7/23/17
Avenal Prison is about an hour and 20 minutes away from Delano City. Today IBS team went to visit Avenal Karuna Sanghas at Avenal State Prison. There are 6 different yards at this prison. We only got to visit C, D, E, and F today. The brothers were so happy to see us, especially Ven. Kai Zhao after not seeing him for an entire year.
We started our services at C yard. This yard used to have 12-15 people 4 months ago. Now three people are left and only brother Dustin showed up for the service. Even though there was only one brother, we still ran the service as usual. He was so happy to have been the only one in class for today’s service. Ven. Kai Zhao gave him some tips on how to practice meditation in day-to-day life.
Brother Dustin is a very dedicated and genuine practitioner. He has 阿彌陀佛 and OM Mani Padme Hum Tattoo on his face. Today, we got to ask him why he has those tattoos on his face. He told us that having a tattoo is very common in the prison. 99% of brothers have a tattoo on their body in the prison world. He also mentioned that if someone has a tattoo on their face like he does, that person wants to tell everyone that he is very serious about it. He told us that his life is different now because of learning Buddhism; therefore, he drew the Buddha’s name and mantra tattoo on his face. He shared with us that he was raised Catholic, but wanted to let everyone know that he has changed because of Buddhism, therefore, he got those tattoos on his face. I was so touched by his seriousness about learning Buddhism. May he be always on the path of cultivation.
Venerable talked about meditation at all 4 Sanghas. He explained in detail about walking, sitting and Metta meditation. Everyone enjoyed the teaching by Venerable. Each Sangha was blessed by Ven. chanting in Pali. We had another fruitful day at all Avenal Karuna Sanghas. Amituofo _()_
