Texans behind bars often discover contemplative spiritual practice, often Buddhist practice in their search for personal transformation. ZPP supports their aspirations through instruction in meditation and guidance in Buddhist practice, by providing reading materials and connecting them with supportive penpals on the outside. We also support people after release as they seek to reintegrate into life outside. We take the concepts of correction and rehabilitation seriously to benefit society by reducing stress and violence inside and recidivism outside.
We are a Buddhist-centered organization that respects all religious perspectives, makes no attempt to convert to ours, offers for the most part secular or interreligious classes and welcomes volunteers from all faiths. ZPP was founded in 2002 upon a request by the Travis County to support a meditation class as part of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program We began supporting Buddhist programs upon a request by the chaplain of the Lockhart facility. Our programs include the following:
Meditation Classes. ZPP teaches numerous meditation classes every week in several local prisons. Inmates experience following the breath, guided meditation, centering prayer and other techniques and many adopt a daily cell practice.
Buddhist Programs. ZPP has begun weekly Buddhist meetings in response to inmate requests which emphasize meditation, chanting and bows, and wisdom and ethics teachings.
Penpal Program. ZPP matches inmates interested in Buddhism or contemplative practice with penpals from the Austin community. For many inmates in remote prisons who discover these practices in their reading this is the first opportunity to be supported in their practice.
Book Program. ZPP provides books and magazines to individuals who request resources, and work with prison staff to enhance, prison libraries. We print a meditation booklet “Doing Your Time with Peace of Mind.”
Contacts
- General Program Contact, Volunteer Contact.
Kojin John Dinsmore
3014 Washington Square
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 452- 5777
dinsy @ austinzencenter.org
- Travis State Jail Liaison.
Mark Williamson
- Travis County Correctional Complex Liaison.
Pat Yingst
(512) 452- 5777
dinsy @ austinzencenter.org
- Lockhart Unit Liaison.
Kojin John Dinsmore
(512) 452- 5777
dinsy @ austinzencenter.org
- Clergy Services Contact.
Kojin John Dinsmore
(512) 452- 5777
dinsy @ austinzencenter.org
- Penpal Program Contact
Rick Wright
frescowright @ gmail.com
Programs