4.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:  - 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) - On the Edges of Sleep: Poems of War and Memory (Oakwood Publishing 2024) 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: 2:31 How come you don't sit Sundays during the online retreats with the Ukraine Zen group? 3:04 What is your relationship with sincerity? 4:39 After so many years of practice do you still plan things in your mind while sitting or rehearse the past?  7:52 When you are confronted with suffering, no matter from people or animals, do you sometimes get trapped in feelings like being desperate? 13:09 I am curious if you experience low moods for longer time periods? 16:28 How do you encounter physical pain? 20:08 What do you think about the notion of weeds in the garden?  23:23 Would you be willing to speak about your time in the peace movement? 28:49 Since nothing is purely bad, what can you see as a positive attribute of arrogance? 29:39 I am trying to decide if I should kill the rats in my yard? 33:20 Do you consider doing another pilgrimage?   33:33 What do you mean when you state that someone has to invite you for a pilgrimage? 34:58 How can I make sure a teacher is not trapped in conditioning, so I can trust his or her teachings? 37:17 How does what is going on in Germany look to you as an American?