Folsom Prison Update

In October I was fortunate enough to get to visit James Hecker at Folsom prison. He is doing very well, and so are his attempts to spread TCC in the prison itself. He has two classes each weekday morning and each class has approximately 20 students. So all told he has over 200 students being exposed to TCC each week! The composition of the classes is variable and they are taught under some difficult circumstances. Not all of the students appeared interested in continuing their own practice, but in each class there appeared several who were sincere. James says these students would approach him after or during class to receive more specific instruction. James also has several independent afternoon classes with serious minded students including all of the advanced students he uses to “model” during his morning classes.

The effects of TCC are already being noticed. The Athletic Department office area was a very unsafe area of the prison prior to James getting involved with them. Now the room is quite peaceful and resembles a chess club. One of the advanced students had problems with his spine which caused him to walk with a bent back and a stooped head. Today he walks completely erect and one cannot see any evidence of his previous condition. Another of the advanced students that I met was quite sincere and has a very gentle demeanor. James later told me this person had tendencies towards violence prior to practicing TCC. I could go on. Words really cannot describe the interest and effect TCC is having at Folsom. I can only relate that it reminded me of the story Justin tells of seeing the flower growing on the harsh rock face of the mountains above Albuquerque. Thanks to Justin, Ed, Tara and other teachers for helping with the introduction of TCC into Folsom.

– Doug Harned
Campbell, CA

* * *

I have received many letters from teachers who have seen the Folsom Prison tape. Apparently they were touched as much as I was by the unfortunate plight of those who are in there.

Actually, it is Ed Altman who should receive the praise. He took off from his work and, at his own expense, went and stayed in the town of Folsom while he worked to turn James Hecker — who had practised TCC for several years (having been originally taught by long-time teacher Tara Stiles) — into an accredited teacher. James writes that one-sixth of the large Folsom prison now does TCC! They also do meditation from my book Meditation for Healing. Hope other prisons follow suit.

Ed plans to return to Folsom in the future to fan the flames of what has been started. Doug Harned and Tara Stiles will be helping him in this task. One of the officials at the prison wrote me about the splendid results they are getting with TCC.

– Justin Stone