At Hell's Gate: A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace

A deeply personal memoir by Zen Buddhist monk and Vietnam War veteran Claude Anshin Thomas, recounting his transformation from a combat helicopter crew chief to a peace activist and spiritual teacher.

In At Hell’s Gate: A Soldier’s Journey from War to Peace, Claude Anshin Thomas offers a raw and moving account of his experiences in the Vietnam War, his subsequent emotional collapse, and his remarkable path toward healing and inner peace. The narrative blends coming-of-age memoir with spiritual reflection, exploring how trauma, mindfulness, compassion, and Buddhist practice helped him confront the horrors of combat and transform his life. This expanded paperback edition includes discussion questions for reading groups and a new afterword reflecting on the challenges faced by modern soldiers returning from conflict.