This is a topic that Claude AnShin Thomas - fully ordained Zen Buddhist Monk in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition - reflects on with a group of university students. 

This episode was recorded during a zoom class.

Claude AnShin Thomas: What you all do, what  living a Buddhist life is like, why you have chosen such a life?

Question #1: How do I live in the present moment when I know that I will die, and I don't know when? (Min 21) Question #2: what are your thoughts on using meditation practice 2 reduce anxiety? (Min 23)

Question #3: How does being a Buddhist impact your daily life and decision making? (Min 27)

Question #4: How do you find acceptance around somebody dying before their time or dying young? (Min 33)

Question #5: What are your thoughts on the current situation of the world right now and the war that is going on?

Question #6: What is the ultimate peace? (Min 41)

Question #7: Why is meditation so difficult sometimes, even when you want to meditate? (Min 43)

Question #8: If you could expand your community into different places in the world where would you like to see it expand? (Min 46)

Question #9: What can an atheist or someone with no belief in a God learn from Buddhist practices? (Min 48)

Question #10: How important is vegetarianism and veganism to Buddhist practice? (Min 51)

Question #11: When you started on this path did you have a goal, and did you achieve that goal? (Min 55)

Question #12: Did you see a difference before and after the pandemic for why people sought out your help and guidance for retreats and teachings? (Min 56)

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