Thomas-JoShin Söchtig, 62, has been on the Zen path for 40 years. He received lay ordination from Kobun Chino Roshi and Dharma transmission from Vanja Palmers. Thomas-JoShin is the father of three adult children. His professional life has been varied; he worked for a long time as a nurse in hospitals and psychiatric clinics. He also completed vocational training in a skilled handcraft. He has worked for security firms for several years as a bouncer. Together with his Chinese wife, he helps leading the "Zendo am Fluss" in Lucerne, which is under the patronage of Vanja Palmers. His understanding of Kobun Chino Roshi’s legacy is: "Simply sitting upright in perfect Zazen."