15. Healing Past and Future Generations, The Roots of Sarcasm, and Working with a Busy Mind (#85)

Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - 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 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 [e-mail].

Book recommendations:
https://www.zaltho.org/books/

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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:

01:14 —What is your perspective on watching films?
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03:20 —What is your perspective on experiencing suffering versus escaping it?
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07:19 —If I am not interested in a particular TV series, is it better to not watch at all?
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09:15 —How did you change your ideas of being a victim?
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12:05 —Do you believe films contain important messages?
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12:50 —How do you know when you are present and when you are not?
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13:05 —Is it possible to be a frame of mind where Zen practice could be harmful to you?
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13:55 —You said, "as you heal yourself, you heal those past and future generations?" How do you know that?
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16:50 —Can someone be a Muslim and also a Buddhist?
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24:15 What kind of personal experiences have you had with being dominated or controlled?
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24:59 —Should we trust ourselves if we think we have our stuff together?
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28:35 —How can you heal for future generations when you don't know them?
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30:03 —Was it ever part of your conditioning to seek the approval of others?
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31:50 —What do you do for fun?
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33:10 —Are there pitfalls one should be aware of, where the ego can harm one's practice?
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39:10 —What is your perspective on health professionals who are focused on fixing others?
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44:38 —When your mind is busy, do you do anything differently?
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45:59 —What is your perspective on people who are sarcastic?