Susan Shannon Steps into the Spotlight in San Francisco
Reverend Susan Shannon has been a beloved teacher with Sukhasiddhi Foundation for at least 10 years, sharing her insight and practical wisdom of more than 50 years of deep Vajrayana Buddhist study and practice with those in the Awake in the World classes.
But the calling card for significant recognition is her remarkable bodhisattva efforts serving as a Buddhist Chaplain to those on Death Row at San Quentin Prison, where her Buddhist Prison Ministry was born. It is this work that brought her to the attention of those organizing the events held in San Francisco 3 weeks ago to shine the light on death penalty legislation in California in conjunction with the 25 th anniversary production of San Francisco Opera’s commissioned opera, Dead Man Walking, based on the memoir of Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun’s searing story of grief, anger and compassion as she accompanied a man on death row to his death.
In collaboration with this new production of the opera, Susan was invited to be part of a panel of faith leaders speaking at a community program entitled Faith, Law & the Death Penalty that explored the issues of the death penalty from both faith-based and current policy/legislation perspectives. She was also invited to attend the final dress rehearsal for the opera, which premiered on September 14th.
In addition, Susan joined her colleagues to give a 3 minute speech at a press conference on the steps of San Francisco City Hall, asking Governor Gavin Newsom to show mercy and commute the remaining death penalty sentences of those in California.
Here is her powerful speech addressed to the governor.
I was blessed to work with over 1000 violent offenders during my time in San Quentin, through facilitating restorative justice programs and my Buddhist Prison Ministry on Death Row. Restorative Justice and Buddhism share the same principals - realizing interconnectedness, cultivating a kind heart, and living a life that benefits others.
The culmination of most of those programs was called the Victim Panel, where survivors of violent crimes were invited into the prison for dialog with incarcerated offenders of similar crimes. This dialog sometimes lasted for days. Painful as it was, everyone learned that the causes and conditions of each life are complex.
We learned what I call the 5th Noble truth, that Hurt People Hurt People, and that no one should be permanently defined by their worst moments.
We learned the difference between forgiving and forgetting - and that finding forgiveness through shared empathy and understanding births a wellspring of a new future, freed from a tragic past. We learned that confronting the pain can release the pain, and that healing one helps heal all. Shared stories and tears dissolved the harsh line between victim and offender, us and them.
All this done inside the prison walls. Imagine the possibilities for us on the outside.
Governor Newsom, our nation should not be permanently defined by one of its worst moments, that of implementing the Death Penalty.
You've already broken ground for a new justice system built on connection, not disconnection. You've proven you're willing to replace the outdated retributive methods of isolation, stagnation, even execution with the restorative tools of pro-social relationships through programs, humane living spaces.
You dismantled Death Row, giving the men who transferred out new opportunities through jobs, education, and socialization. Please continue this momentum and commute all Death Sentences while you can.
Provide more bereavement support for the families and victims of violent crimes, lets weave together our healing from both sides. Because really, it is Just. Us. We are all we have.
Thank you, in advance.
About Rev. Susan Shannon
Susan Shannon, M. Div., BCC has been “married to the Dharma” since 1971, first studying Chinese Buddhism, then finding home with Tibetan Tradition. She took refuge with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1980 and in 1983 took refuge and teachings with His Eminence Kalu Rinpoche, the great master of the Karma Kagyu and Shangpa lineages. Over the years she’s also taken refuge with some of Tibet’s greatest masters in the Sakya, Drukpa Kagyu, Dudjom Tersar and Nyingma lineages. LEARN MORE
