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The Buddha in Jail by Cuong Lu
The Buddha in Jail by Cuong Lu
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The Buddha in Jail: Restoring Lives, Finding Hope and Freedom
by Cuong Lu
🧘 MINDFULNESS & CORRECTIONAL REHABILITATION
An investigative look at the psychology of incarceration and the transformative power of non-judgmental presence in high-stakes environments.
Extended Synopsis
In The Buddha in Jail, Buddhist teacher and former prison chaplain Cuong Lu presents fifty-two poignant vignettes drawn from his six years of service in the Dutch prison system. Lu challenges the conventional dichotomy of "prisoner" versus "free person," arguing that the mental "jails" of prejudice, remorse, and limiting self-beliefs are universal human experiences. By documenting his interactions with inmates, Lu demonstrates that when individuals are truly heard and understood without judgment, they find the strength to confront their pain and reclaim their basic goodness.
The text functions as both a spiritual guide and a psychological study of behavioral change. Lu explores how the acknowledgment of truth—even the painful truth of one's crimes—can serve as the foundation for genuine redemption. His approach moves beyond mere incarceration to address the "distorted ideas" that prevent individuals from achieving happiness. This work is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of Eastern philosophy and the Western carceral system, offering a practical framework for restoration that can be applied to both conventional prisons and the internal struggles of daily life.
Author Biography
Cuong Lu is a Buddhist teacher, scholar, and ordained monk in the Plum Village tradition, having studied directly under Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. With a background in philosophy and years of experience as a prison chaplain, Lu specializes in bringing mindfulness and reconciliation to marginalized populations. He is the founder of the No-Mind Training Center in the Netherlands, where he continues to teach the art of living in freedom and happiness.
Reader Targeting
- Criminal Justice Professionals: Chaplains, social workers, and wardens seeking non-punitive methods for inmate behavioral transformation.
- Psychology & Sociology Students: Academics researching the impact of empathy and non-judgment on self-identity and recidivism.
- Spiritual Seekers: Individuals looking to apply Zen principles to overcome internal psychological barriers and trauma.
Accolades & Awards
- Endorsed by Roshi Joan Halifax, who describes the book as an essential dialogue for the soul.
- Praised for its "urgent message of redemption" and its practical application of Buddhist ethics in extreme environments.
Product Specifications
| ISBN-13: | 9781949017137 |
| ISBN-10: | 1949017133 |
| Publisher: | OR Books |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Publication Date: | 2019-04-02 |
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