“Over the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a chaplain in the San Mateo County jails, going in nearly every weekend. Even now, I still feel a bit nervous each time I enter. Part of that is natural—walking into an environment of incarceration carries a certain weight—but for me, it’s also personal. I’m somewhat claustrophobic, so stepping into that confined space can be challenging. Yet, despite that, I genuinely love this service and feel deeply called to continue. 

What I’ve found inside has been incredibly moving. The men I meet are overwhelmingly appreciative. Many of them have a Christian background, but they’ve never been exposed to the kind of Eastern philosophy and practices I share—teachings centered on mindfulness, self-awareness, and what I often think of as “the art of suffering”: how to navigate difficulty with clarity, steadiness, and inner strength. For some, it’s a completely new perspective, and you can see that it lands as something meaningful—sometimes even transformative. 

It’s hard to overstate how valuable this is in that setting. Incarceration is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through, and to be able to offer even a small tool for peace, reflection, or resilience feels incredibly worthwhile. Some of the men ask for books, some begin exploring meditation, and many simply appreciate having a space to reflect and be heard. 

Personally, this service has deepened my own understanding in ways I didn’t expect. Teaching these principles has required me to truly internalize them. It’s strengthened my ability to be present, mindful, and grounded—not just in the jail, but in my daily life as well. 

I’ve also been grateful for the support of the San Mateo County Service League. They are organized, responsive, and genuinely committed to making these programs available. There’s also a strong sense of community among the chaplains—we often gather before sessions, sharing and supporting one another, which adds another layer of meaning to the experience. 

All in all, this has been one of the most challenging and rewarding services I’ve ever undertaken. Despite the discomfort, I look forward to going back each time—because I know it matters.” 

Kent Putnam, a Buddhist provider in the facilities