Prison Dharma
“Wondrous is the robe of liberation… wearing it, I will unfold the Buddha’s teaching…”
At the Zen Center of Denver, our Prison Dharma group is dedicated to offering meditation and dharma practice to inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Englewood. We plan to expand to additional facilities, including the Geo ICE Facility in Aurora.
Weekly Program
Each week, members of the Prison Dharma group visit FCI Englewood as part of the chapel program. Sessions include:
- Light stretching and check-in
- Morning service: Three Refuges, Song of Zazen, and Dedication
- One round of seated meditation (chairs available)
- Five minutes of walking meditation (kinhin)
- Dharma activity: reading, recorded talk, or book study (currently When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön)
- Closing with the Great Vows and prostrations
Attendance typically ranges from two to seven participants, who express deep gratitude for these sessions. Their appreciation sustains our commitment.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our program is entirely volunteer-led, and we welcome new members. To participate, requirements include:
- Background check (Bureau of Prisons)
- Authorization letter from ZCD
- Two recommendations
- Prison training session
If you’d like to help expand this program and bring the dharma to those inside, please contact:
Bill Hamaker – wahamaker@gmail.com