The Buddhist on Death Row: How One Man Found Light in the Darkest Place

This book is deeply moving and inspiring. That this sweet man was able to find mental and spiritual freedom in prison is beautiful! Reading this book has deepened my commitment to not allowing myself to make excuses for why I can’t do my meditation and free myself from the bondage of my mind. Thank you for your life, and thank you to the author for sharing his life with us.

A book everyone should read. My prayer is for Jarvis Jay Masters to walk out of prison very soon. Praying

Inspiring what one can do under theworse of circumstances

This book was such a powerful look into tye story of Jarvis Masters. As I continue my spiritual journey I often think of exploring Buddhism more. This book has been helpful in that process. Thank you David Sheff!

Sheff has written a book for our times, one where compassion outlasts rage, where forgiveness wins over grudges. He writes about Jarvis Masters, a convict on death row as California's San Quentin prison outside of San Francisco.Sentenced when he was little more than a teenager, Masters appears on the page as a man filled with rage against the system. He fights, gets into trouble with the correction officers, and ends up in solitary confinement more times than not. Introduced to Buddhism, he rejects it as not important in his life. However, he reads more pamphlets and books. Eventually, he writes to a lama about his questions.Over thirty years, Masters learns to embrace the Buddhist path. He finds his karma on death row. He helps other inmates come to grips with their sentences.Profound. Beautiful. Inspiring.Highly recommended to anyone who wants to see beyond the current darkness and seek a more positive outlook on life.

Jarvis Jay Masters’s transformation from criminal to enlightened being on death row was not only incredible but very inspirational. . . Inspiring me to take stock of my constant thoughts and how they impact the world I perceive.I read this in one day. It’s not often you come across books that hold your attention throughout.

I was riveted reading this book! Jarvis Jay Masters overcame unimaginable abuse and a life of crime to learn meditation in San Quentin, aided by his mentors including Pema Chodron. His story of forgiveness is deeply touching in how he transcended prison by accessing freedom within himself. I found his website, FreeJarvis.org, dedicated to proving his innocence of murder and freeing him. But in the meanwhile, his life's work is within the prison system helping others.

Our men's group has really taken to this book; there so much to learn from it, both about prison life and Buddhism - and the twain do meet. - Bill