Buddhism and Kindness from Friends Helps Transition to Freedom Rich was a member of the New Hampshire State Prison Sangha in Berlin, NH. He was released this past fall after his most recent incarceration of 16 years. Rich shared his thoughts about the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. The story below is his. Rich was recently married and now lives with his wife and stepson in Colorado. — Editors
by Rich How, I’m sure you are wondering, does a person benefit from a Buddhist practice when being released from prison after 16 years? I was extremely fortunate to benefit from Satyada’s monthly visits to the prison along with the Buddha gals from the Valley Insight Meditation Society in Lebanon, NH. I attended my first Buddhist study group about four years ago, and I was hooked immediately. I just knew I was onto a very powerful thing that could help in my rehabilitation process, which so
you know, is not an easy thing to do. To change my thought process, my beliefs, my perspective and my views is a very difficult process. Verse one of the Dhammapada says, “All states of being are determined by mind; it is mind that leads the way.” OK then. I just knew or could feel that this is the key. I would study, read books, devote two hours per day to meditation (three sits), and I would pepper Satyada with questions. Poor guy. He was patient, and we had many great conversations. Imagine how my mind was in turmoil over my pending release. Of course, I was excited but also nervous, scared, unsure, so much so that I had trouble eating. Where would I live and work? How would I adapt and adjust? Now that I’ve been rehabilitated, and by that I mean 10 years of classes, meetings with “The Mental Gals” (prison mental health staff), Buddhist practice along with a long list of other things I’ve done, how will my new frame of mind serve me after 16 years of prison life? Add to that my new sweetheart that I met because of a radio interview.
She heard me interviewed on National Public Radio (NPR) and wrote me a letter. We’ve talked a lot about a future together. Will I be able to be as positive, loving and kind as I want to be? I haven’t had a relationship in a very long time; can I adjust properly? Yes, I was a wreck inside but to recite the Dhammapada, recall helpful books and quotes, listen to Satyada’s teaching, indulge in meditation to explore my mind, the answer became clear. Be present in this moment. Not in the past, not in the future, but right now. Keep my intentions pure, and great things will happen. Show kindness when possible, and remember it’s always possible to be kind. Accept things as they are. When I don’t, suffering arises. That is what I walked out of prison with. Freedom is overwhelming. This is a fast-paced, technologydriven world now. Utilizing all of the teachings that I’ve learned helps keep me grounded and at peace, and most of all, accepting each moment for the way it is. How grateful I am. And that, my Buddhist friends, is the difference between happiness and suffering. - Freedom, continued on page 19 aryaloka.org
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