14. Understanding More About How We Engage in War

These are questions and 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 more deeply the trappings of a deluded mind. This episode was recorded during a weekly zoom session of questions&responses. For more information: https://zaltho.org/ If you want to ask Claude AnShin Thomas 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/our-books.html 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:1:30 Can the perceived need for "trigger warnings" (cautionary words when disturbing audio or visual material is being shown) go to far2:38I'm curious if you could speak to how writing (if it is a spiritual practice) has served you?4:28  With the wars in Europe and the escalating violence in the Middle East, do you ever feel anxious about the possibility of a third world war?6:24 I read an article where a very detailed horror of war and terror was described. Is there anything you could say on redemptive violence and what it is that drives torture?9:36Do you not make a separation between war and peace for the current time and world war?10:52 This realization that humanity is in a constant state of war, isn't that for you helpless and frustrating, and if yes how do you deal with that?11:27For KenShin: How do you feel now that you are by yourself at the (Magnolia Zen) Center?11:50 Earlier you talked about being a real meaningful support to people affected by war. What is the essence, what is the most supportive to such people?12:26 I do have a craving for recognition. How can I not act out of this13:10As a combat veteran, what do you understand about the mind of these young men in the Middle East who killed a lot of defenseless women, children?