Navasota Prison Sangha

An outreach program of the Myoken-ji Houston Sangha

“A singing bird in a cage attracts free birds, and the sight of these free birds will make the caged bird want to be free. Likewise, the chanting of Odaimoku will bring out the buddha-nature within us….Namu Myoho Renge Kyo.”  ~Nichiren Shonin

For several years, three of our sangha members were involved in a rotation of sharing the Dharma with a prison sangha at the Walls Unit of Huntsville Prison, a maximum security prison in Huntsville, TX. Rev. Faulconer, head priest of our sangha at the time, would often join us on these visits when he was in town.

In 2004, we were contacted by a inmate from the Wallace Pack Unit in Navasota, TX, seeking a teacher for the growing number of Buddhist practitioners at the unit. Then Shami Myokei Caine-Barrett, Christie Carrington, Mary Aycock and Ryuoh Faulconer, Shonin began to serve the men in Navasota, TX making it the first Nichiren Shu sangha at a state prison.

Within one year, five members had taken refuge and received a small honzon (object of veneration) to continue and develop their Buddhist practice. Over the years, other sangha members have undergone the training to become volunteers and regularly participate in activities at the unit.

Since mid-2008, Myokei Shonin has been conducting service on a weekly basis, supported by other sangha members. We often use study of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Shonin’s writings to support discussion and problem solving. We also use various DVDs of Buddhist films and topics to spark additional discussion relevant to the inmates’ practice.

It has been quite difficult to establish a practice in a penal institution. However, the purpose of this sangha is to provide a foundation for individuals seeking to change their lives. This can only be achieved by sharing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and the writings of Nichiren Shonin,  which enable the realization within these individuals that they are of value and can create meaningful and productive lives.

Update: In February, 2011, one of our long-time sangha members was released from TDCJ and enjoyed an Italian meal with the Houston sangha.

If you are interested in supporting the prison sangha by contributing books and/or supplies, please contact Myokei Shonin.

The Houston Chronicle article on the Navasota sangha can be found here.

Prison Dharma