Prison Sanghas Celebrate “Buddhafest”

Buddhist inmates held separate “Buddhafests” at several prisons in Washington this summer, celebrating and sharing a meal with family, friends, and supporters of prison sangha.

The Washington Department of Corrections allows each religious group represented in the prison system to celebrate a holiday with one “banquet” per year.  In July and August three facilities within the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC) held their celebrations of the Buddha’s birth and enlightenment.  Another took place at the McNeil Island Corrections Center near Steilacoom.  The events featured Dharma talks, socializing, and special foods.

Kobai Scott Whitney of  Plum Mountain Refuge, Hoquiam, was the main guest speaker at the Twin Rivers Unit on July 8.  Lama Padma Gyatso of Chagdud Amrita led events at Washington State Reformatory on July 29 and Genko Blackman of Dai Bai Zan Cho Bo Zen Ji (both Seattle sanghas) presided at the Minimum Security Unit on August 5.  They were supported by members of their own sanghas as well as others from the Dharma Friendship Foundation, Dzogchen Community Seattle, and Tahoma One Drop Zendo.

The “Buddhist Banquet,” as it is called at the McNeil Island facility, took place August 24.  This year’s special guests included Lama Padma and others from the Chagdud Amrita and Dzogchen Community sanghas, plus four Theravadan monks from two different monasteries and representatives from other faiths.

Ven. Santidhammo and Ajahn Prayad Suwanchatri at this summer’s Buddhist Banquet, McNeil Island prison.

Inmates in each unit plan their own celebration with the support of prison chaplains and visiting sponsors, so programs vary.  While some men shared stories about their connection to the Dharma, others rallied a fun spirit by singing folk songs or enjoyed the chance to introduce family members, some of whom traveled from other states to be there for only a few hours!

What is striking about the inmate sangha is its broad spectrum of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  It includes men from Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, as well as European-Americans.  Together they represent every combination of education and inclination imaginable and yet they gather as one sangha—a living example that Buddhadharma can offer inclusive and egalitarian spiritual sustenance.  Within prison, some men become strong supporters for one another’s spiritual growth.  Others find meditation practice and Buddhist teachings an extremely useful means to re-pattern themselves in positive directions upon their release into the wider community.

Currently members of various traditions, including Zen, Theravadan, and Vajrayana lineages, volunteer in prisons in Washington.  They provide a positive societal link as well as support to inmates in their Dharma practice.

The MCC inmates would like to extend a warm invitation to outside Buddhist practitioners to attend their next annual Buddhafest.  Anyone who wishes to attend a Buddhafest at Twin Rivers (TRU) or Washington State Reformatory Units (WSRU) can e-mail Chagdud Gonpa Amrita (info@amritaseattle.com) for more information.  Genko Blackman (genko_b@hotmail.com) is happy to take inquiries for the Minimum Security Unit (MSU.)  Those interested in the next Buddhist Banquet at McNeil can contact Steve Heck at heckalans@aol.com.