Zhaxi Zhuoma Rinpoche, the Abbot of the Holy Vajrasana Temple was able to visit with some of the Buddhist women waiting execution on “Death Row” at the largest women’s prison in the west, the Central California Women’s Facility at Chowchilla. There are almost 3,000 inmates in a facility designed to hold 2,000. However, that represents greatly improved conditions from the 4,000 incarcerated there a few years ago. There are 23 or 24 women on death row with five either practicing Buddhism or wanting to become Buddhists.

The picture above was taken on Mother’s Day as a special group of children left after finally being able to visit their mothers who were inmates at the prison.

Click for detailed account of her visit.