11.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:

-       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/

 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:
1:27 How do you deal with defiance today?
2:06 When experiencing physical or emotional pain, should I relate to that as an opportunity?
3:29 Is it your impression that aggression and violence in this society (and war) is increasing?
4:25 Do you have any suggestions on how to maintain mindfulness without constantly drifting away?
4:57 When you have physical pain what is the moment for you to see a doctor?
6:07 In what way does a board-of-director-retreat differ from a regular retreat?
7:09 Do you see a difference between inner and outer hindrances on the spiritual path?
7:53 If there is no spiritual path, could you have stayed then with alcoholism and drug addiction?
8:53 Do you feel that a lay practitioner can enhance their practice by attention retreats regularly?
10:44 Can avoidance or denial sometimes be helpful?
11:51 Do you believe that denial or avoidance can sometimes protect people from emotions that they are unable to handle at that time?
13:10 How do you understand courage today?
14:02 What is the difference between being clear and being dominant?
16:35 How do you go about establishing priorities when you have multiple responsibilities or tasks?
17:58 If the list of priorities stresses me, how can I do it better?18:19 Do you think that people with a propensity for addiction should also maintain a twelve step participation?