13. 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 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?