Zen Can Demystify Even Being Black in America

books:


	• Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace Angel Kyodo Williams Penguin (Non-Classics), 2002 - 224 pages average customer review:based on 6 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

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.

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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

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Zen Can Demystify Even Being Black in America

Being an over 40 African American male dipping and dabbing in Zen for several years I read with Ms. Williams book with pride and anticipation, not to mention a small bit of skepticism. My skepticism being, how could she focus on being Black and still be true to Zen belief? But just as I thought, being Black had to take a back seat to her Zen way of life and principles. Ms. Williams did a great job in keeping the focus on the fact that she was a Black Woman mostly through pass experiences and tribulations. Responding to events with the knowledge and wisdom she possessed during that time in her life.

After a few chapters it became evident that she realized the time had come in her life to move beyond the personal heartache of racism and injustice in America. That Zen could allow her to be in it, but not of it. Minimizing the sting and ugliness of racism from a purely personal phenomenon to a universal sickness in the one. No longer being totally consumed, but living a wisdom that is much greater then the screen or projector. She did a wonderful job of introducing Zen in a basic and simple manner. A format that should help African Americans or anyone else that is looking for a path.

I rated this book a 3 only because I had read the outcome before opening the cover. The outcome being that yeah we can talk about Blackness and the hardships endured, but once introduced to the wisdom of Zen. You have no choice but to move the debate from the centricity of I to the universality of we.

Ms. Williams keep up the good work and I pray and meditate that the African American Zen community continues to grow.

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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.

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reviews: page 1, 2

Being Black has gained an enthusiastic following in African American and Zen communities. Angel Kyodo Williams shows black Americans how to develop a "warrior-spirit" of truth and responsibility that can lead to happiness and personal transformation. The principles and tools she offers provide a framework for addressing the African American community's unique worries, hopes, challenges, and expectations. Williams uses an eloquent, hip, and honest approach to share personal stories, time-tested teachings, and simple guidelines that invite readers of all faiths to discover how to step into the freedom of a life lived with fearlessness, grace, and fluidity.

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