Finding Freedom: How Death Row Broke and Opened My Heart

by Jarvis Jay Masters, Pema Chödrön (Foreword), Melody Ermachild Chavis (Introduction)

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’s story offers a vision of hope and the possibility of freedom in even the darkest of times.

Genres: Memoir, Buddhism, Nonfiction, Biography, Social Justice

176 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2020

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

[audled]

Jarvis’s story both “broke and opened“ MY heart. I cried so many times reading this book. But the words inside are just as much heartwarming as they are heartbreaking. Jarvis doesn’t go into detail whatsoever about how he got into prison/death row, or that he wants to get out. He simply shares with us his experience there and the experience of his fellow inmates.

[Nikko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unbelievably engaging. Imprisoned as a teenager for armed robbery, then put on death row for a crime he did not commit, Jarvis' story is heartbreaking. This is raw, intense, but extremely engaging, impossible to put down, and ultimately hopeful. Despite all the odds, this extraordinary man has found a way to grow and develop through Buddhist practice in an incredible way.

This book could not be more timely.

Note: I actually listned to the audiobook, read by Dion Graham.

Note: I am associated with Shambhala Publications, but this is an objective review!

[Shannon Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glimpse of humanity within the prison system

[gustavo]

read it in one sitting. great book and jarvis is such a kind person

[Rodrigo Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Excellent for developing compassion toward criminals and moving away from viewing them as the personification of evil.

[Nik Maack · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to review. I feel guilty for giving it three stars. It's one of those books you read and you're pretty much obligated to give it a five star review. A man is on death row! He converted to Buddhism! His struggle and so on! Have some compassion! Plus there's a campaign to prove his innocence!

The book felt flat to me. Which feels like a terrible thing to say, but it did. If this was a book about a man who had found Christ, I doubt it would even be on my radar. Or anyone's radar, for that matter.

There are no details about his crime that got him on death row, and the book says that's because he's fighting the charges. It seems insane that the conspiracy to kill a prison guard could result in a death sentence -- but without the details of the case, who knows what happened? I may have to research the details elsewhere.

Without these details in the book, the text feels a little hollow. It's a little like having a book about a coffee shop, but we can't talk about coffee.

Perhaps I am jaded. I've read many books about prison. I've listened to the San Quentin podcast. I know some facts and details about Buddhism. So, bizarrely, for me, there isn't anything new in this book. Which is also a weird thing to say.

Some of the stories are interesting, funny, heartbreaking. But the characters are never fully fleshed out. I know the author is trying to protect people's identity and is disguising certain features. But the people end up feeling oddly interchangeable.

Is it me? Have I become so jaded? I do feel agony over the American prison system and the death penalty is the most disgusting human creation. But this book didn't really hit me the way it wanted to.

There are forwards and afterwards by Buddhist teachers. Those feel like they are there to give the book some weight that it's missing.

I'm sorry. Clearly it's me. I'm a jerk. I'll see myself out.

[Roni Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique blend of prison poetry and prose, Jarvis Jay Masters captures his San Quentin experiences with laser focus and raw honesty. No pretense of making sense of the senselessness of prison life, Masters relates his journey from in-your-face disbeliever to it's-worth-a-try to steadfast Buddhist, walking the fine line between having his own beliefs and trying to use them for good and getting shanked for being less (justifiably) hate-filled and hard-ass than his prison mates. I came to know of Masters' story through David Sheff's "The Buddhist on Death Row." I thought that telling was in-depth and real and gave me the sense that I knew Jarvis. But reading "Finding Freedom" felt like actually crawling inside his skin and living his reality.

If you are looking for a light, happy read, this ain't it. But for anyone that has the courage to explore what prison life is really like and how Buddhism can change a person to the core, get this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a memoir or retelling of Masters' experience in prison, but rather a series of vignettes that chronicles his growth and change in perspective based on his beliefs in Buddhism. There is great value in seeing how he cultivated traits of compassion, non-permanence, and equanimity in an environment that seems to discourage this.

[Mythili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaches compassion for the unfortunate that were/are criminalized

And how meditation practice is the only true path to freedom of the mind. Ao many great revelations on this book, from a perspective that very few people in the world can provide us. And from it we can put our own silly trials and tribulations into a better perspective, to find our “sangha” in our practice and seek freedom from “samsara”. I hope Jarvis Masters is released from jail, not just from death row.

[lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

there aren’t enough words in the english language to express my absolute adoration for jarvis. what a pure, beautiful soul. and what a gift he has for the written word- so effortlessly painting a picture of life in San Quentin through these gorgeous, striking, and often gut wrenching vignettes. I sincerely hope he finds peace and gets to experience life outside of his cell block again someday.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i will try my best to put compassion first, its a practice, and i will continue to do my best on every given day. i will never give up the idea that everyone deserves love and tools and it starts with helping kids who never deserved any of it, the day i give up that idea consider me dead ~ opening your heart in widening circles is always the answer (probably)

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because it was mentioned by Pema Chödrön. This book is a beautiful writing that details how to live free in the present moment, regardless of circumstances. I highly recommend this book for anyone struggling to understand the idea of focusing on being rather than always doing.

[Kaio Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

muito interessante todos os ensinamentos e vivências acerca da vida de Jarvis. é envolvente, querer saber como as histórias dos detentos, irá repercutir, sempre na visão de Jarvis. um livro riquíssimo em ensinamentos e como lidar com os sentimentos negativos, excelente!

[KJ Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hopeful story of inner transformation and testament that humanity and light can be found wherever you are. THIS is meditation in action.

[Huong · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t follow.

[Angel M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Such a heart felt and genuine body of work written by a true sweet spirit. It is my prayer he is released from SQ

[Marine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly inspiring and heart-breaking. « Watching » as Jarvis grows from page to page is remarkably heart-warming and surely leaves a deep impression.

[Audiobook Accomplice (Gillian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a Bad Place? There’s ALWAYS Jarvis Jay Masters
My Full Review →

[Ufasaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

I found Javis’s book to be honest and vulnerable. I was inspired to find my own freedom in times of difficulty and rise up with compassion for myself and others.

[zora · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredibly moving. in awe of what this man has done and continues to do.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moved to action.

[Aaron Mumu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story is short, impactful, and emotional. Enjoyable even if you aren't an avid reader.

[Lorena Cunha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma história completa que te faz compreender e observar tudo o que aconteceu para ele chegar onde ele está. Existe uma mudança absurda na história de vida dele com o que ele aprendeu na prisão. O Jarvis é alguém que mora nos meus pensamentos desde que eu li esse livro. Sinto muito por ele estar onde está e estou sempre me atualizando do seu caso.

Estou lendo um livro da Pema e ela o cita diversas vezes. É uma história incrível!

[Sool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interessante...de facil leitura. Contudo, eu senti que o escritor deixa muitos assuntos em aberto ( e compreendo a opção do autor) mas gostava de saber mais sobre a experiencia e ouvir mais historias. Adorava um segundo volume, para saber mais sobre o destino deste homem e a sua descoberta da liberdade.