ZalthoLIVE - Claude AnShin Thomas

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, peace activist, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses in spring 2022. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Zen monk Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Zen Book recommendations:-       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, also as audiobook) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003, also as audiobook) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/zen-books-by-zen-monk-claude-anshin-thomas/ To support, donate. If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: (1:47) How is the Zaltho Zen community responding to the ongoing war in Ukraine? (12:30) As someone living in Hungary, there's a real possibility that the war could reach us. What should we do if that happens? (18:18) What emotions arise for you when you see images from the war in Ukraine? (25:16) What advice would you offer to President Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian government, and the Ukrainian people?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, also as audiobook) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003, also as audiobook) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/zen-books-by-zen-monk-claude-anshin-thomas/  To support, donate.  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: 1:11 Are you initiating a new lineage? 2:14 During your pilgrimage from Auschwitz to Vietnam, did you encounter any teachers who were especially meaningful to you? 3:33 How do you sustain your curiosity about everything? 5:32 From your perspective, what makes a community truly meaningful or healthy? 7:04 How do you define self-esteem? 7:38 Do you believe that with heightened awareness, one can sense the movement of the planet? 8:36 Are there aspects of your conditioning that actually support your practice? 19:15 How do you care for yourself while also meeting the demands of others? 21:30 When I face an obstacle, should I focus on solving it directly, or shift to doing something different? 25:31 How do you recognize when your practice has weakened? 27:46 What is the current situation with COVID-19 in the U.S.? 32:46 Do you allow your practice to guide how you navigate your feelings? 36:55 While walking in Bosnia, were you aware you might be crossing a minefield? 46:18 Did your experience of living on the street help prepare you for being on pilgrimage?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, also as audiobook) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003, also as audiobook) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/zen-books-by-zen-monk-claude-anshin-thomas/ To support, donate. If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: 01:14 – How has your spiritual practice affected how you relate to your body? 06:25 – Would you share a time when you intentionally practiced self-denial? 09:13 – How did you deal with the violence you experienced as a child? 11:34 – What’s your experience with what people call “wisdom”? 11:53 – How do you define delusion? 12:12 – Is action the absolute realm, and ideas the relative realm? 16:50 – What’s the purpose of the precept of chastity? 18:37 – What do the scrolls behind you say? 19:15 – Have you ever had an experience where the world told you the opposite of what you believed or saw? 21:13 – If action and observation are so different, what’s the value in just observing? 24:03 – Why do the icons on the altar have different hairstyles and robes? 25:19 – When you act spontaneously, are you ever afraid of making a mistake? 28:01 – Would you talk about building the zendo? 33:19 – Do you know when the drum was added to the Kan Ro Man? 34:29 – Has the way you do the Buddhist services changed over the years?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - speaks with veterans on the themes of personal transformation, the complexity of war, and the deep moral and spiritual inquiry reflected in the questions—while remaining short, impactful, and thought-provoking. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) - AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/zen-books-by-zen-monk-claude-anshin-thomas/ To support, donate. If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps:1:24 What was your process of discharging from the Army after the Vietnam War? 4:35 Would you expand on the topic of being both a victim and a perpetrator? 9:16 Would you speak on the practice of bearing witness? 12:25 How would you say the various war conflicts differ or are similar? 15:20 How do I sit with the realization that I am my own enemy? 18:42 Do you believe veterans deserve a special treatment? 23:00 How to you speak with people who are living in a country at war about the fact that violence is not a solution? 26:45 Did you educate yourself before you went into Bosnia Herzegovina?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/ To support, donate.  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: 1:05 – What impresses you with Fayan Wenyi’s teachings? 1:16 – What is your perception of Pope Francis? 1:52 – What do you think of institutions of churches in general? 2:43 – When I remain silent, how can truth be recognized? 3:02  – What would you say is the difference between intellectualization versus study of a teaching? 4:14  – What is your position on dispute and on arguing? 6:13 – When you were on pilgrimage, what was it like to be refused when asking for food, shelter, or basic needs? 8:07 – Have you ever had any conversations with chaplains in the military about their role? 9:46 – How do you keep yourself from feeling superior? 11:38 – What is humanness for you? 12:23 – How has the transition been traveling from New England to Florida this last week? 13:41 – Do you ever talk about others errors and faults and if you always abstain from blaming and criticizing others? 15:23 – How important is it to take a break, relax, or to restore yourself? 16:24 – With getting older have you become more patient or impatient? 17:15 – Have you been inspired by Thomas Merton or Enomiya-LaSalle? And if so, how?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Zen monk Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Zen Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024)   https://www.zaltho.org/books/ To support, donate. Questions and Time Stamps: 1:16 What does the word “manifestation” mean to you?2:45 What is the purpose of your observation about your cushion that you just shared? 7:10 Would you speak about your experience losing someone close to you? 14:28 Is there a specific ritual you do when a human or natural disaster occurs? 16:30 When you go to a prison, how do you work with the inmates? 18:30 Who or what supported you in becoming a better communicator? 24:46 What is Vietnam-Veterans-Day and what does it mean to you? 26:59 Is having a passion for practice ever problematic? 30:06 How did you start meditation groups in other countries? 38:06  Is following a daily series of specific actions a useful practice? 40:08 How do you relate to passion? 41:18 How do you deal with expecting too much of someone else? 47:50 Do you have an interest to go to Russia?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations:  - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) - AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/ To support, donate. If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: 2:31 How come you don’t sit Sundays during the online retreats with the Ukraine Zen group? 3:04 What is your relationship with sincerity? 4:39 After so many years of practice do you still plan things in your mind while sitting or rehearse the past?  7:52 When you are confronted with suffering, no matter from people or animals, do you sometimes get trapped in feelings like being desperate? 13:09 I am curious if you experience low moods for longer time periods? 16:28 How do you encounter physical pain? 20:08 What do you think about the notion of weeds in the garden?  23:23 Would you be willing to speak about your time in the peace movement? 28:49 Since nothing is purely bad, what can you see as a positive attribute of arrogance? 29:39 I am trying to decide if I should kill the rats in my yard? 33:20 Do you consider doing another pilgrimage?   33:33 What do you mean when you state that someone has to invite you for a pilgrimage? 34:58 How can I make sure a teacher is not trapped in conditioning, so I can trust his or her teachings? 37:17 How does what is going on in Germany look to you as an American?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations:  - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021)- AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/ To support, donate. If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. 1:13 How was the feedback and resonance with your event last year in Amsterdam? 2:46 Have you experienced any of the violence in Amsterdam that took place last year? 3:42 Do you expect your students to not mention you as their teacher? 4:52 How does one negotiate how much silence to have in one’s life? 6:06 Would you speak more about the compassion you developed for your mother who showed violence to you when you were a child? 6:57 What do you think about memorial services for the historic day of the Reich’s Progrom Night in Germany? 9:31 Are you concerned with all the happenings in and around the world? 10:26 Do you have any plans to get on the road on you motorcycle when you your are in the US? 10: 38 Is it important to practice in one lineage with one practice and not dabble around here and there? 11:24 If a public memorial service falls into one of our practice times, should I go to the memorial service or come to practice?  13:09 In the mornings I recite the Four Great Vows; in the evening I recite the life-death-verse. Should I change something?  14:02 Did I understand it correctly that Cleo was a cat? 14:29 Have you ever had to put one of your pets to sleep? If so, did you stay with the animal during the euthanasia? 15:26 After experiencing the euthanasia of a cat several times, does it get easier?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations:  - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) - AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you.Questions and Time Stamps: 1:23 When a person gets killed who has done many terrible things, should one celebrate their death? 2:09 How do you differentiate the inner voice that gives good advice and the one that keeps one trapped in suffering? 2:34 When does it happen to you that you don't see what the world is telling you? 3:16 Would you talk about it or give an example of the decision that past trauma can become an asset? 5:11 What is the point to answer a person who always asks the same questions? 5:39 Did you do a specialized therapy to address the consequences of your mother’s violent behavior toward you? 7:25 Can competitiveness be a good thing or is it always best not to compare oneself with others? 8:24 Is part of the healing process to “re-feel” the feelings of the child that has been abused? 10:28 When the neighbor across the street verbally assaulted you, were there any feelings when you didn’t respond violently or agressively? 12:12 When you no longer have to react  the same way to certain events, isn’t that the freedom through practice? 12:45 Would you share your thoughts on the precept of not being stingy with the Dharma? 13:19 When I am asked to provide instructions on the form of meditation, should I always say yes no matter the circumstances 14:08 Do you think that it is important to make mistakes so we can develop ourselves? 14:37 Do you still repeat mistakes? 15:31 Are all practical things spiritual? 15:44 Is there a difference between mistakes and errors? 16:26 When you make a mistake, do you feel embarrassment, humiliation or shame? 16:45 How is it to be back at the Red Maple Zen Center in Italy? 17:47 The room that you are in looks like it is an ancient structure. Can you describe where you are physically?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations:  - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021)- AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/ If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you.Questions and Time Stamps:1:49 Is it necessary to be barefooted when doing sitting meditation? 3:05 I do sitting meditation in the dark prior to going to bed. Does the amount of light matter? 3:58 How has it been for you working with restless energy? 4:45 Would you say your experience with also having leadership that it goes along with some form of sacrifice? 6:08 Sometimes I find it so difficult to sit with restless energy. Do you have a recommendation? 7:44 Is the 99 percent of the time when I am distracted from paying attention to my breatht a waste of time? 8:30 Have you been able to stay present to your breath for the full period of sitting? 8:50 My breathing and  heartbeat sometimes get quicker during sitting, and I try to get this into a more even pattern, but that then becomes stressful. 10:05 When you have a period of sitting where you didn’t get distracted at all, do you say to yourself, “great job.”? 10:57 How did you spend your birthday? 12:49 You have said that, “If you think you are enlightened, then you are not.” Is it possible to know when one is enlightened? 14:33 Do you feel a difference when you do listen to that small inner voice? 15:20 Why do you emphasize making your bed accurately ? 17:25 How do you teach that commitment to children?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/   If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you.   Questions and Time Stamps: 2:18 Why were you referring to “your” son and “that” grandson? 3:09 How do I work with my ego taking over when I have achieved many goals? 4:51 Does impermanence sometimes frighten you? 6:07 Would you be willing to share some of your experience about the sentence, “As I am, the world becomes.”? 8:12 Is there anything that we can possibly think that is indeed the way we think it is? 9:24 Would you be willing to speak on the process that you use for choosing a dharma name for a student? 11:01 Is there something that scares you? 14:49 How would you work with somebody who cannot physically sew a rakusu (lay robe) because of being disabled? 16:18 How would you feel about me throwing in my sewing skills 16:50 What role does friendliness play in Zen practice? 18:28 What is your take on “false pride”? 19:52 Do you find you can learn more about people in a silent retreat than you can by having a conversation with them?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021)- AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps:1:16 Could you speak on the relationship between enabling and compassion? 2:57 What is violence?   5:05 What remarkable features characterize violence especially in its subtle manifestations?   7:23 What would squandering one’s life look like to you?   9:28 What if the consequences of somebody’s action cause me harm or my family, or the environment that I live in?  12:52 How did your neighbor react to your comment and did they continue to drive over the box?   13:32 Can there ever be peace after war?   14:38 What does healing mean for you?   15:23 When you replace a motor on a washing machine, and it works, does that bring you peace?   16:46 When you do things like repair something, do you listen to any music?   17:11 What is an example of peace in war?   18:24 Do you experience a sense of adventure or a sense of coming home during your travels?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations:- Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021)- AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/ If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps:1:30 How come it is sometimes difficult to just go ahead and do something? 2:05 What are the current requirements to study with you? 3:42 Do you have a secret to keeping the one breath in mind and not losing it? 4:54 What do you think of this movement of manifesting your life and of connecting it with quantum physics, does this work? 5:37 What is the role of courage? 7:00 Would you share something that was important at the beginning of your practice? 8:26 What can I do about feeling more safe about going into the unknown? 9:35 What would you say is the difference between the need for approval and insecurity?  11:23 What has become clear to you recently? 12:37 Which experiences did you make with feeling excluded and the desire to belong? 14:51 How would you define healthy relationships? 

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://www.zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) https://www.zaltho.org/books/  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you.   Questions and Time Stamps: 1:27 How do you deal with defiance today? 2:06 When experiencing physical or emotional pain, should I relate to that as an opportunity? 3:29 Is it your impression that aggression and violence in this society (and war) is increasing? 4:25 Do you have any suggestions on how to maintain mindfulness without constantly drifting away? 4:57 When you have physical pain what is the moment for you to see a doctor? 6:07 In what way does a board-of-director-retreat differ from a regular retreat? 7:09 Do you see a difference between inner and outer hindrances on the spiritual path? 7:53 If there is no spiritual path, could you have stayed then with alcoholism and drug addiction? 8:53 Do you feel that a lay practitioner can enhance their practice by attention retreats regularly? 10:44 Can avoidance or denial sometimes be helpful? 11:51 Do you believe that denial or avoidance can sometimes protect people from emotions that they are unable to handle at that time? 13:10 How do you understand courage today? 14:02 What is the difference between being clear and being dominant? 16:35 How do you go about establishing priorities when you have multiple responsibilities or tasks? 17:58 If the list of priorities stresses me, how can I do it better?18:19 Do you think that people with a propensity for addiction should also maintain a twelve step participation?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to info@zaltho.org. Book recommendations: - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -  AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps: 1:19 Would you share your view on assisted suicide?   2:28 Are blame and praise obstacles?   3:34 Is assisted suicide a form of violence?   5:15 How come you prefer to not use the work ‘transition’?   5:43 What is failure and how can I accept it?   6:50 What is your perspective on meditation that involves visualization?   8:13 What have you recently learned from the cats that live with you?   9:04 What is your understanding of self-compassion?   9:14 Do you still sometimes isolate yourself?   9:45 Are contemplation and self-reflection the same?   10:26 Did you stop taking drugs immediately or in a process?   11:29 Do you read fiction?   12:13 Is it possible to keep one’s energy completely stable?   13:18 Does practice help to find a place of rest within activity?   13:42 Can selfishness and self-compassion be confused?   14:02 Would you speak about attachment?   15:00 What has been a recent book of fiction that you have read?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions from students in an inspiring manner based on his Zen practice and life experiences. He reminds the listener how to stay awake to life and understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind.   This episode was recorded during a weekly online meeting of questions & responses. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question: info@zaltho.org. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you. Questions and Time Stamps:1:11 Is seeking pleasure a selfish desire? 1:24  Do you think that it is important to experience times when nothing seems to give stability or security?   2:22 Can certain actions be characterized as showing both selfish and unselfish desire?   3:06 I am interested to know with sitting meditation if it is at all important what we wear?   4:02 How do you prepare for a public talk?   5:19 What drew you to the Buddhist tradition you are practicing in in contrast to another Buddhist tradition?   6:53 If there is no soul, no separate self, what do you believe which part that is being reborn?   8:29 What if I like to divert from the recommended 5-minute-sitting morning and evening to sit sometimes longer or also sit at different times of the day?   9:38 Sitting meditation helps me to get me out of hamster-wheel-thinking. Is it okay to practice it like that?   10:14 How has the desire for extinction manifested in your life?   10:58 In the two monasteries where you trained, were the instructions on how to breathe during meditation practice identical or different?    11:27 What was the reason at the first time you were asked to getting ordained to say no and the second time to say yes?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - speaks on the topic “Bringing Meditation to Life” during a public talk in October 2023 in Germany. He addresses his own inherited karma and how Buddhist practice helped him to transform that karma. Today his life is based in being-of-service. "When healing occurs to self, all past generations experience healing”, states Claude AnShin Thomas.  The questions at the end of the talk include such as:  - How important is it to have a teacher?  - How has your view of death and dying changed from the perspective of your Buddhist practice? - How does the world become better through Buddhist practice? You can find ZalthoLIVE on all major podcast channels: Apple, Google, Spotify, AmazonMusic, and Audible and also here:  https://zaltho.org/en/media/podcasts-zaltholive.html For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question: info@zaltho.org. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question: info@zaltho.org Book recommendations:  -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) -       On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024)
 https://zaltho.org/en/media/our-books.html

You can find ZalthoLIVE on all major podcast channels: Apple, Google, Spotify, AmazonMusic, and Audible and also here: https://zaltho.org/en/media/podcasts-zaltholive.html These are questions and topics that Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - reflects on. He reminds the listener of how to stay awake to life and how to understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded during a weekly zoom session of questions&responses. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question: info@zaltho.org Book recommendations:  -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) https://zaltho.org/en/media/our-books.html  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you.   Questions and Time Stamps: 01:15 You said that Keith received the Dharma name “DaiShin”. What does this name mean? 1:44 DaiShin, how was the ordination process for you?  2:08 Was there any issue with the administrators of the ordination location (concentration camp Dachau, Germany)? 3:16 Would you speak a bit about ‘commitment' and how the quality of commitment has changed in your life as a monk? 5:11 To review our personal past: is this just a sign of attachment or can it be healthy? 7:00 If I feel hurt by something someone has said, is it important to let them know? 9:44 How do you “surf the urge” when you have a craving?  12:14 Where is this refrigerator (re:previous response) standing now? Is it still existing? 13:17 Do you think at some level you and the refrigerator are connected? 13:32 Could you share with us what has maybe been the happiest day of your life? 13:56 Do you think inanimate objects such as cushions and refrigerators have consciousness? 14:21 What about the consciousness of plants? 15:26 Do you know the feeling of shame about your supposed weakness in connection to your traumatization?  17:40 Is it about falling right into the shame and to feeling it?

You can find ZalthoLIVE on all major podcast channels: Apple, Google, Spotify, AmazonMusic, and Audible. These are questions and topics that Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - reflects on. He reminds the listener of how to stay awake to life and how to understand more deeply the traps of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded during a weekly zoom session of questions&responses. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question: info@zaltho.org Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) https://zaltho.org/en/media/our-books.html  If you are interested in a specific question, this is the list of questions that Claude AnShin responded to and the time stamps for those questions so that you can go directly to the topic that is of most interest to you.Questions and Time Stamps: 1:15 What is the significance of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth? 2:07 What kind of internal dialogue or questions did you have when you began with sitting meditation? 3:01 Do you want to control processes sometimes? 4:22 Was there a difference for you between following instructions in the military and following instructions when you started in that first monastery? 5:42 What is the difference between control and discipline? 6:45 What do you do if a situation or a person is emotionally challenging you? 7:39 How long did it take for you to learn to sit in meditation (facing the wall) without worrying what might be coming from behind you? 8:29 What does time mean for you in your daily life and also in a Buddhist context? 11:43 When you went from practicing in the first monastery to the second monastery, under a different teacher and somewhat different school, how did you deal with any differences in the instructions you were given? 12:54 What was necessary to leave the life on the street? 13:51 Can you explain the statement that you said earlier that control is being forced into something that one is not comfortable with? 15:02 Do you find that the practice of paying attention is generally adequate to lead to the most appropriate response, for instance in a difficult situation? 16:20 Has anger also a good side? 16:53 Is there a difference between controlling someone when you are a like teacher or a parent with a child or student instead an adults when they are on the same level?

On Vietnam Veterans Day, 29 March, Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, Vietnam combat Veteran, and author - gave a talk to the employees of a cancer-biotech company. Their interest was that Claude AnShin Thomas’ own journey of healing and transformation of the wounds of war mirror the turbulences and peace finding efforts in high stakes crisis and hardship of many people, to include cancer patients.  For more information: https://zaltho.org/ Contact Email: info@zaltho.org Book recommendations: -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021)-       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003)https://zaltho.org/en/media/our-books.html