A Message from the pcf board
The PCF Book Initiative
The Pema Chödrön Foundation’s Book Initiative has been growing steadily for over a decade. What began as a mission to send books to incarcerated individuals has now expanded into a comprehensive program serving a wide range of needs. Today, we provide books not only to individual prisoners, but also to prison libraries, volunteer meditation teachers, Chaplains visiting the incarcerated, and prison study groups that gather to meditate and explore the dharma. In addition, we also send Pema's books to other nonprofits such as at-risk youth centers, rehabilitation centers, and many other helping professions. The success of the Book Initiative program would not be possible without the support of donors like you who know the value in Pema's teachings.
We are also thrilled to share that our Book Program now includes correspondence courses based on some of Pema’s books like Taking the Leap, When Things Fall Apart, Comfortable with Uncertainty and How to Meditate. These self-paced courses offer participants a chance to deepen their practice through structured study. Upon completion, participants receive certificates of achievement along with personalized feedback and encouragement. The joy and transformation expressed by those who receive Pema’s books and engage in these courses inspire us every day.
Here are just a few quotes from recent prisoner letters that offer a glimpse into the transformative effect of this program. There are countless stories just like these:
“Thank you so much for the wonderful books and study course. I feel like I’m not only taking a leap, but I have a highly effective plan. I have tools to use in real time experience, and I don’t have to get it perfect, just learn to stay, feed the right wolf, and not be so hard on myself and others. Pema’s work is great! I look forward to the next course.”
D.C., Jackson, MI
“I want to say thank you for all that you and the Foundation does for inmates like myself. You all have helped to reshape my thinking in so many ways since I have been incarcerated. Thank you for all of your compassion and support.”
J.H, Teague, TX
“I am incarcerated and have been reading a lot about Buddhism and found your address in hopes that you can send books and other material to help me on my path. I want to incorporate Buddhism into my life. It’s funny to me that I feel that this is the path I have been on for some time, I just need to find my way with better direction. I appreciate what your organization does for people that are behind bars. It means a lot to me.”
SM, VA
“WOW! Thank you so much for the Practicing Peace book. Just wonderful! I enjoyed it so much. Plus, being so succinct and compact, I will carry it with me and use it as a centering tool in the areas of high stress until such time that I’m able to achieve peace on my own. I’ve spent large chunks of my life trying to heal the anger and aggression inside of me and this is the first thing I’ve tried that makes sense.”
RW, London, OH
“Thank you for choosing to engage in inmate outreach on behalf of Pema Chodron Foundation. It brings me joy to know that it’s still possible to connect with kind-hearted people, even behind these physical walls.”
KK, Dibal, TX
“Thank you! I was overjoyed to receive the book How To Meditate! Thank you so much!”
GF, Ridgeville, SC
On behalf of Pema and The Pema Chödrön Foundation,
Thank you for your interest and support of Pema’s work.
PS- Whenever you buy a book from our online bookstore, all profits support this program!
Please consider a donation to support the Pema Chödrön Foundation Book Initiative. When you donate, you can select this specific project in the dropdown menu.
Your gift will be truly life-changing by bringing hope, healing, and spiritual growth to many.
