Finding Freedom

How Death Row Broke and Opened My Heart

By: Jarvis Jay Masters

Narrated by: Dion Graham

There are many forms of liberation - some that exist at the mercy of circumstance and others that can never be taken away. In this stirring and timely collection of stories, essays, poems, and letters, Jarvis Jay Masters explores the meaning of true freedom on his road to inner peace through Buddhist practice. He reveals his life as a young African American man surrounded by violence, his entanglement in the criminal justice system, and - following an encounter with Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche - an unfolding commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking. At turns joyful, heartbreaking, frightening, and soaring with profound insight, Masters’ story offers a vision of hope and the possibility of freedom in even the darkest of times.

©2020 Jarvis Jay Masters (P)2020 Shambhala Publications

Critic reviews

"This is one of my favorite books, which I have often referred to in my teachings. I am delighted that it will have a wider publication now so that more people can read these wonderful heartfelt stories." (Pema Chödrön)

"It is a privilege and joy to read Jarvis Masters’s account of his spiritual struggle to find freedom at the edge of life. Everyone should read this book." (Robert A. F. Thurman)

“An inspiring, even exhilarating teaching on the life of a peacemaker in the midst of rage and despair, and in the shadow of the execution chamber.” (Bernie Glassman)

Transitions

Life for me is learning how to make transitions. This story tells of this whether on the inside or out. Practicing Buddhism myself. Son is incacerated. This book helps me understand more about what my son's life is like. I signed the petition in support of Mr. Masters. The death penalty must be outlawed. It never has or will deter crime, so why murder someone by choice because you are against the fact the incarcerated person killed someone in a crime? It is insanity. Private prisons should also be outlawed. Easy listen. That poem and the juxtaposition against preparing for death was work the book itself.

Awesome!!!!!!

I could feel the story as it was being narrated.. Great listen!!!!Waiting for his new book to get on audible!!!

I can’t stop listening!

The writing and performance both deserve the highest accolades. I work in mental health, serving many people who’ve been through the prison and state hospital systems, but never had I felt like I’d actually had a glimpse of what the experience might truly be like until reading this phenomenal work. True artistry. Deep gratitude for all involved in making these stories available.

Beautiful book

I loved this book and found myself listening to some chapters over and over. The narration was lovely and the story captivating.

Incredible

This is one of the most powerful and moving audiobooks i have listened to. Amazing, gripping, moving, and inspirational stories. And the narrator could not have been better