October 25, 2018

Dear Community,

Just a short letter to let you know I have received a second Mindfulness Bell magazine this week. I am greatly appreciative of your generosity; I read the magazine cover to cover and then donate it to our Sangha here on the unit, so others may enjoy. What stands out to me in many of the teachings is being more mindful of life at the given moment. 

So many of us, including myself, have gone through life half asleep. Just from the flavor of teachings in the last two issues, they have taught me to be more here and now. Just the other day for about five minutes in my living area, I quietly vocalized to myself everything I was doing at that given moment—so many things going on at once! Not enough words to describe this. But it made me realize how one can go through life and can be missing most of it. My job here on the unit involves writing down a lot of warehouse product information accurately. Being more mindful helps me to stay focused and not let my mind wander, and make mistakes.

I have been studying and practicing Buddhism since June 2017. I meditate thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in the evening, and I am gradually increasing slowly. I attend Sangha weekly here and am doing a correspondence course with the Buddhist Association of the U.S. I read everything. I’m not perfect at it, but I am learning and it is influencing me for the better. I have not claimed a tradition, for I am still investigating it all. I finish my sentence in four years. Once I’m out, perhaps I will find a suitable Sangha and teacher and do it with a bit of curiosity to make a better informed decision.

I originally tried Buddhism because it has greatly alleviated bad depression I was suffering with. I didn’t know I would gain so much more, but I’m not mad about it. ☺

Thanks again.

With love,

Kenneth

September 6, 2018

Dear Sister Annabel and Hong-An,

Gassho. I hope this letter finds you healthy and happy in the Dharma. I’m submitting five poems for your use, in hopes that they may fit your audience. I’m a long time fan of your magazine and Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings, and would like to know if I can be added to your mailing list.

I also write essays, poems, and stories about my practice in prison, and have been modestly published in newsletters for the Buddhist Association of the U.S. and the Human Kindness Foundation. I will be submission an essay shortly for your review.

Thank you for all that you do for the Buddhist community and Sanghas around the world. Your consideration is appreciated. I also guide a small Zen Sangha here at the [Everglades Correctional Institution], and are always grateful for books and mentors.

Peace be with you,

Ryan Moser

A Drifting Cloud in the Blue Sky

By Ryan Moser

The petals of a wilted orchid
land softy on the ground,
the closing note of a symphony
fills the air with sound.

A rolling wave slowly disappears
in the surf onto the sand,
a drifting cloud in the blue sky
fades above the land.

The finishing stroke of an artist’s brush
paints beauty all can see,
the third act of a timeless play
ends the dramatic tragedy.

A last kiss between two lovers
as they bid farewell,
the final breath of a fragile life
with stories left to tell.

Dear Kenneth and Ryan,

Thank you for taking the time to write us a heartfelt letter and for sharing about your practice. 

We’re happy that our magazine is nourishing your bodhicitta and you’re engaged with a Sangha to maintain your practice. 

We send The Mindfuless Bell to our subscribers three times a year. Prison inmates can receive a complimentary subscription by writing to us at PO Box 5131, San Diego, CA 92165. It brings us joy to send subscriptions to more than 200 people living in prisons currently, and to know we have sent copies of The Mindfulness Bell to more than 1,000 inmates over the years.

To request books for your Sangha at your institution, please write to Parallax Press, P.O. Box 7355, Berkeley, CA 94707.

Wishing you peaceful steps on the path,

Hong-An

Managing Editor