13. ZalthoLIVE: On Fear of Dying, Not Being Controlling, Anchors in Our Lives, Healthy Detachment, Changing Through Practice

These are topics that Claude AnShin Thomas - fully ordained Zen Buddhist Monk in the Japanese Soto Zen tradition - reflects on. He reminds the listener of how to stay awake to life and how to understand the trappings of a deluded mind more deeply. This episode was recorded during a zoom questions&response session. For more interesting information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask a question: [email protected] Want to read up on this topic? Book recommendations:  -       Bringing Meditation to Life - 108 Teachings on the Path of Zen Practice (Oakwood Publishing 2021) -       AT HELL'S GATE - A Soldier's Journey from War to Peace (Shambhala Publications 2003) https://zaltho.org/en/media/books.html Questions and Time Stamps: 1:07 What has become clear to you since beginning your current retreat, or pilgrimage (commitments in Europe), rather? -- 2:12 I am wondering if we can ever free ourselves from the fear of dying? And what does it require? -- 6:43 Can you speak to how we are not different than the shooter in Uvalde (Texas school shooter)? -- 9:13 Do you fear anything? -- 10:13 How can I realize the difference between being organized and being controlling? -- 11:30 Is there something besides breath awareness, people, animals, places, things that anchor you in your life?   -- 14:07 Is there a connection between attachment and addiction?  -- 14:52 Do you feel it is worthwhile to travel to Asia to see sacred Buddhist sites? -- 21:40 Is there a "healthy" way to detach or attach? -- 24:45 Can you talk about intimacy with another sentient being, like a pet (companion animal)? -- 26:50 You mention the truth that exists beyond the intellect. In your view can one only get there by having a container of an ancient spiritual tradition? -- 28:42 If any breath could be the last one, is there anything I can do about it? -- 29:50 How has your practice changed over the years, in your opinion?