Finding Freedom: Writings from Death Row

by Jarvis Jay Masters

Incarcerated in San Quentin at the age of 19 for armed robbery, Jarvis Masters was accused four years later of participating in a conspiracy that resulted in the death of a prison guard. Finding Freedom is a collection of prison stories -- sometimes shocking, sometimes sad, often funny, always immediate -- told against a background of extreme violence and aggression. Masters' commitment to nonviolence leads him more and more into the role of peacemaker as he tries to put compassion into action. We see Masters meditating amid chaos and squalor, touching the hearts and minds of those around him.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Buddhism, Spirituality, Biography, Biography Memoir, Philosophy

179 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 1997

About the author

An inmate at San Quentin since he was 19, JARVIS JAY MASTERS was moved to death row in 1990 (for alleged participation in the killing of a prison guard). Masters was converted to Buddhism several years later and has inspired the interest of leaders in the American Buddhist community. While in prison he wrote and published one book, Finding Freedom, as well as many articles which have appeared mostly in newspapers and Buddhist magazines. In 1992, Masters won a PEN Award for his poem, “Recipe for Prison Pruno.” Based on the lack of substantial evidence for Masters participation in the murder, in April 2008 the California Supreme Court ordered an evidentiary hearing, and Masters’ attorneys believe his conviction will be overturned within the year.

Reviews

[Karla Strand]

Memorable quotes:

"There was no room for wonder in my life." page 66

"Night's bright stars,
celebrating life's dream;
while peace sits still." page 109

"For a long time I had been my own stranger, but everything I went through in learning how to accept myself brought me to the doorsteps of dharma, the Buddhist path." page 111

"He was a lama who ate beef jerky, got upset, and had jewels of compassion in him." page 113

"'There may just be a taste of Buddha in us all.'" page 129

"Meditation has become something I cannot do without. I see and hear more clearly, feel more relaxed and calm, and I actually find my experiences slowing down. I'm more appreciativeof each day as I observe how things constantly change and dissolve. I've realized that everything is in a continual process of coming and going. I don't hold happiness or anger for a long time. It just comes and goes." page 149

"I realized that what really matters isn't where we are or what's going on around us, but what's in our hearts while it's happening.

I used to feel I could hide inside my practice, that I could simply sit and contmeplate the raging anger of a place like this, seeking inner peace through prayers of compassion. But now I believe love and compassion are things to extend to others." page 158

[Carah]

One of my favorite books I have ever read. So interesting to hear stories and how he changed his life around. I would love to sit and talk with him for hours.

[John Stepper]

This book offers a glimpse into a world & an individual I could never imagine on my own, and one I usually avoid thinking about. The topics are so raw and complicated and depressing and ...

I came across the book from reading Pema Chödrön’s “Practicing Peace”. She called it one of her favorites and recounted some of the stories from it. It’s a wonderful companion to Thich Nhat Hanh’s “be free where you are” (about his visit your a prison) as it provides the prisoners’ perspective.

Whatever you think of the author and of prisons in general, the book is a chance to practice empathy of a kind I don’t normally practice, and I’m grateful for that. It makes the inhuman human. It made my world bigger while showing me how much more practice I need.

[Nathan Teft]

“After eighteen months Bosshog was released from the grip of San Quentin and from dependence on me for tobacco and Being Peace. Before he walked off the tier, he stood in front of my cell and together we recited what had become Boss's mantra— something he'd learned to say whenever he was about to blow his top. We always started off chanting in unison with the words
“Man, man," and then, "If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile, and everyone in our family, our entire society will benefit from our peace’” (121).

[Teri]

Jarvis Masters has been on death row at San Quentin State prison for thirty years, for a crime he did not commit. This is a book of stories of his life there and how he became a compassionate peacemaker . His story is heartbreaking. How Jarvis is living his life, despite his circumstances, is truly amazing.

[Nathan Reed]

The stories in Masters' book are compelling and complex in a way that completely had me smiling at times and sadden with in moments of simple turning a page. It's hard to believe that someone who's life has been surrounded with hatred and violence can find peace and lend out compassion to his fellow inmates and correctional officers. Truly inspiring!

Free Jarvis Jay Masters

[Sidni]

I loved this, the stories of Jarvis (parts of his time on death row was told in just mercy). He is an incredible writer and these short stories from his time on death row were very humanizing and even funny at times for such a hard topic. I will definitely be reading his other stories. Some of them were really powerful

[Socket Klatzker]

Jarvis J Masters inspired me period. His ability to be grounded and graceful on death row, maintain hope, continue to grow internally AND get a book written and published are commendable.

[Camille Solo]

I really enjoyed reading this author's narrative. He is such a talented writer. Each story was surprisingly just as enjoyable as the previous.

[Khushbu Patel]

So much to say but don’t know how to form words regarding this book. Such a powerful read about someone who literally change their life inside a prison cell. I felt like I was in the cell with him. Even though this review is not very lengthy here’s one of the many quotes this book has that really meant something to me

“If I was an executed there will be someone who believe I deserved it But those who want to try to make sense of it will see through my writing a human being who made mistakes Maybe my writing will at least help them see me as someone who felt, loved, and cared. Someone who wanted to know for himself who he was. My writing will hopefully show those people that they could easily have been me”

[Martha Karen]

Not the best book I’ve ever read.

I work in a maximum security prison and a pile of these books were stacked on one of the social worker’s desks. I get two 15 minute breaks and can’t bring in a cell phone or any other reading material etc so I picked this up and read it in 15 min intervals over a few days LOL.

Very little of the book discussed his discovery of Buddhism. I would have enjoyed more detail about that.

[Shelby Fazzolare]

Jarvis Masters combines stories to create the troublesome depiction of life on death row, while being a practicing Buddhist. Each small story he describes within this book should be looked at with a deeper meaning, in which life lessons can be found within each one. I first read "The Buddhist on Death Row," which is a autobiography of Jarvis Masters, and immediately picked up this book written by himself. This book is truly breathtaking and one that I think everyone should read.

[Kira]

This book deserves a lot more praise and recognition, it was such a beautiful book and one I cannot fault. I loved every moment of this book, it made me feel grounded and very grateful. It has already become one of my new favourite books and definitely one I will remember forever. I look forward to re-reading this in the future!

[Donna]

Writings of an inmate on death row in San Quentin prison. Jarvis has become a Buddhist and tries to practice the dharma in a most challenging of settings. As the years drag on, he constantly faces the uncertainty of death in a system designed to be difficult to get through. His short essays tell a story of life in prison that is best left on paper.

[Leila]

Jarvis' story is incredibly moving. The wisdom he achieves through his disciplined practice is truly extraordinary. Each passage raised more questions for me about his life story, his appeals process, etc., but the book doesn't really touch on these. I do wish there was a little more context for the reader but I also understand that that's not really the point

[Joan Schmitz]

I read this book in one sitting. It's at once enlightening and sad. I applaud Mr. Masters for looking inside for answers on how he came to be where he is. We all can benefit from his example. One can never make sense of life from looking outside. Thank you for this book. Keep on writing.

[Litbitch]

essays, poems, and observations from a man on death row who found Buddhism; terribly human and compassionate, and an excellent example of the opportunities and difficulties of trying to live a life in which you do not contribute to the suffering of others

[Ommiolgi]

A really good book about a Buddhist who converted on death row. Stories and anecdotes about living in San Quentin as a Buddhist. A truly fantastic and inspiring book that i would recommend to anyone who could get past the course language, a great read.

[Sara Halvorsen]

It was neither here nor there. Quick read.

[Cassell]

A harsh story, told with incredible authenticity and vulnerability. What will happen now?

[Deann Doolittle]

Interesting

[Sheri Lisker]

A remarkable story by an enlightened being. If he can do it - find compassion for others on death row, not just for prisoners but for guards - it gives me hope we all can.

[Julier]

Amazing book. Cried a few times and highly recommend to everyone.

[Leah]

Wow. Lost for words. This book is seriously underrated. Got me laughing and crying at the same time. This book is a must read for anyone.

[Karrie]

Be sure to read The Buddhist on Death Row by David Sheff first. You will better understand this powerful book.

[Sylvia Brown-Roberts]

Touching book that shows what death row incarceration is like, yet also shows the humanity of the author.

[Koosje]

“Alles wat voorbijkomt, gaat voorbij, en als het voorbijgaat, gaat het weg.”

[Laura]

aus: bell hooks - all about love
im Kapitel: Childhood Love Lessons
dysfunctional family love & abusiveness by family members

[Marianne]

Tricked into reading a meditation/Buddhist book but I don’t mind

[Gallego Keeler]

Highly recommend.