Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.