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?