By the end of 1999, Buddhist Shrines had been established in the grounds of Springhill, Grendon, Risley, Liverpool and Nottingham prisons with another one at Broadmoor Special Hospital. Unfortunately the one at Nottingham had to be removed during the building and refurbishment work and has yet to be replaced. This year Buddhist Shrines have been established at Long Lartin, Leyhill, Ford and New Hall prisons with another planned for The Verne.
The appearance in the gaols of these representations of the Buddha
create oases of serenity and insight where otherwise confusion and hopelessness
are for many two familiar companions.
Some years
ago a young man in Wandsworth Prison drew a picture that has occasionally
appeared on Angulimala literature. It was of a hand reaching in through
the barred window of a prison cell - the 'Helping Hand of Angulimala' he
called it.
Angulimala tries to help those who are locked away by striving to make available facilities for the teaching and practice of Buddhism in Her Majesty's prisons. The creation of the Buddha Groves is a significant step along that road.
We tend to call these shrines 'Buddha Groves' because the very first one at Springhill Open Prison was established in a grove of trees. Not all gaols are as fortunate in their grounds as Springhill, but with each new Buddha Grove the attempt is made to create some garden area around the Buddha-Rupa where prisoners and staff may sit and gather a little peace and respite from the pressures that bear on them.
Every year since the building of the Springhill Buddha Grove there has
been an anniversary celebration with a gathering and devotions at the Buddha
Grove, followed by Thai food for prisoners and guests and concluding with
a candlelit circumambulation.
If they can't come to the temple, we'll take the temple to the prison,
so the annual Buddha Grove celebration at Springhill and Grendon will be
on a Sunday in September. Let me know if you want to come.