6. From Busyness to Being: Questions on Presence, Dharma, and Transformation (#76)

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: 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 [email protected]. 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 [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: 1:18 What impact has telling your war trauma story over and over had on you? 8:28 What has made the past days where you are currently staying feel powerful? 11:17 How do you ensure that you have access to the conditioning from your early childhood? 13:43 Do you find spiritual value in photos from the past? 18:11 Would you share what you mean by "skillful means"? 21:23 In that example of skillful means, how are you not being entirely truthful? 22:58 For KenShin: What has it been like to host a teenager at the Center? 26:24 I have a good friend who is Jewish and feels unsafe in Germany due to increased antisemitism. I sometimes feel selfish just sitting and observing my breath in response to my sense of helplessness. Are you familiar with these feelings, and how do you work with them? 31:48 When you give instructions on sitting meditation, do you follow a set sequence, or do you present the information differently each time? 34:51 When you are traveling, what does it mean to have a place to return to, such as the Magnolia Zen Center? Does it feel like home? 38:18 When you were in the Ukraine, did you sense anger, victimhood, or blame in the people you interacted with?

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: 1:19 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 [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: 1:26 – In past instructions, you've said to "notice how thoughts and feelings come together to form perceptions." Why do you emphasize this less lately? 2:52 – I heard you suggest to someone that sitting practice may help with sports. Do you think it's beneficial to emphasize goals or results? 5:23 – Do you think the same applies to sitting practice? (continuation of 2:52) 5:57 – What helps you avoid overusing the idea of "taking it easy"? 8:46 – How can I stop being overly critical? 10:37 – How can I avoid being superficial? 15:26 – What are your thoughts on marriage? 18:58 – What is the background of breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth, and when—if at all—would you recommend transitioning from nose to mouth breathing? 21:40 – Is there a reason meditation groups tend to be made up mostly of older people? 24:01 – Are your sitting instructions the same for a child as for an adult? 28:07 – How can I repair the hurt I have caused someone? 29:58 – How has your transition back to the U.S. been after your trip to Europe? 35:40 – How is your unexplained desire to go to the grocery store similar to a heroin addiction? 38:06 – How do you decide whether to buy something more expensive that may last longer versus a cheaper option?

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, 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 - 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 [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 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 [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:
 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 [email protected]. 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?

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 [email protected]. 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?