Reverend Angel Kyodo Williams Sunday, February 16, at Rock Blossom Sangha
Dharma Teacher Dennis Bohn shares this invitation from the Rock Blossom Sangha*** "Dear New York Sanghas, It gives me the joy to let you know that Reverend Angel Kyodo Williams will be joining us for our gathering on Sunday, February 16, 2014, at our normal time of 6:30 PM. We first became aware of Rev. Angel in an article in BuddhaDharma Magazine titled "Why is American Buddhism So White?" Rev. Angel's insights were jaw-droppingly incisive to this person. As a sangha, we have spoken with one another around this issue, and look forward to hearing from Rev. Angel.
Here is a bit of her biography:
Once called “the most intriguing African-American Buddhist” by Library Journal, angel Kyodo Williams has been bridging the worlds of spirit and justice since her critically-acclaimed book, Being Black: Zen and the Art of Living With Fearlessness and Grace, signaled a shift in the perception of American Buddhism as all white and upper-middle class. She leads the way for an explosion of interest in people of color practicing Buddhism and meditation. Ordained as a Zen priest, she returned to her activist roots and began applying wisdom teaching to social issues to become a leading voice in the ever-emerging field of Transformative Social Change.
For over 15 years, Rev. angel has deeply invested her time and energy to put into practice her unwavering belief that the key to transforming society is transforming our very own inner lives. She recently became only the second Black woman to receive transmission as a Zen teacher. Both fierce and grounded, she is known for her unflinching willingness to both sit with and speak uncomfortable truths. She notes, “Without inner change, there can be no outer change. Without collective change, no change matters.” Whether in writing, teaching, or speaking, her voice is unique.
Related Content:
The Core of Belonging
In this profound conversation, Tami Simon and Rev. angel take a deep look at how society shapes our sense of belonging—and how we can all take back the power to belong for ourselves.
Living the Questions: Why 2020 Hasn’t taken Rev. angel by surprise
A companion conversation in the On Being episode that has been re-aired for the third time — Krista catches up with Rev. angel Kyodo Williams on how she’s keeping her fearlessness alive through pandemics and rupture.
The World is Our Field of Practice — On Being w/ Krista Tippett
This prophetic conversation, which Rev. angel Kyodo Williams had with Krista in 2018, is an invitation to imagine and nourish the transformative potential of this moment — toward human wholeness.
Head, Heart, Gut, Groin – half/day sit [excerpt]
“… why do we practice? Well we practice to be able to withstand the truth of that. That there is no answer. There is no book. There is no script. If you get to the Jedi mountain, & they burned all the books, what will you do then?”
Rev5 💫 a strength to love justice+civil war
sliding toward a full two years in a pandemic, with an Omicron surge and a perhaps reluctant turning of a corner into endemic, entitles one to more rest to process, heal, and integrate.
Rev5 💫 wrapping up BIG
the past month was full of transitions that were, for me — ever the introvert that happens to speak publicly — unspeakable thus far. still, I’m grateful for every person who takes the time to read these words, scan the stories, and hopefully benefit from a share or two of what moves me. I’m grateful for a platform to say directly, simply: thank you.
Featured Event
January half/day SIT
a simple practice of spaciousness, love & liberation led by Rev. angel