Finding Freedom: Writings from Death Row

by Jarvis Jay Masters

Finding Freedom is a deeply moving, life-affirming memoir written from the netherworld of San Quentin’s Death Row. Offering stories that are sometimes sad, funny, poignant, revelatory, frightening, soul-stirring, painful, and uplifting, Jarvis Masters traces his remarkable spiritual growth in an environment where despair and death are constant companions. His book is a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit and the talent of a fine writer.

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 5 x 9' 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 the California Governor 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.

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

115 pages, Kindle Edition

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was neither here nor there. Quick read.

[Cassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Deann Doolittle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Sheri Lisker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Sylvia Brown-Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Koosje · Rating 3 out of 5]

“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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Gallego Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend.

[Jenny Chin · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are all fragile vulnerable and longing to be loved