Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace

by Angel Kyodo Williams

Book Overview

"Honest, courageous... Williams has committed an act of love."--Alice Walker

"A classic."--Jack Kornfield

There truly is an art to being here in this world, and like any art, it can be mastered.

In this elegant, practical book, Angel Kyodo Williams combines the universal wisdom of Buddhism with an inspirational call for self-acceptance and community empowerment. Written by a woman who grew up facing the challenges that...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140196307
• ISBN13: 9780140196306
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

insightful

an insightful reading that calls for much introspective work and our tendency to make things external when we need to focus on the internal

Encouraging words when I needed them

I found "Being Black:Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace" to be exactly what the doctor ordered. The Book is written in a language that is clear,to the point, and easy to understand. Free from the "psycho-babble" that some books on Buddhism tend to be bogged down with, 'Being Black..." is written in such a way that I felt the author empathized with other Black people who find themselves alone on the Buddhist path and in life. Sharing in the problems we as Black people sometimes face in our family and social settings.Touching on the negative self talk that we sometimes indulge in.Showing how we can be our own worst enemies at times. Don't get me wrong-anyone and just about everyone can benefit from reading this book, regardless of race or spiritual path. It teaches,inspires,comforts,and is even entertaining in some parts. I highly recommend this book to all who are on a spiritual quest to improve their lives.

A rare glimpse into the heart of a woman.

Rarely are we able to look into the life of a person who is as honest and sincere in the telling of their story. This book goes far beyond the how to of ZEN and fixes its sights on the why. She manags to articulate her defining moments and bring the reader in to draw parallels in their own experience. I literally laughed and cried throughout this book. It is not often that we are able to see a black person in their full spectrum of human being. This book is in direct contrast of popular cultures simplification of the African American. A Mexican-American male's perspective

a white male perspective

This is an insightful and beautifully written book about the mystery and challenge of being. It is eloquent and readable, full of both wonder and clarity. I have bought copies for my 2 daughters, as high school and college graduation presents. Deepest thanks to Ms. Williams for gifting us with such a special, insightful "guidebook" for the warrior spirit in all of us.

Spiritual Awakening

The book was a gift in every way. Ms. Williams has demystified the East and made Zen down to Earth. As an African- American woman, I've been searching in vain for a spiritual home. Thanks to Ms. Williams, I think that I've found one. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for guidance on her/his spritual path.

THE DHARMA UNFOLDED

"being black" is not all that it seems. Angel Williams has eloquently expressed in her a book a statement of the revelance of Buddhism for African-Americans. She clearly lays out the foundational philosophical principles of Buddhism and shows how it can be adapted in African-American lives. All of us want to live in fearlessness and grace. Williams explains an alternative pathway for this to finally unfold. "Being Black" is a book that should have been written years ago. Buddhism in the United States has all to often been seen as the repository of white intellectuals. Very few African-Americans were in its fold and Buddhism wasn't considered as an other option for the spiritual growth of Blacks. Angel Williams has opened the door to the Dharma and the invitation is out to come and explore Buddhism. She is not preachy nor does she disrespect other religious traditions. You are provided another way of viewing and developing your spirituality. I thoroughly enjoyed her book and hope others will follow in examining, exploring and digesting its contents. Of special note are the varied resources and web sites that can be accessed to give you even more information. Her chapter on meditation and the varied postures is a gift well worth opening.