Recently we at Buddhadharma and Lion’s Roar were pleased and intrigued to learn of a new book published expressly to support incarcerated individuals who want to explore Buddhism and meditation. Authored by prison spiritual care worker Acharya Samaneti and published by Sumeru Books, the book is called The Inner Path: An Introduction to Buddhist Practice for Those in Prison.
As an organization which itself works to provide dharma for those in prison (more on that below), we reached out to both the author and the publisher so we could share both what inspired the book and also a taste of the book itself, in the hopes that it might find more readers and supporters.
Here’s what Acharya Samaneti told us about the book’s origins:
Through my time working in correctional spiritual care I always found that this type of book was lacking for those interested in the Buddhist path. I wanted a little book, because I learned that a lot of the people I have supported had read their first complete book while incarcerated. I wanted something written in a vernacular that would be suitable to reach the biggest audience and that could be understood easily to help awaken a curiosity to learn more about the Buddhist path. And I wanted a book that spoke of their very specific reality — I don’t know how many times I have heard the incarcerated tell me that they find it hard to be given resources that do not consider their present situation. (For example, encouraging people to go for a walk in nature, or to cook one’s favorite meal as a form of self-care). I want the reader to feel seen. I want them to feel like I am talking to them as I would in my office or the sacred space.
And, I wanted to offer the basic teachings, and other teachings that have inspired me, but in a correctional context. Discovering the dhamma is not the same in prison as it is “outside,” as we like to say; resources are limited and not always easy to have or keep.
These books are published by the generosity of Sumeru Books. It is a book completely built in the spirit of dana, or generosity. No one is profiting from this book, not the author, the editors, or the publisher. With every book bought directly from the publisher two copies will be provided to the incarcerated. (The books are offered freely to the incarcerated, and in fact many have already been given copies through different prison Buddhist programs.) If you purchase from a third-party website, one copy will go to the incarcerated. (I encourage purchases from the publisher, in order to reach the most people possible behind the walls). If you want to offer a bigger donation for the book and its audience, you can reach Sumeru Books directly to discuss different options.
We thank Acharya Samaneti and Sumeru for their generosity in sharing these words with the Buddhadharma reader, and for working on behalf of the incarcerated.
Here then, is an excerpt from The Inner Path.
(Please do note that the actual book includes footnotes; these are not replicated here.)
How To Build an Altar In Your Cell
Buddhists have an altar in their homes, and many will also meditate in front of their altars. The altar serves as a focus of Buddhist religious ritual and as a place for profound contemplation. The offerings placed on the altar are an expression of the practitioner’s devotion to the principle of enlightenment.
I’m sure you’ve seen beautiful altars on television or in books; but in prison one must always focus on the essential – this in no way detracts from the value of your altar in your cell. Your altar is as sacred as the one in any sacred space, or even in various temples; because every altar is a physical representation and reminder of the qualities one wants to develop. In addition, it can also serve as a focus for offerings, doing purification rituals, and so on – we will then not diminish its importance based on its looks or how extravagant (or not) it may be.
So where to put the altar? At home one has the privilege of being able to create a small sanctuary in a quiet room that gets lots of sunlight, for example. There are people who can even afford to reserve an entire room for the altar, because it is recommended not to have too many things in the room. Perhaps it is in a bedroom – but sometimes there is no choice and that’s okay. My suggestion is to use your highest shelf, the one where most people have their TVs (you can always put that on your table) because it is high and away from other things, which ensures a clear and quiet space in your cell.
How to set up the altar? Are you wondering where to put everything?
An altar typically has symbols of the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha. The statue (if your penitentiary does not allow you to have a statue due to security concerns, your spiritual care worker will be able to validate everything with you) is the symbol of the body of the Buddha. Altars always have a statue or image (one of the images at the end of this book, a painting, or maybe little card/postcard that the Buddhist chaplain might be able to offer you) of Shakyamuni Buddha in the center; you can add other Buddhas or bodhisattvas or ancestors, but they are always put to the sides – the Buddha is always the central figure because everything comes from Buddha.
Afterwards, on the right side of the Buddha, then on the left when you look at your altar, you put Dhamma texts (such as the Heart Sutra, included in the back of this book). You can always change to another text if it speaks to you more; the important thing is that they are suttas17 that the Buddha would have pronounced. The text represents the discourse of the Buddha.
And then on the left side of the Buddha, the right when you face your altar, we have a stupa, which represents the mind of the Buddha. There is a picture in the back of this book of the Mahabodhi temple at Bodhi Gaya, that is the spot where Shakyamuni Buddha attained Enlightenment.
I know you might want to have a more elaborate altar like you see in temples where they can afford to have representations of the three main lineages. But since there may be cell searches and security standards vary depending on the penitentiary, it is sometimes more prudent to keep everything as essential and simple as possible to prevent objects from being mistreated or broken. (During cell searches a Chaplain or Elder should be present to handle all sacred objects – to ensure that it is all done with respect and care). In fact, this type of minimalism is highly prized in the Zen traditions, where less is more. When you are out, you can decide on an altar that more represents your vision.
Now that your altar is set up, you can allow yourself to really stop and look at your altar from time to time during the day, especially if you are having a difficult time or feel agitation and big emotions. You may be feeling like you are drowning in bad emotions, and you see your Buddha sitting there – calm, so calm, even in this tornado of emotions. In this moment, remember that you too can be like this; hoping that this realization will help bring out that calm energy that resides within you.
More Ways to Support Prisoners Who Want Access to the Dharma
The Inner Path’s publisher, John Negru, notes to Buddhadharma that — in addition to purchasing the book — those who want to add to this kind of work on behalf of the incarcerated might wish to check out Prison Book Network’s prison book program, and support prison literacy programs like those found there, “either with book donations, cash, or volunteer sweat equity.”
Readers of Buddhadharma and Lion’s Roar may also be interested to know about our own work to bring dharma to those in prison. Bakes Mitchell, who manages Development & Partnerships for Lion’s Roar, explains a project he has spearheaded:
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work at Lion’s Roar is being able to reach out to those who are searching for the dharma. One recent project that has inspired and enriched all of us at Lion’s Roar is our Prison Dharma project.
In the past, our outreach was limited to those prisoners who contacted us. Recently, however, we have partnered with a nonprofit called Edovo that makes content available in US prisons on dedicated tablets. Today, from fewer than a hundred complimentary print subscriptions to Lion’s Roar magazine two years ago, more than 30,000 people in US prisons have access to Lion’s Roar magazine as well as teachings and guided meditation practices from our video collection.
Thank you to all who support these kinds of programs!
