— If one uses this time and experience of being in prison to practice meditation, to practice dharma, then being in prison, even though it is believed you are in prison by outside people, in reality it becomes a retreat for you. —

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Personal Report

May 11, 2008

Prisoner Artwork: Medicine Buddha by Andrew Pendlebury, Junee Prison, New South WalesLiberating insects

 

A letter from Andrew Pendlebury, Junee Prison, New South Wales

G’day Ven. Aileen,

How are you – warm I hope! I’m writing to you because something special has happened to me – about five days ago I noticed a Bogong month had landed on the other side of the grill to my window. They get lost on their breeding migration to the mountains and are attracted by the bright lights of the prison. I said good morning to it and then went about my daily routine.

Later on in the day I decided to read a few pages of The Sutra of Sublime Golden Light. I started reading to myself, I looked up and noticed that the moth was still on the grill – then an idea came to me about how about I read the sutra to the moth out loud, as this could help in it gaining a human rebirth, be able to learn the Dharma and gain enlightenment.

So I did from early afternoon to some late hour of the night – I had about 15 pages to go and was unable to go on as my voice was reduced to a harsh whisper, my eyes were having trouble focusing, my back ached from leaning over the table to be able to speak to the moth at the window – I went to bed hoping that the moth wouldn’t fly away. It was still there when I woke the next morning – I was able to finish reading the sutra.

I felt really calm inside, a very warm and pleasant feeling flowed over me for the rest of the day. The moth disappeared some time in the afternoon. I prayed that it would go to a higher rebirth and become enlightened.

Things are well with me although I do too much thinking now that I’m one-out [in a one-man cell] and my heart aches for my family, my tears flow pretty regularly. I suppose I’m still grieving the loss. It’s really hard as I know it’s all my fault – I fear I’ll never see my family again.

Anyway, I’ve enclosed some stamps to help pay for the postage for the Medicine Buddha to be sent to Kate [Kate Rowe, Andrew’s Liberation Prison Project teacher]. Her brother is very ill and I hope this drawing can help.

Well, that’s about it for now – keep warm ay!!!

Peace and blessings,

Andrew