Consequently, I focus on the Four Noble Truths, The Heart Sutra, Wheel of Life, the Three Jewels and Karma. I also focus on strategies like: letting go vs. stuffing it; self-trust, responding vs. reacting, non-judgmental awareness, non-striving and taming and training the mind. To the brew I add some yoga, lots of breathing techniques, progressive relaxation and the body scan. In all of this, I teach from the heart as best I can. When ever possible, I get there 30 minutes early so that I can get my own act together by meditating alone.

One of the most important considerations is your own motivation and performance. Make no mistake about it, you will become a role model. Every action of yours will be observed, not as a form of criticism but because you are the only model the inmates will have that is associated with Buddhism. This came home to me with particular clarity one day when I happened to move my foot while sitting. Immediately after the sitting, they all commented, it was the first time they had ever seen me move in 20 months. You may not have to be a statue but be aware the scrutiny is intense.

Everyone dealing with an at risk population needs to be alert to those that are on strong medications. These “Mentally Challenged” present a host of issues that are out of the scope of this paper. However, there are a couple general rules I have used with these individual. I present meditation as a complimentary strategy and never as an alternative to their medications. I also encourage them to inform their therapist that they are engaged in a meditation program.

Getting a program started is less intimidating than it appears. Bear in mind funding for prison programs is minimal. Consequently, program directors are very receptive to all offers. Many may not be very receptive to Buddhism per se. However, Buddhism is a very dynamic form of spirituality that can fly under many flags. The mental health people are always looking for ways to reduce the stress levels of at risk prisoners. Recovery people are always open to having someone come in to teach the meditation portion of the 11th Step. Program directors are always on the lookout for volunteers to teach almost anything. Chances of selling a program increase astronomically if you point out that practitioners should reduce the demand on medical services and have diminished discipline infractions. These programs could also provide you with a nucleus to form a Sangha at a later date. Once you have been vetted and have established the basis for a Sangha, your chances of getting it approved increase considerably.

There are always unexpected circumstances with which to deal. This is where my own practice has been critical. Make no mistake, in this business, nothing is as it seems. There have been times when I have sat alone because the staff has not released the prisoners. There have been times I have traveled out there to find everything closed down because as a volunteer you are never notified. This is a great opportunity to build on my individual practice of “just doing it” and watching my mind. As I look back, two things happened every time and incident of this nature occurred. The first and most important is that the inmates seem to know that I was there. The second is that there has always been a reason for everything and none of it had to do with me.