Being Black

Zen and the Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace

Part of Compass

Look inside
"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 confront African-Americans every day, Being Black teaches us how a "warrior spirit" of truth and responsibility can be developed into the foundation for real happiness and personal transformation. With her eloquent, hip, and honest perspective, Williams—a Zen priest, social activist, and entrepreneur—shares personal stories, time-tested teachings, and simple guidelines that invite readers of all faiths to step into the freedom of a life lived with fearlessness and grace.
"More than just a paean to Buddhism, it is also a call for Black Americans to look inward."—The New York Times
Angel Kyodo Williams is an ordained Zen priest and founder of the Urban Peace Project. She has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, and Essence, and is a columnist for Ms. View titles by Angel Kyodo Williams
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: The Nature of Our Existence
1. Four Simple Truths
2. Three Wonderful Treasures
3. Three Serious Poisons
Part II: Steps for Creating a Spiritual Life
4. Awakening the Warrior-Spirit
5. Laying Pure Foundation
6. Walking the Path
7. The Profound Act of Being Still
Part III: Living Every Day with Fearlessness and Grace
8. Lovingkindness: Discovering Compassion
9. Mindfulness: Grace and Seeing Things as They Are
10. Fearlessness: Claiming Your Warrior-Spirit
11. Wake Up: A Call for Transformation
12. Suggestions for Further Study: Pointing the Way



An Explanation of the Characters
Index
s

About

"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 confront African-Americans every day, Being Black teaches us how a "warrior spirit" of truth and responsibility can be developed into the foundation for real happiness and personal transformation. With her eloquent, hip, and honest perspective, Williams—a Zen priest, social activist, and entrepreneur—shares personal stories, time-tested teachings, and simple guidelines that invite readers of all faiths to step into the freedom of a life lived with fearlessness and grace.

Reviews

"More than just a paean to Buddhism, it is also a call for Black Americans to look inward."—The New York Times

Author

Angel Kyodo Williams is an ordained Zen priest and founder of the Urban Peace Project. She has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, and Essence, and is a columnist for Ms. View titles by Angel Kyodo Williams

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I: The Nature of Our Existence
1. Four Simple Truths
2. Three Wonderful Treasures
3. Three Serious Poisons
Part II: Steps for Creating a Spiritual Life
4. Awakening the Warrior-Spirit
5. Laying Pure Foundation
6. Walking the Path
7. The Profound Act of Being Still
Part III: Living Every Day with Fearlessness and Grace
8. Lovingkindness: Discovering Compassion
9. Mindfulness: Grace and Seeing Things as They Are
10. Fearlessness: Claiming Your Warrior-Spirit
11. Wake Up: A Call for Transformation
12. Suggestions for Further Study: Pointing the Way



An Explanation of the Characters
Index
s