R J Donovan is a level 3 facility which means that many of the inmates are lifers, some for violent offenses and others because of the 3 strikes law.
We are supporting a Buddhist Sangha (The Sangha at Black Rock Mountain) that meets once a week for three hours of meditation and instruction. The volunteers include four Buddhist teachers who lead a Buddhist program. In the years that the program has been running some of the participants are developing a strong Buddhist practice that they continue on a daily basis.
We are also offering an interfaith program that is attracting inmates of all faiths. Meditation is also attractive for those who do not consider themselves to be religious.
