At the age of 17, Claude AnShin Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War as a helicopter crew chief. He was honorably discharged at the age of 20 and was awarded numerous medals, including a Purple Heart. After battling severe post-traumatic stress, isolation, and addiction, he discovered Buddhist practice and began intensive training and study. In 1995 he was ordained as a Zen Buddhist monk in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition. Claude shares his story with Rev. Temple Hayes and discusses the nonprofit organization he founded called the Zaltho Foundation, which is dedicated to the peaceful transformation of conflict, violence, and trauma in individuals and groups.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices