Once called “the most intriguing African-American Buddhist” by Library Journal, Rev. angel Kyodo williams Sensei 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. 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. Recently becoming only the second black woman to be recognized as a Zen teacher, she is known for her unflinching willingness to both sit with and speak uncomfortable truths. angel 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.
Even though we don't like to admit it, fear governs much of our lives. From major decisions about life and love to whom we make eye contact with on the street, fear holds us captive to events of the past and wary of the unknown future. Thankfully, the Heart Sutra, a profound and much-loved text offers simple instructions on how to release ourselves from the rule of fear. Now it's time to apply it.
