Finding Freedom: Writings from Death Row

A well written indictment of the frailty and failures of the incarceratory system. Though the author does an amazing job at remaining objective and dispassionate, it is easy to see that he is a product of a system that all too often fails to adress the problem all the while claiming that putting people in boxes is the cure. It is as impressive as it is inspiring that Jarvis was able to write such a work. It is reminiscent of what Victor Frankel must have experienced, and smacks of the spiritual roots of his thesis in the book "mans search for meaning". You truly are free where you are. I treasure my copy and have lent it out to many people, always with good feedback.

Masters' tales are a must-read pass to San Quentin when it was a Level IV (of four criminal/felony levels) prison and the inmates ran the blocks. His book is a word album of people and incidents on the yards, on the tiers and in the cells as races and cultures collide in a setting of despair and boredom. In one of his most powerful chapters, "Sanctuary," Masters enters the upper yard on his first day, facing down the stairs of the established cons as they inspect the "fish"; then the door slams on his 5x9' cell that will be his home for the rest of his life.The recidivists, the young parole violators who cycle through San Quentin on 90 day plus terms, generally for drug use, with little hope for treatment, jobs or housing on the outside, are the antagonists in many of his stories. And this brings us to the present. The California prison system and San Quentin are still largely populated by young parole violators, incarcerated for drug convictions or dry outs. These youngsters, unaware, ignorant or plainly apathetic about informal prison rules, seek to achieve the "OG" (Old Gangster) status of long time inmates through predatory violence. Masters writes of his frustrating attempts to cope with them at a time that Level IV inmates all mingled together. San Quentin is now a Level II prison, confining a gentler, generally nonviolent person within its massive perimeter, and Masters now is a practicing Buddhist, a transformation remarkably documented in the book's timeline "Three Strikes" laws and the huge campaign contributions of the CCPOA, the California prison guards' union, have lead to unparalleled growth in California's prison population with Lifers (2nd degree murder or kidnapping crimes) eligible for parole and violators routinely jammed together in every facility. California's Level IV violent cons are housed in Pelican Bay and other specially designated Security Housing Units (SHU), yet Masters' Death Row for men remains at San Quentin. And the timelessness of Masters' stories is reflected by the fact that Lifers still have the respect of almost all groups in the prison, while California Governor Gray Davis fosters despair and hopelessness with an anti-parole stance. This book is an electrifying read if you have never been incarcerated. You can share Masters' gradual transformation from a mind-your-own-business, somewhat antisocial individual, to a compassionate prosocial inmate. Amazing book. I could not put it down. Very highly recommended.

One of the few books I've read & truly enjoyed. Astonishing to see what this man continues to experience behind bars. I would desire his release from SQ & provide his experiences in person to the world.

this is an inspirational book testifying the power of Buddhist dharma to go into the most fearful and rough and tumble places and transform heart and mind of a single being. No less than death row and the mind of the author waiting to be gassed to death in lock down in San Quentin faced with the open question how does one keep a vestige of humaness in these most fearful and degrading of conditions. Jarvis Masters story goes far beyond an argument for guilt or innocence rather it tells the story of how he engages his life in the conditions of confinement with the uncertainty of capitol punishment shadowing him and other inmates in the death row tier with the power of dharma. Jarvis is introduced to Tibetan meditation and writes convincingly of his transformation. Compassion wells up reading the stories of his mother trying to raise himslef in his brothers in sisters in poverty and abusive situations. Yet his story gains tremendous wonder and credibility in the sistuations he presents where he engages the dhama in spontaneous and skillful actions that bring dignity to inmates and their jailors alike. And often saving human life. Buddhism has shown Jarvis we're all entangled deeply in our suffering. The teaching requires our courage and faith. existentially Jarvis surrenders and this testimony has an incrediable authenticity and truth about it. It's wonderful he writes with a robust sense of humor and the language is more than spicey - who would have it any other way. He's a story teller, in a way, of the oral Afro-american tradition. Really a courageous story of a man finding light in a dark place and engaging a world of violence and pain with a mind of compassion and meaning.

Exceptional book. I bought this as a gift for another law grad. Masters is about teaching from his mistakes and doesn't shy away from them. This book changed my life many years ago.

A wonderful author straight from Death Row to help readers feel what it is like. He donated it to the Buddhist group and this book is given to kids at risk in juvenile halls to discourage this experience.

Very. Very well written. One of the best books ive read. The way the writer, Jarvis, transforms . Transforms his suffering, and his own humanity. U can feel this very transformation from chapter to chapter.

Excellent writing. Thank you Dear Jarvis for your amazing contribution.

If you thought you loved life, think again...there is SO much more to marvel at and appreciate.I bought this book after reading a quote from it in another favourite book of mine. But there's no way that could have prepared me for the treasures that lie between its pages. And there's no way I can adequately prepare you either.The intellectual dexterity of Jarvis Jay Masters' generous insight is so surprising it immediately brings you face-to-face with your own prejudice about prison life and the potential contribution that inmates make to the world.Unknowingly and without any condescension, Jarvis Jay Masters devotes his time and life experience into an opportunity for humankind to educate themselves out of accepted ignorance. His lifelong confinement liberates us by showing clearly and plainly that "life IS suffering" yet even in the darkest moments what is gained from that suffering is ALWAYS worth staying alive to witness.The book delivers exactly what its title promises but is no way near as bleak as its subtitle suggests. It is a true survival guide that gives you more reasons to smile than you can possibly imagine.

Such a moving and inspiring book. Amazing how Jarvis has been able to practice the dharma is such difficult circumstances. I just hope that it is not too much longer before Jarvis is free.

Thoroughly enjoyed this read! So many different emotions, I laughed, I almost cried and I'm coming away with a new outlook on life. Definitely worth the purchase, just wish the book was longer!

Great book. Really hits home about why Jarvis and his inmates end up in jail in the first place. Completely down to awful and abusive upbringing. Makes you appreciate how lucky you are to be born ton loving parents. Incredible how he's managed to let go of 'hate'.

This book reminds us that no circumstance can take away our inner freedom and compassion for others if we cultivate it.