From US Marine to Zen Monk [Documentary] 米海兵隊から禅僧へ [ドキュメンタリー]

"No amount of intellectual knowledge is going to satisfy the need for experience." . Hit right at home.

I was in the U.S. Air Force for 9 years and now I am a Theravada monk its great to see other service members on the path

I was a marine alongside him and even then he was called Raiden because of his knowledge of eastern philosophy . I’m glad he has finally chosen a life that gives him happiness . See you on the other side brother :)

I'm only a kid in middle school, but I want to become a Buddhist monk, I've had  this goal for a bit now. :D 

I was a US Army, 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper, after my service, I became a Peace Officer, graduated from law school while being a Peace Officer and in 1998-2000 I retired from it al. I too became a Zen Monk. The life I live today is without doubt, is the most rewarding time OF my life, meditation, self discipline learned from the my time in the military, patients and assisting others in need learned while in law enforcement, critical thinking skills brought for law school, have all come together in my Zen Practice. I love this video, I understand your decision to become a monk and I understand the feelings of joy brought about by your decision and practice; my family, local community, ( volunteer work) and myself Live a fuller, more rich and rewarding life because of the simple act of meditation. Thank you for your military service, thank you for your Practice and thank you for this video .... Three Deep Bows. From Yusan Yushin Zanshin Mill Valley California

from fighting for a country to fighting for your own liberation . youve come a long way , friend . Wish you all the very best !

You are not your thoughts, realize this and you will find peace.

Vietnam Veteran, I came home and became a Quaker. I have read many books by Thich Nhat Hanh and feel a strong spiritual connection to Tiep Hien. My first Quaker Meeting I knew I had arrived 'home' as Thay says. I remain a Quaker, but continue to feel that connection to silent meditation of Chan / Taoism. Thanks for this posting Hoa Binh.

Can't wait to see more like this! 

I went through a similar thing, i was working in banking, making decent money, but never satisfied or happy. As i moved up the ladder, i was getting more and more unhappy. I was studying Buddhism and spirituality. Then it happened one day. I kept asking myself, who i am? I was walking to work and then it happened. At first i was scared, i quit my job, left the girl i was seeing. Sat at a park bench and exercise frequently for 1 and a half year. Everything was so peaceful. Now i am going back to banking, but this time, i will bring my presence there and no longer looking for happiness externally.

Interesting. I am Theravada Buddhist but I sometimes go to a Zen temple. I didn't realize that Zen monks could be married and have children. There may be no rules against that in Zen but there certainly is in the other paths. That's one of the countless things I love about Buddhism; different paths but the same core dhama. Namo Buddhaya! Namo Sanghaya! Namo Dhamaya!

I'm a Marine veteran turned Buddhist. I know of only two other Marines turned monks. Look up Michael-Vu Nguyen and Darren Lamb. Proud of my brothers.

I'm retired Navy and I'm very interested in Buddhism. At my age I have discovered that I can not sleep at night. I started practicing mindfulness and I slept like a baby. I served seven years at Yokosuka. Too career minded at the time. I love Japan and I love their culture. My home is in the Philippines now.

It's incredible to read the comments and see how many fellow service members have this same mindset. Very inspiring.

i'm also a zen priest and will be moving to a temple in japan in a few days. i look at this film and see my life as very similar-although i have been a university lecturer and not a marine. i enjoyed the video very much. bowing, shodo

Many years ago (1989), whilst on a retreat, I met a monk from the Theravadan tradition - his name was Ahjan Anando. I couldn't help notice the indentation in the back of his head. It turned out that he had been a US marine and had served during the Vietnam war. He had been shot by a sniper in the back of his head but his helmet, and a lot of medical assistance, had saved his life. Whilst on R+R in Thailand he had been impressed by the lifestyle of the monks and eventually became one himself. I couldn't help but think about the strange way that his karma had unfolded. Sadly he died not long after I met him but he was a wonderful inspiration.

Homeless again, sleeping under an overpass, I too became a Zen monk. Only when I learned that being an Airborne Ranger could not fulfill my spiritual journey did I truly embrace the Zen path.

First thought was "I must consult with the elder gods." but props to this dude.

Not uncommon for former warriors to become monks

Many Samurai when they retired became Zen Monks. I am happy to see soldiers finding peace with themselves when they have found their Path.