Seido Lee deBarros, Founding Teacher
The Buddhadharma Sangha of San Quentin State Prison
The Buddhadharma Sangha at San Quentin State Prison has been meeting
every week since 1999. It was founded by Zen teacher Seido Lee deBarros,
and the current head teacher is Jiryu Mark Rutschman-Byler.
An inclusive Buddhist Sangha rooted in Soto Zen forms, we practice
seated zazen meditation, walking kinhin meditation, ceremonies, Dharma
talks and discussions, and one-day sittings. We have also observed
various special events, including Jukai lay-ordination ceremonies and
inmate-led Shuso ceremonies. The group has helped many inmates to
ground themselves in their inner freedom, and has brought inspiration to
the hundreds of non-incarcerated Sangha members who have participated
over the years.
Buddhadharma Sangha, 2001
“Once the prisoners see that
they can look at the limitations
and pain of their life as an
object, and study it, instead of
being frustrated because they
can’t do something about it, a
kind of a switch goes off and
they are suddenly liberated
within prison.”
- Seido Lee deBarros
Founding Teacher
Buddhadharma Sangha, 2012
