The Camino Medio Soto Zen Community (CSZCM) has submitted the project “Seeds of Peace - Meditation and Coexistence in Correctional Facilities” to the 2025 grant call of the Pluralismo y Convivencia Foundation, under Spain’s Ministry of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with Parliament.

This call supports initiatives that strengthen coexistence, religious freedom, and pluralism, while preventing intolerance and discrimination based on belief.

In this context, our proposal seeks to bring zazen (seated meditation in the Zen tradition) into a particularly sensitive environment: the correctional system.

A project to cultivate serenity in confinement

“Seeds of Peace” arises from the wish to cultivate inner peace, coexistence, and freedom of conscience among people deprived of liberty. Through weekly meditation sessions, thematic workshops, and human accompaniment, the project aims to offer direct experience of calm, self-knowledge, and mutual respect.

The initiative builds on CSZCM’s stable collaboration with the Villena Correctional Facility, where meditation courses have already been offered with very positive reception from both inmates and staff. This previous work supports the project’s feasibility and continuity.

Program content

The program includes:

  • Weekly zazen sessions with groups of inmates.
  • Educational workshops on attention, compassion, and coexistence.
  • Development of teaching and audiovisual materials to support practice.
  • Volunteer training for accompaniment inside and outside the facility.
  • Possible participation of some inmates in CSZCM retreats, subject to institutional authorization.

The planned duration is twelve months, with a volunteer team coordinated by Daizan Soriano, Zen teacher and educator with correctional-context experience.

Pending resolution

The proposal has been formally submitted to the Pluralismo y Convivencia Foundation under the grant line for minority religious entities.

The maximum requested amount is EUR 10,000, covering 75% of the total budget, complemented by the community’s own resources and contributions.

The project is currently under evaluation. If approved, it will run throughout 2026, strengthening Soto Zen Buddhist presence in spaces of social transformation and human accompaniment.

“Seeds of Peace” expresses CSZCM’s commitment to society and to the view that zazen can be a path of liberation, even where freedom is limited.

In gassho,
Camino Medio Soto Zen Community