Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions 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:
https://www.zaltho.org/books/

To support us, please 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:

1:06 – How have you dealt with someone who holds resentment toward you?
2:22 – If you discovered that someone you know had been convicted of sexual assault, would it change how you view them?
4:16 – How do you work with judgment?
5:30 – Could you speak about obsession?
10:50 – Since becoming a monk and maintaining sobriety over that time, how has your relationship to your military service changed?
15:50 – What do you do when you feel low energy or negativity?
19:10 – Does discomfort ever feel overwhelming to you?
23:04 – Why did you decide to leave the monastery after three years?
24:18 – How does your practice show up when you feel the urge to hide?
24:52 – Was it easy for you to leave the monastery?
25:40 – On the path of healing and transformation, who inspires you?
29:50 – Would you say that leaving the monastery was part of your path to awakening?
33:50 – When receiving information, can you say, "That is none of my business"?
34:45 – Do you mind when others find you inspirational?
38:15 – In your journey toward awakening, what has been the greatest challenge?
43:30 – How do you support people who don't want to wake up?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions 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:
- AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003, also as ebook and audiobook)
- Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, also as ebook and audiobook)
- On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024, also as ebook)
- Applied Zen- A Short Guide to an Active Meditation Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2025, also as ebook)

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:

01:20 — How do we practice sleeping meditation?
03:04 — Is there a point at which you would refuse to enjoy the art of an immoral artist?
06:50 — Will you watch the football playoffs?
09:19 — What does "dharma transition" mean to you?
11:00 — What does it mean to be human?
16:18 — Are you aware of any unhealthy behaviors you engage in?
17:45 — Because we are always thinking, is this why we need to wake up?
27:00 — What draws you to areas of war and conflict?
29:46 — Do you believe it is possible to overcome one's conditioning by spending time with others whose conditioning is different?
31:12 — Is being busy a way of avoiding presence?
32:56 — Is there a reason not to follow the breath in and out during sitting meditation?
36:53 — Is emptiness the same as impermanence?
38:35 — What facilitates awakening?
40:40 — If we educate children about uncertainty, how can we do so without creating fear?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - responds to questions 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:
https://www.zaltho.org/books/

To support our efforts, please 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:

1:15 In what way is it important for you not to take yourself too seriously?

5:39 When I am deeply concentrated, I sometimes lose awareness of my body. How can I best work with this

8:28 Would you recommend preparing for war or a breakdown of infrastructure? If so, what would you suggest doing?

12:22 Have you ever researched near-death experiences

14:09 Would you share your perspective on parenting

18:22 I once heard from someone working in hospice that life is never more vibrant than in places where people are dying. What has been your experience?

20:40 Have you ever had a supernatural experience?

22:03 My previous question referred to your experience accompanying others while they were dying. Could you speak more about that?

25:43 What can I do with this feeling of pain in my chest when facing disease, decay, death, and ultimately saying goodbye?

30:48 How do you work with feelings of resentment and cultivate compassion for those who cause suffering and destruction on a large scale?

35:37 In the Heart Sutra it states, "no suffering, no cause, and no end to suffering." Does this contradict the Four Noble Truths?

40:42 In your experience, is it easier to live your commitments openly as you grow older than it was when you were younger?