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 on October 27th, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherland where Claude AnShin Thomas gave a public talk and answered questions from the audience.

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 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:
46:36 – How do you feel about your mother?
49:08 – Are you more aware now than when you first began your practice?
53:02 – What changed for you that led you to become ordained?
56:54 – Why don't you like the word compassion?
1:00:23 – Why did you stop practicing martial arts?
1:03:40 – Could you talk about the "Caring Professionals" retreat?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - speaks about recovery from addiction in relation to Buddhist practice and 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 at an online talk as the keynote speaker at an online summit conference of the international Buddhist Recovery Network.

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:


31:28
 Could you describe the two types of karma? And how do you spell "Mara," and what does it mean?
33:30
 You mentioned that we don't really have choices. Could you say more about that?
35:06
 What is the second part of making one's bed in the morning?
35:50
 I am curious about your pilgrimage from Poland to Vietnam—could you share more about that?
39:12
 What can I do in response to the rise of authoritarianism in the United States?
42:20
 Could you explain the logic or purpose behind making one's bed in the morning?
44:37
 How did you work through or heal from your war wounds?
46:29
 Do you still attend AA meetings?
47:00
 Could you tell us about your experience studying in a monastery?
48:20
 Sometimes I can sit easily; other times it's difficult. How should I work with shorter or more challenging sitting periods?
50:40
 What do you recommend for those of us who live alone and tend to stay in our heads a lot?
52:00
 Regarding sitting with suffering—did you learn to do that on your own or with others?
53:55
 Do you believe addiction can be cured?
56:20 
Can you recommend any books that have been helpful to you?

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, peace activist, 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 on September 14th, 2025 after Claude AnShin Thomas' weeklong visit to Odessa, Ukraine and a 5-day pilgrimage in and around Cologne, Germany.

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, 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/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:

1:09 — How do you work with ambivalence?
1:47 — How do you deal with people who are inattentive?
2:53 — In addition to waking up, is sitting also a practice for reducing suffering?
4:48 — Does ambivalence manifest as resistance?
5:23 — Are you afraid of rejection?
6:00 — What kinds of reflections have arisen for you after your recent visit to Ukraine?
7:24 — Can you tell us what will happen tomorrow as you begin your pilgrimage?
8:55 — Do you think it's helpful to work with the nervous system and how it stores trauma responses?
9:40 — What is your experience of walking in silence during pilgrimage?
11:02 — Would you be willing to share something about your trip to Ukraine and your time with Washin?
17:40 — During pilgrimage, did you sing out loud or remain silent?