ZalthoLIVE - Claude AnShin Thomas

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: 1:05 Do you believe it is important to live in solidarity with others? 2:50 Is it ever appropriate to break contact with a person? 6:05 In the Heart Sutra, it states that "Nirvana is already here." How is this true in the midst of war and violence? 9:20 What is the difference between compassion and enabling? 14:40 Do you ever find yourself at odds with people who are ideological? 17:35 Do you ever get stuck on an "idea" of a person? 27:45 If people commit unspeakable acts of violence, do you write them off? 29:30 Do we live in a bubble that we can break through with practice? 31:05 Do you think it's useful for German schools to prepare students for a shooting? 33:59 How can I create a connection with someone who has killed others? 39:12 Is it possible to be a police officer without a gun? 39:55 What is the value of life?

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: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?

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: 1:19 What positive qualities did you receive from your parents? 3:58 Do you ever play board games in a group setting? 5:28 How do you work with the more uncomfortable parts of yourself that you inherited from your father? 7:30 Do you also lead recitations during the Saturday online sitting meditation? 9:54 Living in my country feels demanding and challenging, especially as a sensitive person. Do you have any suggestions for working with this reality? 20:13 When your heart is broken, how do you work with that? 30:27 I was stung by a bee, and now the bee is suffering and will likely die. I don't know what to do—how would you respond in this situation? 32:48 Would you be willing to share about your time in Hamburg? 36:00 When you live your principles out loud, do others sometimes experience it as an attempt to convince them? 37:23 Where did the "not-nice person" you once referred to yourself as go? 39:48 Do you think aggressive and violent behavior is an issue related to the male gender?

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, pease 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: 1:08 – Do you have any contact with anyone from your time of service in Vietnam? 2:14 – Are you reading anything at the moment? 6:07 – What would you say to someone who has a terminal illness? 10:07 – Did you ever face difficulties because you were being authentic? 11:49 – Do you use AI? 14:45 – How do you work with transitions? 17:15 – Could you speak about the perception that consequences are only punitive? 22:26 – When consequences in a conflict feel limiting, how should one respond or behave? 28:00 – How would you respond to someone who is ill and believes that God is punishing them? 30:09 – Why did you leave Plum Village, and are you still in contact with anyone from that time? 37:07 – What does transforming anger look like to you? 39:28 – What is your personal understanding of the meaning of terminal illness, if it is not a punishment from God?

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, and author - responds to questions from veterans based on his decades of Zen practice and his life experiences to include war. 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 period of questions & responses during a 5-day veterans retreat in March of 2020 to address the consequences of military post-traumatic stress. 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 audiobook) - Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021, 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: 1:07 When I choose not to speak about certain things, is that avoidance or acceptance? 1:28 Is avoidance always something I should avoid? 16:57 Should I stay or leave the retreat? 18:10 Could you share more about what it means to surrender? 22:46 Is it possible to truly redeem oneself? 29:10 How can one find balance in life? 34:00 How do you relate to suffering? 52:06 Do you ever miss being a soldier?

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, 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 - 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 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?

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. 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 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/ 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 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/ 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:1:16 Could you speak on the relationship between enabling and compassion? 2:57 What is violence? 5:05 What remarkable features characterize violence especially in its subtle manifestations? 7:23 What would squandering one's life look like to you? 9:28 What if the consequences of somebody's action cause me harm or my family, or the environment that I live in? 12:52 How did your neighbor react to your comment and did they continue to drive over the box? 13:32 Can there ever be peace after war? 14:38 What does healing mean for you? 15:23 When you replace a motor on a washing machine, and it works, does that bring you peace? 16:46 When you do things like repair something, do you listen to any music? 17:11 What is an example of peace in war? 18:24 Do you experience a sense of adventure or a sense of coming home during your travels?