Ratna (RAHT-Nah) is the Sanskrit word for "Jewel". There is boundless wealth, both in ourselves and in the world, that can be tapped for the common betterment.

prison inmates ppracticing mindfulness meditation

Our Mission: We are dedicated to cultivating the fundamental sanity and dignity in individuals and in society at large. Through generosity, we foster environments that encourage humanity, dignity, compassion, and wisdom.

Quotes from inmates about Ratna's Study Courses

Turning the Mind Into an Ally

"It has shown me that through my intentions and thoughts, I determine what will happen to me in the future. It has also shown me that I do desire to do good for others."-M.B.

"The impact of this course is that I have learned to humble myself. Secondly, I have learned the path to any sort of contentment is not based upon my personal wants, but contentment is found by being of service to others." -S.S.

Educational Coursework

Our correspondence relationships with inmates spring from the following courses we offer:

Turning the Mind Into An Ally, based on the text by the same name by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. This course is an introduction of why and how to meditate. This book blends a philosophically savvy explanation of why meditation is necessary with an artful and accessible introduction to the basics of meditation.


The Myth of Freedom Based on the text by the same name by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, this course addresses our tendency to allow our habitual patterns to create knee-jerk responses according to preconditioned habits ….. and how doing that makes our sense of choice and freedom a "myth."


The Power of Patience, Healing Anger. This course provides formal contemplation of the destructive qualities of anger and the innumerable benefits of patience. It's based on the book by H.H. Dalai Lama, HEALING ANGER: The Power of Patience from a Buddhist Perspective.




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The Power of Patience

"What I am most thankful for is the beginning of an ability to feel and be patient and tolerant, an ability to not hurt people I otherwise love and care about." -G.C.

"Though initially I experienced more anger, by the end of the course my days were filled with hardly any anger." -N.Y.

The Myth of Freedom

"[The course] has helped me to see more clearly my hindrances and instead of running, trying to get back to being or feeling better, the course has showed me how to work to embrace these too, moving on in growth and surrender." -M.C.

"The Myth of Freedom course has had a tremendous impact on my perspective of life and in the way I relate to the daily affairs of life….The spiritual life is right here, right now." -M.C.