Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living With Fearlessness and Grace
by Angel Kyodo Williams
Publisher: Viking
Price: $23.95

Most people believe their lives would be better if they lived more spiritually. Life would not be so frustrating. We could face racism, sexism, classism, and all of the people/institutions who want to inhibit us with renewed vigor. We could live without paralyzing fear, make better decisions and have better, deeper relationships with others.

Ironically, living an "ideal" spiritual life seems almost impossible. Who can give up all of her possessions and loved ones to follow a guru or enroll in a seminary? Are you knees opposed to spending five hours in meditation? How many of us are willing to leave our jobs and be a full time advocate for the hungry or the homeless? It often seems that only preachers, priest, holy men/women of various religions can truly claim to live spiritually.

This is one of the myths that Being Black: Zen And The Art of Living with Fearlessness and Grace seeks to dispel. Angel Williams contends that each of us is born with the tools/skills we need to live a spiritually enlightened life. Williams points to gifted athletes as an example. Michael Jordan may have been born with a natural talent/ability, but if he did not practice and hone his craft, he would not be the basketball star he is today. Even though each of us is born with the skills to live an enlightened life, if we just wake up morning and expect to "be spiritual" we will be disappointed. Spiritual enlightenment should not be looked upon as a goal in and of itself but as a continual process. It is through practice and the development of our natural skills that we attain the spiritual course we seek.

Though Being Black does approach spiritual enlightenment from the Zen Buddhism prospective, any person can follow this path with jeopardizing her own spiritual beliefs. The book does not ask or want you to become a Buddhist. The practices outlined in the book, though central to Zen Buddhism, do not conflict with Christianity, Islam, or any other religions. Moreover, William acknowledges that this is just one path to enlightenment and not the ONLY one.

Being Black also explores stumbling blocks to the path of spiritual enlightenment. Though a person may truly desire to change her life, she may actually resist changes because of fear. William holds a light up to our fear so that we can see where it comes from. Taking the mask off of fear and understanding where it comes from, we can move beyond it.

No matter who you are or where you are on your spiritual journey, Being Black can give you guidance and encouragement.