All Writings

I hope whomever reads through these posts are moved to walk through the world with a wider sense of being, a more compassionate heart, and with a greater intention to recognize and work towards fostering interconnectedness with all beings. One of my favorite Buddhist texts, the Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva has these beautiful lines that for me, sum up my intention as a human and as a chaplain:

May I be a guard for those that are protectorless, 
A guide for those who journey on the road.
For those who wish to cross the water.
May I be a boat, a raft, a bridge.

- Bodhicaryavatara by Shantideva (chap. 3, vs 18 Padmakara Translation)

Featured, Death Row Dharma Susan Shannon Featured, Death Row Dharma Susan Shannon

Bodhicitta on Death Row

I have been contemplating the next step to take in my Buddhist Services on Death Row. My groups have grown from 1 to over 50 men, all of who are deeply interested in pursuing any spiritual knowledge they can find in order to explore and expand their inner lives. Many of them attend the other faith services there as well, so though I provide the Buddhist teachings, I always ask them to identify where and how the topics we are talking about show up in the other traditions.

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