Buddhism Behind Bars: What I Learned Teaching Meditation in Prisons

Buddhism Behind Bars: What I Learned Teaching Meditation in Prisons

Author: The Modern Buddhism Podcast January 23, 2025 Duration: 35:18

In this episode, we sit down with Gen Thekchen, a Buddhist monk who was invited to teach meditation to prisoners in Canada. He shares his remarkable journey of teaching controlling the mind behind bars, revealing how the inmates’ surprising resilience and unwavering determination to master their minds in such a tough environment inspired him. Tune in as Gen Thekchen reflects on the profound lessons he learned from the very people society often overlooks. Book references How to Transform Your Life ~ https://kadampa.org/books/free-ebook-download-howtotyl The New Eight Steps to Happiness ~ https://tharpa.com/uk/the-new-eight-steps-to-happiness Gen Thekchen is the Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Ottawa https://meditateinottawa.org/ The participants of these podcasts are practicing meditation according to the New Kadampa Tradition, which has over a thousand meditation centers worldwide. See more https://kadampa.org/ WANT MORE? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U5J8JlJq2Y Find a meditation center near you https://kadampa.org/nkt-center-search/?lang=en Listen to teaching clips: youtube.com/nktikbu https://open.spotify.com/show/5QPCFEyZz74nOHZbQr1B4z Follow the Modern Buddhism Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernbuddhismpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernbuddhismpodcast/ TIkTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernbuddhismpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lgQNhbjMGoHOxBnjkfmK4 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/519b6d69-b6ed-46b2-ab56-ebaf59adf96e/the-modern-buddhism-podcast #modermbuddhismpodcast #buddhism #podcast #BuddhismBehindBars #MeditationInPrison #BuddhistMonkJourney #InnerPeaceInToughTimes #InspiringStories #ResilienceAndMeditation #LessonsFromInmates #BuddhistPodcast #MeditationForChange #OvercomingChallenges #mindfulnesspodcast Subscribe to get notifications of new videos.


There’s a quiet space between the rush of daily life and the ancient wisdom of Buddhist teachings, and that’s where you’ll find The Modern Buddhism Podcast. Rather than presenting philosophy as a distant theory, this series focuses on tangible, practical application. Each episode features conversations with individuals who are actively integrating meditation and Buddha’s insights into their modern routines, demonstrating how these practices foster genuine resilience and a more steady sense of contentment. The discussions are grounded in real experience, exploring how inner peace isn’t about retreating from the world but engaging with it more skillfully. You’ll hear from a variety of voices within the New Kadampa Tradition, who produce the podcast, sharing their personal journeys and the subtle shifts in perspective that come from consistent practice. This isn’t about abstract ideals; it’s about the texture of daily life-managing stress, navigating relationships, and finding moments of happiness amidst ordinary challenges. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful dialogue where timeless principles meet contemporary questions, offering listeners a resource for cultivating a stronger, more peaceful mind right where they are.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

The Modern Buddhism Podcast
Podcast Episodes
How I found my lightness: from depression to purpose and joy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:24
In this episode, Adam is joined by Marlise Anthonioz, who discusses openly how her meditation practice has taken her from a place of depression and hopelessness to a joyful optimism, enabling her to live a full and happy…
Find the Real You: How to Build Unshakeable Self-Esteem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:49
Kadam Morten Clausen talks about how our limited or negative view of ourself is the basis for low self esteem. Then how we can change our view of what the self is and through this develop a new way of identifying ourself…
At Peace with Ourself: How to Create a Healthy Self-Image [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:22
Our thoughts don't define our reality, yet we often buy into negative beliefs about ourselves, leading to a distorted self-image. In this podcast, Gen Jigme explores how meditation can help us quiet the negative inner vo…
How to Meditate: From First Steps to Mastery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:17
Gen Kelsang Rabten joins Adam on the podcast for a wide ranging discussion of the various stages of meditation from the very first steps to how to reach the highest levels. Insights are shared and explored that will help…
Work-life Balance & How to Deal with Difficult People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:18
In this illuminating episode, Buddhist Meditation Teacher Kadam Rebecca challenges conventional wisdom about work-life balance. Rather than focusing on time management, she reveals how true equilibrium stems from our inn…
The Life-Changing Power Of Compassion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:27
In this episode, Kadam Adam is with Buddhist nun Gen Demo for a thought-provoking discussion on the true nature of compassion. Together, they explore how genuine compassion isn’t about feeling sorry for ourselves or othe…
What Facing Death Taught Me About Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:55
In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Gen Lingpur, a Buddhist nun whose life took an unexpected turn after a routine medical check-up. For years, she thrived in her career and enjoyed a fulfilling life. But e…
How Meditation Helped Me Succeed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
Entrepreneur, Author, and Meditation Practitioner Len Foley shares invaluable insights into how to succeed in work and relationships using meditation as a powerful tool. An Abridged version of this conversation is availa…
Mastering Your Mind Is The Only Way To Be Free [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:12
In this episode, host Agnes sits down with Kelsang Sama, a Buddhist nun, to delve into the deeper concepts of freedom and personal transformation. Together, they explore the difference between cutting ties with the exter…
How I Found Peace After Tragedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:39
Gen Gomlam returns to the podcast for a deeply personal and moving conversation about how to heal and find peace after personal tragedy, addressing the feelings of grief, guilt, anger and shame that often arise in the af…