ZalthoLIVE - Claude AnShin Thomas
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, [email protected]
On Grief, The Practice of Letting Go, and Ethics in Everyday Spiritual Practice (#89)
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 GA...
On Fear, Taking Responsibility and Seeing Where We Connect (#88)
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 GA...
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- AT HELL'S GA...
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- AT HELL'S GA...
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
https://www.zaltho.or...
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
https://www.zaltho.or...
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 [email protected].
https://www.zaltho.org/books/
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- AT HELL'S GA...
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
https://www.zaltho.or...
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
https://www.zaltho.or...
On Compassion, Human Connection, and the Ethical Challenges of Living in a World shaped by Violence and Ideology (#79)
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 GA...
How To Live the Dharma Today, On Refuge, Relationships, Crisis, and Non-Killing (#78)
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.zal...
Navigating Challenges and Awakening: On Resentments, Judgments, Obsession, and Showing up to Practice (#77)
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.or...
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 GA...
Living Fully:Commitment in an Uncertain World (#75)
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.or...
On Truth, Finding One's Voice, Skillful Means, Visiting the Ukraine (#74)
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 GA...
What We Inherit, How We Practice, and How We Meet Suffering (#73)
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 GAT...
On Not Setting Goals, Being Overcritical, Repairing Hurt, and Obsession (#72)
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 GA...
On Authenticity, Illness, and What Practice Asks of Us (#71)
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 HE...
On Practice, Awareness, Ordination, and Compassion (#70)
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...
On Addiction Recovery based on Buddhist Practice (#69)
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...
On Ambivalence, Attention, Resistance on Pilgrimage and in a War Zone #68
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 wa...
Claude AnShin Thomas with Veterans on Acceptance, Surrender, Balance, and Indecisiveness
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...
Useful Responses on the War in the Ukraine (repost from March 2022)
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 in spring 2022.
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 [email protected].
<...On Community, Self Esteem, Problem Solving, and Walking on Pilgrimage
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
On Self Denial, Wisdom, Delusion, Chastity and Making Mistakes
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Bringing...
Bearing Witness to War: Reflections on Violence, Identity, and the Path to Peace, Claude AnShin Thomas Speaks With Veterans
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021)
- AT HELL'S GATE - A...
6.On Silence, Arguing, Being Rejected, Arrogance, and Getting Older
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- ...
On Manifestation, Loss, Communication, Passion, Expectations, and Daily Routines
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 [email protected].
Zen Bo...
On Sincerity, Working with: a Busy Mind, Powerlessness, Low Moods, Physical Pain, Rats, Real Teachers
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Brin...
On Silence, Compassion for One's Parents, Concern for the World, Euthanasia of Pets
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Brin...
On Our Inner Voice, The World Is Telling Us, Trauma Can Become An Asset, Freedom Through Practice (#58)
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Brin...
Questions on Sitting and Breath, Leadership, Listening to One's Inner Small Voice, and Teaching 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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Brin...
On Fear, Friendliness in Zen, Puffed Up Ego, Becoming, and Silence (#56)
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- ...
Not Squandering One's Life, Subtle Manifestations of Violence, and the Meaning of Peace and Healing (#55)
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- B...
On Staying Focused, Zen Study, Belonging, Healthy Relationships, and Feeling Safe (#54)
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Bri...
On Dealing with Defiance, Emotional and Physical Pain, and Having Courage
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 [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- ...
10. On Assisted Suicide, Praise&Blame, Self-Compassion, Failure, and Attachment (#52)
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://zaltho.org/
If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question, please feel free to write to [email protected].
Book recommendations:
- Bri...
About Selfish Desires, Seeking Stability, No Soul, Sitting Meditation (#51)
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://zaltho.org/
If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas a question: [email protected].
For more information: https://zaltho.org/
Book recommendations:
- ...
Bringing Meditation to Life (#50)
Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - speaks on the topic "Bringing Meditation to Life" during a public talk in October 2023 in Germany.
He addresses his own inherited karma and how Buddhist practice helped him to transform that karma. Today his life is based in being-of-service. "When healing occurs to self, all past generations experience healing", states Claude AnShin Thomas.
The questions at the end of the talk include such as:
- How important is it to have a teacher?
- How has your view of death and dyi...
