Buddha Behind Bars - A Memoir

Faced with a two-year federal prison sentence far away from her home and family, Collin Ruiz took her Buddhist vows and dedicated her years of incarceration to developing her Buddhist practice. A women’s federal prison became her monastery.

Everyone feels trapped or imprisoned at times. Collin reminds us that even when we can’t control our circumstances, we always control our outlook and our reactions. Her prison journey shows that shifting our relationship to our situation can be healing, regenerative, and even inspiring to ourselves and others.

Author Biography

Faced with a two-year federal prison sentence far away from her home and family, Collin Ruiz took her Buddhist vows and dedicated her years of incarceration to developing her Buddhist practice. A women’s federal prison became her monastery. With a Master’s degree in Nutritional Science, Collin continues to research the powerful connection between nutrition and vitality (both physical and mental). In addition to diet and health-related issues, Collin’s clients look to her for spiritual insights as well as wisdom gained from a rich life experience as a single parent, counselor, and life-long learner. Collin has private clients and conducts workshops and retreats throughout the year.