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?