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Mandala Magazine and Prisoners
“Double Dorje” offered by Robert Page, a Liberation Prison Project student who served a ten-year prison sentence and received a free subscription to Mandala during that time. Robert passed away in April 2011.
I have been receiving Mandala as a gift through my teachers and Dharma friends at the Liberation Prison Project. I want to say that each issue is a joy to read and study, and I thank everyone who contributes to Mandala in any way. My practice has grown through the precious jewel that is Mandala.
– Patrick Sluyter, Martin Correctional Institution, Florida
The History of Mandala and Prisoners
In 1996, a young Mexican-American ex-gangster serving three life sentences at a California maximum-security prison wrote a letter to Mandala magazine. He had read Introduction to Tantra (Wisdom Publications), a book by Lama Yeshe, and was moved by Lama’s talk about compassion. He wrote to Mandala, part of FPMT International Office, wanting to learn more.
“I’m writing in hope to be able to receive the Foundation’s journal on a regular basis,” he said. “If possible, I would like to personally get involved in the Buddhist way of life.”
Ven. Robina Courtin, at that time editor of Mandala, responded to the young man’s request and sent him some books and copies of Mandala. From this letter the Liberation Prison Project (LPP) was born, and since 1996, LPP has helped thousands of prisoners around the world study Buddha’s teachings and develop a sincere practice of Buddhism.
Over the years, LPP has offered hundreds of free subscriptions of Mandala to prisoners. In 2009, a kind benefactor offered 500 subscriptions for three years. From 2010 to 2012, LPP and Mandala offered free subscriptions due to an International Merit Box grant. From 2013 to 2020, many supporters of the Friends of FPMT program donated their print copies of the magazine to prisoners, ensuring that hundreds of prisoners were receiving each issue. In 2021, Mandala produced its final issue as a PDF. The Liberation Prison Project printed copies of the PDF and mailed them to LPP students.
Please visit the Liberation Prison Project website to learn more about their current programs and to offer support.
More on Dharma in Prisons from the Mandala Archive:
Finding Freedom: Practicing Dharma in Prisons
From Mandala November-December 1997
The November-December 1997 issue of Mandala features stories from several prisoners (some on the United State’s death row) and how they integrated Buddhist teachings into their lives. Their insights reveal as much about life outside of prison as inside.
Conversations with a Nun: Opening the Prison Door
From Mandala September-November 2003
In this interview, Liberation Prison Project founder Ven. Robina Courtin gives some clear definitions of fundamental Buddhist concepts and discusses some intersections between Buddhist thought and prison work.
Robert Page’s Art for Liberation Prison Project
From Mandala July-Septmber 2011
Read the story of the Mandala Magazine for Prisoners Fund logo.
P513 and the Golden Light Sutra
From Mandala July-Septmber 2012
Lama Zopa Rinpoche writes to Liberation Prison Project student P513, congratulating him on successful intensive practice.
Meet the Liberation Prison Project
From Mandala October-December 2012
An overview of Liberation Prison Project activities run by FPMT centers in Italy, Mexico and New Zealand as well as an essay by LPP student Mario Easevoli.