The simple yet powerful practice of bowing.Coping with uncomfortable emotions such as fear, guilt, and shame.Interspersed throughout the book are some of the author’s favorite quotes from Zen literature. Presented in 108 short, to-the-point, provocative chapters, this book offers essential instruction on sitting meditation practice and how it can inform our relationships, communication, conflicts, peace work, and more. Zen teacher, monk, and combat veteran Claude AnShin Thomas shares his experiences and insights into how Zen teachings and practice can move off the meditation cushion and into everything we do, transforming all aspects of our lives. Camillo Mac Bica, PhD, author of Beyond PTSD: The Moral Casualties of War book description “Wise and wonderful, this book is a potent source of inspiration and guidance for anyone interested in healing from trauma and moral injury, transforming ‘negative’ emotions and feelings, finding ‘peace in our unpeacefulness,’ and pursuing a more meaningful way of life.”

Genjo Marinello, abbot of Chobo-ji Zen Temple, Seattle “This book is a must read for anyone walking the path of peace and justice.” Hozan Alan Senauke, abbot of Berkeley Zen Center, author of The Bodhisattva's Embrace: Dispatches from Engaged Buddhism's Front Lines “Shorn of mystification and cultural accretions, this is an elegant book which I recommend to students new to Zen and to those who wish to go deeper.” Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Zen priest and author of The Deepest Peace and The Way of Tenderness “A simple, straight-forward invitation to go beyond using meditation as a tool and instead dwell in meditation until it pours from your skin and scents your breath-becoming the foundation by which you take action in everyday life.” Charles Johnson, winner of the National Book Award and author of Turning the Wheel: Essays on Buddhism and Writing This is a book, and a rare teacher, worthy of our trust.” “Claude AnShin distills the wisdom he has earned through the practice of meditation and a remarkable life devoted to the dharma, peacemaking, and serving others.

At Hell's Gate by Claude Anshin Thomas