| Prison
Dharma Support (PDS), is a non-sectarian Buddhist
support network for prisoners, prison volunteers
and correctional workers. It is a member of the
International Prison Dharma Network www.PrisonDharmaNetwork.org
based in the US.
Our mission is to support prisoners
in the practice of contemplative disciplines,
with emphasis on the meditation practices of the
Buddhist tradition. We support prisoners in the
practice and study of the Buddhist teachings and
promote the Buddhist path of wakefulness and non-aggression
as an ideal means of self-rehabilitation and transformation.
Who
We Are
PDS is part of the Zhyisil Chokyi
Ghatsal Charitable Trust, which operates under
the guidance of Venerable Choje Lama Karma Shedrup,
a Tibetan Buddhist Lama resident in New Zealand.
What
We Do
We provide support and resources
for prison dharma outreach programs, providing
a clearing house for information, and the sharing
of experience and resources among prisoners,
volunteers and corrections professionals, through
our publications and correspondence.
Books
We send donated dharma books free
of charge to prisoners and prison chapel libraries.
The following books by Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
are available free of charge to prison inmates
within New Zealand:
To read more about these books
click here to go to our online Dharma Shop.
Sangha
(Community)
PDS aims to support prisoners
with dharma books, correspondence, networking
and visiting teachers. We envisage developing
a support system in the form of a sangha (community)
for prisoners interested in the Buddhist path.
This program will offer prisoners many things
to support their path and help them in their
efforts towards self-rehabilitation. Further
development of the PDS Prison Sangha will include:
a lay and monastic order for Buddhist prisoners
with formal commitments, precepts practice,
a curriculum of study, and community service
inside.
Newsletter
Prison Dharma Support has publications
which can be a great resource, including our
newsletter which is available to members and
prisoners free of charge.
Donations
PDS is supported by donations
and as part of the Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Charitable
Trust. All donations are greatly received and
are tax deductible.
How
Can You Help?
We are always in need of donated
dharma books which can be sent to prison inmates.
If you would like to donate books for this purpose
please send them to us at this address.
Any financial donations to support
and expand this project are always greatly appreciated.
Volunteers are required to correspond
by mail with prisoners.
Thank
You
Zhyisil Chokyi Ghatsal Trust would
like to thank the Pub Charity Foundation and
the Lion Foundation of New Zealand for their
financial support in assisting in this projects
establishment.
Contacting
us
Click
here for contact details.
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