ZalthoLIVE - Claude AnShin Thomas

Zaltho Foundation
  • 5.0 (12)
  • Buddhism
  • Updated Monthly

We all desire happiness - what is good, pleasant right, permanent, joyful, satisfying, and easy. But life often brings frustration, dissatisfaction, incompleteness, and sorrow. This podcast channel offers talks and question-response-sessions from Zen Buddhist Monk, Vietnam Veteran, Author, and Peace Activist Claude AnShin Thomas. This is for everyone who yearns for understanding and for embodying the difference we want to see in the world. Let's embark together on a path of ending all wars and truly living peace. https://www.zaltho.org, info@zaltho.org

  1. Oct 9

    On the Relative and Absolute Realms, the Ceremony for the Dead and Navigating a War Zone (#87)

    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: 1:16 — What is it like being with your grandchildren? 1:37 — Has your purple rakusu ever been pressed? 2:20 — In the Ceremony of the Dead, the word evil is used. What is your understanding of evil? 6:30 — How did you navigate the relationship between martial arts and drug use? 10:45 — Could you explain the opening ritual in which you recite and bow in different directions? 14:30 — Your daughter-in-law says she doesn't know what you do. How would you explain your practice to her? 15:09 — Does not influencing your children leave them vulnerable to evil? 19:10 — When you travel to Ukraine or other places experiencing conflict, what do you do that helps you navigate those experiences? 29:00 — Martial arts and pepper spray are often used by women for self-protection. What are your thoughts on this? 32:55 — Which book or books are you currently reading? 34:55 — How do you reconcile the feeling that you aren't doing enough to save the planet? 37:35 — Could you speak about the absolute and relative realms?

  2. Sep 20

    On Spiritual Practice, Attachment, and Seeing the Nature of Things (#86)

    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: 1:25 — What do you do when someone belittles you? 4:23 — How would you respond to someone who says they have no need for spiritual practice? 5:05 — Has your practice, over time, given you the ability to see the true nature of things? 6:30 — Does having less attachment or favoritism toward what I like lead to a clearer mind? 9:30 — Is there a reason you say not to follow the breath into the body? 13:08 — Regarding inherited karma, do you think it's important to examine your past and your genealogy? 20:09 — What are your thoughts on self-care? 23:45 — When your mind starts telling you things, do you work through them on your own, or do you reach out to someone for support? 28:15 — When looking at your past, is it helpful to have a relationship with the person involved? 42:25 — Do you experience mood swings?

  3. Sep 7

    On Healing Past and Future Generations, The Roots of Sarcasm, and Working with a Busy Mind (#85)

    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, 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: 01:14 —What is your perspective on watching films? ** 03:20 —What is your perspective on experiencing suffering versus escaping it? ** 07:19 —If I am not interested in a particular TV series, is it better to not watch at all? ** 09:15 —How did you change your ideas of being a victim? ** 12:05 —Do you believe films contain important messages? ** 12:50 —How do you know when you are present and when you are not? ** 13:05 —Is it possible to be a frame of mind where Zen practice could be harmful to you? ** 13:55 —You said, "as you heal yourself, you heal those past and future generations?" How do you know that? ** 16:50 —Can someone be a Muslim and also a Buddhist? ** 24:15 What kind of personal experiences have you had with being dominated or controlled? ** 24:59 —Should we trust ourselves if we think we have our stuff together? ** 28:35 —How can you heal for future generations when you don't know them? ** 30:03 —Was it ever part of your conditioning to seek the approval of others? ** 31:50 —What do you do for fun? ** 33:10 —Are there pitfalls one should be aware of, where the ego can harm one's practice? ** 39:10 —What is your perspective on health professionals who are focused on fixing others? ** 44:38 —When your mind is busy, do you do anything differently? ** 45:59 —What is your perspective on people who are sarcastic?

  4. Aug 20

    On War, Addiction to Substances to include Adrenalin, and What Is Self-Reflection (#84)

    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, 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: 1:19 How have you been affected by the war in the Middle East? 8:08 How was it that you came to live in Iran? 12:30 When a country is attacked, would it be appropriate for the one being attacked to surrender to avoid more violence? 17:30 In a possible situation of domestic violence ...? 20:15 Is it important to celebrate Women's Day, or any other special day? 23:23 Do you have contact with anyone in Iran? 26:09 What was it like to buy drugs in Iran? 29:50 When sitting, do you always have the same position? 34:30 Is it possible to do too much self-reflection? 37:15 With your morning routine upon awakening, what is meant by spending time in self-reflection? 39:30 How is destructive behavior related to addictive behavior?

  5. Jul 22

    Changing Oneself and Learning from Mistakes; Working with Worry and War(#83)

    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.   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: 1:14 Do you have any suggestions to help with worry about family matters?  ** 2:43 Do you have behaviors that you previously were unaware of? ** 9:40 What is your response to someone who says, "My problem is external because bombs are falling"? ** 11:00 Do you find yourself missing something or someone from your past? ** 13:10 Are you inspired by Kshitigarbha to enter hell realms and liberate people? ** 16:40 How can I live with an open heart? ** 20:30 You mentioned a while ago that you have ordained others whom you would have not ordained today. Are you disappointed with them? ** 21:45 What kind of work are you doing at the Magnolia Zen Center? ** 23:00 Isn't changing behavior a consequence of making mistakes? ** 26:18 If the dignity of people is untouchable, how do you relate to having killed others? ** 32:58 How can I set boundaries? ** 36:31 If solutions and problems are not external, why would I need the external? ** 37:30 Can you say something about helping others versus serving others? ** 40:46 Is the aim of coaching someone to not be needed as a coach any longer?

  6. Jul 1

    On Boundaries, Presence, and How Liabilities Can Be Assets (#82)

    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: 1:10 What do boundaries mean to you? ** 4:25 When you listen to someone expressing intense suffering, what helps you to remain present?** 8:05 What do you know about a treatment called Emotional Freedom Techniques, used for former soldiers with post-traumatic stress?** 12:50 Being aware of your suffering, do you do anything other than simply observe the sensation?** 22:16 What does success mean to you today?** 29:25 What has your experience been in receiving gratitude?** 31:45 With a vow to "give up everything", do you notice what you are attached to, and if so, what is it?** 42:40 How did your greatest liabilities become your greatest assets?**

  7. Jun 10

    On Surrender, Generosity, and How to be of Service (#81)

    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, 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: 1:20 — What does it mean to be of maximum service, and how do you avoid exhaustion? 5:04 — At what point does something become political? 6:32 — In reference to Question 1, do you have few or many "no's" in your head? 12:12 — How much time would you invest in a flat you will only be in for two years? 16:30 — Is it difficult for you to rely on others' generosity? 23:11 — How does surrendering manifest itself today? 27:25 — Were you disciplined in elementary school? 31:25 — If a person upsets me, what should I do? 34:05 — Have you ever confessed to a priest?

  8. May 20

    On Suffering, Self-Awareness, and the Path to Responsibility (#80)

    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, 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: 02:50  How do you know if you are in self-pity or just feeling bad? 07:47  How do you respond to someone who is crying but it seems out of context? 10:40  How does one take responsibility for one's own privileges? 21:55  When you first came to Buddhist practice, did you have a goal? 23:20  I experience great resistance. Why is this? 27:15  What are privileges for you? 34:27  What do you think when hearing the term "white privilege"?  37:00  What do you think is the root cause of defensiveness? 38:36  How does your finger (injury) react to cold weather? 40:30  Do you follow the progress of the Buddhist "Walk for Peace" in the USA? 45:20 Is suffering mostly self-created?

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We all desire happiness - what is good, pleasant right, permanent, joyful, satisfying, and easy. But life often brings frustration, dissatisfaction, incompleteness, and sorrow. This podcast channel offers talks and question-response-sessions from Zen Buddhist Monk, Vietnam Veteran, Author, and Peace Activist Claude AnShin Thomas. This is for everyone who yearns for understanding and for embodying the difference we want to see in the world. Let's embark together on a path of ending all wars and truly living peace. https://www.zaltho.org, info@zaltho.org

Information

  • Creator
    Zaltho Foundation
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Zaltho Foundation holds the copyright of all audio content.
  • Show Website
    ZalthoLIVE - Claude AnShin Thomas