Turning the Wheel

Essays on Buddhism and Writing

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, African-American Studies, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism, Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Turning the Wheel by Charles Johnson, Scribner
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Charles Johnson ISBN: 9781439125830
Publisher: Scribner Publication: June 15, 2010
Imprint: Scribner Language: English
Author: Charles Johnson
ISBN: 9781439125830
Publisher: Scribner
Publication: June 15, 2010
Imprint: Scribner
Language: English

"Were it not for the Buddhadharma, says Charles Johnson in his preface to Turning the Wheel, "I'm convinced that, as a black American and an artist, I would not have been able to successfully negotiate my last half century of life in this country. Or at least not with a high level of creative productivity." In this collection of provocative and intimate essays, Johnson writes of the profound connection between Buddhism and creativity, and of the role of Eastern philosophy in the quest for a free and thoughtful life.

In 1926, W. E. B. Du Bois asked African-Americans what they would most want were the color line miraculously forgotten. In Turning the Wheel, Johnson sets out to explore this question by examining his experiences both as a writer and as a practitioner of Buddhism.

He looks at basic Buddhist principles and practices, demonstrating how Buddhism is both the most revolutionary and most civilized of possible human choices. He discusses fundamental Buddhist practices such as the Eightfold Path, Taming the Mind, and Sangha and illuminates their place in the American Civil Rights movement.

Johnson moves from spiritual guides to spiritual nourishment: writing. In essays touching on the role of the black intellectual, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Ralph Ellison, Johnson uses tools of Buddhist thinking to clarify difficult ideas. Powerful and revelatory, these essays confirm that writing and reading, along with Buddhism, are the basic components that make up a thoughtful life.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"Were it not for the Buddhadharma, says Charles Johnson in his preface to Turning the Wheel, "I'm convinced that, as a black American and an artist, I would not have been able to successfully negotiate my last half century of life in this country. Or at least not with a high level of creative productivity." In this collection of provocative and intimate essays, Johnson writes of the profound connection between Buddhism and creativity, and of the role of Eastern philosophy in the quest for a free and thoughtful life.

In 1926, W. E. B. Du Bois asked African-Americans what they would most want were the color line miraculously forgotten. In Turning the Wheel, Johnson sets out to explore this question by examining his experiences both as a writer and as a practitioner of Buddhism.

He looks at basic Buddhist principles and practices, demonstrating how Buddhism is both the most revolutionary and most civilized of possible human choices. He discusses fundamental Buddhist practices such as the Eightfold Path, Taming the Mind, and Sangha and illuminates their place in the American Civil Rights movement.

Johnson moves from spiritual guides to spiritual nourishment: writing. In essays touching on the role of the black intellectual, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Ralph Ellison, Johnson uses tools of Buddhist thinking to clarify difficult ideas. Powerful and revelatory, these essays confirm that writing and reading, along with Buddhism, are the basic components that make up a thoughtful life.

More books from Scribner

Cover of the book Rosemary and Bitter Oranges by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Rethink by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Raising Human Beings by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Devils in Exile by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book The Reckonings by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Reporting Always by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Death of an Expert Witness by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Thinner by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book A Measureless Peril by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Toby over Moby by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Debriefing Agent Zero by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book We Eat Our Own by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book Natural Feasts by Charles Johnson
Cover of the book The Best American Poetry 2006 by Charles Johnson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy