Claude AnShin Thomas RELEASE DATE: JUNE 2019

Biographical Information Online Media Claude AnShin Thomas is a combat veteran www.zaltho.org turned monk, author and speaker who commu- [email protected] nicates Zen Buddhist Teachings in an unreligious Claude AnShin Thomas - manner. Direct and drawn from life, with a deep Wikipedia rooted sense of compassion and humor, he embodies https://en.wikipedia.org/ his passion for Zen , inspires interest and wiki/Claude_AnShin_Thomas provokes curiosity. Tricycle Magazine book review of “The Enemy Within” Work in the World https://tricycle.org/maga- Dedicated to supporting efforts to bring an zine/enemy-within-2/ end to and an awareness of the culture of “Finding Peace after violence among individuals, families, societies a Lifetime of War” and countries, Claude AnShin currently article by Claude divides his time among the U.S., Europe, AnShin Thomas South America and Asia. His life is in service https://www.lionsroar.com/ to those who are suffering in the world, finding-peace-after-a-life- especially as a result of war and other forms time-of-war/ of violence. However, his intimate and deep Working with demobilized understanding of the nature of suffering has guerrilla fighters in Colombia YouTube video “Being in allowed him be a servant to all. He regularly the World Without Misery” visits people in hospitals, schools and prisons; he communicates with gang members, with Claude AnShin Thomas guerrillas and refugees and leads meditation retreats at sites of suffering in the hope https://www.youtube.com/ of bringing fuller awareness to the impact of violence on society. watch?v=5IJSQPcb3Mc

Work with Veterans Scholarly Work

Retreat with Veterans, Ocean Claude AnShin is dedicated to For the past two years Claude AnShin Wood, Maine - November 2018 serving the veteran community and has been a guest teacher and scholar- their families by facilitating healing in-residence for the fall semester retreats around the country. at Moravian College in Bethlehem, At these gatherings veterans, their and Allegheny College spouses and children, are able to in Meadville, Pennsylvania. begin the process of turning their His undergrad class, “Change Your lives around. Additionally, due to Mind, Change the World,” is an intro- the success of these retreats, his duction to and book, “At Hell’s Gate,” has been translated into Spanish thereby continu- meditation and how these nurture ing to spread its marked impact within the veteran community. Due to societal transformation by addressing the blessing, trust and support of a significant donor, AnShin has been the roots of war and violence on a able to be more active in focusing on the real cost of war by helping personal level. professionals in the medical and psychological service sectors connect In addition to teaching an introduction with scholars at Universities to expand awareness of Moral Injury as to the history and philosophy of something real and palpable. Buddhism, AnShin offers students As a result, there is growing awareness that post-military experience the on-going opportunity to learn and must be treated on more than just a medical model. This awareness is practice meditation and to reflect on now accompanied by a growing advocacy within the medical profession the issues war and peace in the con- as well as the willingness to explore a more rounded approach to the text of their own lives. He also makes care and treatment of veterans. This includes the understanding that himself available to the wider college healing is not merely the absence of suffering, it is learning how to live community by a weekly med- in a more conscious and conscientious relation to it, while also utilizing itation group and being available as a those aspects of the established modalities that are effective. guest speaker. Education Publications

Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania Books Bachelors program in English Education, 1968 – 1974 “AT HELL’S GATE, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock Pennsylvania A Soldiers Journey Masters Program in English, 1978 – 1980, No Degree From War To Peace”, Shambhala Publica- Lesley College, Cambridge, Massachusetts tions, USA Masters Program, Business Administration, 1982 – 1984 (Also translated into Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania several other languages Honorary Doctorate in Divinity - 2017 to include German, Italian, Chinese Korean Religious Education and Spanish) Three years of study (1990 – 1993) as a Lay The Little Yellow Book, Buddhist Practitioner, Plum Village, France Indra Publishing, Italy – Abbot, Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace, Two years of study (1993 – 1995) as a Novice Koa Books, USA Monk, of , Yonkers, The Best of Buddhist Writings – 2007, New York, Abbot Baisen Tetsugen Roshi , USA Three years of advanced study (1995 – 1998) The Best of Buddhist Writings – 2008, Zen Center of New York, Yonkers, New York Shambhala Publications, USA Transforming Terror, University Empowerments and Degrees Press 1974 Bachelors of Science, English Education

1974 Awarded Professional Certificate to Teach Magazines / Newspapers English in Secondary Schools in Pennsylvania Shambhala Sun, The View, Turning Wheel, 1984 Masters of Science, Business Administration The Engaged Buddhist Reader, The Mindful- 1994 Novice Ordination as a Zen Buddhist Monk, ness Bell, The Sun, , The Auschwitz, Poland Concord Journal, The Oregonian, The Journal Star, The Kuai Times. (A more extensive list 1995 Full Ordination as Buddhist Monk, can be provided upon request) Zen Center of New York, Yonkers, New York 1998 Made a Full Holder, White Plum (authorization to teach) 1999 Received DenKai, White Plum Lineage Awards (authorization to ordain others) Winner of the 2005 Omni Media, Nautilus Book Award for best Autobiography/Memoir 2017 Honorary Doctorate in Divinity Winner of the Spirituality and Health Magazine award for Best Spiritual Book 2005 Finalist for the National MS Society/Suzie Ormon, Books For A Better Life Award

Military Awards and Decorations Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal (It is the highest honor a soldier can receive for an act of valor in a non-combat situation), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, 27 Air Medals (two with V Device for Valor), , Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Viet- Year Transition Retreat at The Magnolia Zen Center in Mary Esther, FL namese Campaign, Good Conduct Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit commendation, Information about setting up a visit to the Magnolia Zen center Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor or inviting Claude AnShin to facilitate an event contact: Medal, First Class Unit Citation Badge, Unit [email protected] or Kenshin Andersen, [email protected] commendation Badge.