Vernon Kitabu Turner

Vernon "Kitabu" Turner is an African-American Author,Poet,Zen master and Martial artist who was born to Christian parents in Portsmouth, Virginia (1948). He embraced Christ at nine years old after a profound personal experience which ignited his contemplative nature. Poetry became his early voice. At age 17 he ran away from home to New York City where he was tested by gangs and earned the nickname, "Karate," for his ability to fend off assaults.He graduated from Eastern District High School in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, where his poetry and prose caught the attention of school officials.

While a student at Queens College, Turner met Zen master, Nomura Roshi under mysterious circumstances. Nomura taught him to sit zazen. The Zen fragrance forever perfumed his writings and life. Turner still writes poetry , has published fiction, and is proficient in non-fiction books. His works have been praised by Linda Goodman of "Sun Signs" fame and Dan Millman, "The Peaceful Warrior", among others. Sadguru Sant Keshavadas charged him with bridging the gap between East and West. Turner is an authentic voice of Christian Zen.