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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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?