahayana gurus as swiftly as possible in all future lives. Best wishes,
Thubten Chokyi, Director
Liberation Prison Project
