16. 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 [email protected]. 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?

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 [email protected]. 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?

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 [email protected]. 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?

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 [email protected].  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?

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 [email protected]. 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?**

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 [email protected]. 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?

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 [email protected]. 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?

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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: 2:15 – Do you take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha? If so, how do you practice this? 5:59 – How is the current weather where you are? 7:40 – If you were speaking to a group of kindergartners, how would you explain the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha? 9:15 – What gives you hope? 13:07 – I am concerned about honoring someone who may not have wanted me to do the Ceremony for the Dead for them. What would you advise? 17:03 – Is there still space in the pet cemetery, and do you offer or recommend cremation? 18:32 – In cases of injustice, do you believe reparations are appropriate? 22:57 – Do you have any recommended readings? 26:50 – Do you think crises in families, partnerships, countries, or the world are necessary for growth or development? 35:40 – Do insights gained through meditation have lasting consequences? 37:28 – Could you speak about the precept of non-killing in relation to the euthanizing of animals?

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 [email protected]. 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?