These are questions and topics that Claude AnShin Thomas - fully ordained Zen Buddhist Monk in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition - reflects on. He reminds the listener of how to stay awake to life and how to understand the trappings of a deluded mind more deeply.

This episode was recorded during a zoom questions&response session with a German-speaking audience.

For more interesting information: https://zaltho.org/

If you want to ask a question: [email protected]

Want to read up on this topic? Book recommendations:

• Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice
• AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003)

https://zaltho.org/en/media/books.html

(1:05) Q: Other teachers do “Dharma talks”. What is your understanding of this and how do you work differently with the topic, such as in the Questions and Responses?

2:03 Q: Do you perceive pressure and how do you deal with it?   8:15 Q: Is my wish to want to feel connected also a conditioned expectation of what the world should be and another disguise for my suffering?   10:44 Q: How do you relate to what is your intuition today in contrast to before your Buddhist practice?   13:09 Q: Is vulnerability needed to be human in its full range?   16:31 Q: How was your trip to Miami and the people you met there?   21:46 Q: What do you think of the current situation in Europe, specifically how Russia may take the war to other countries?   24:05 Q: Is there something in yourself where you feel connected to your younger self, emotionally or with feelings from then?   27:53 Q: Do you put a lot of stock in first impressions?   29:00 Q: How come you and KenShin are separated by your screens?   31:50 Q How can you tell the difference between watching things unfold versus the stories we tell ourselves that confirm our bias?