7. Addressing Feeling Hurt, Value of Commitment, Dealing with Craving, Consciousness of Plants and Inanimate Objects

You can find ZalthoLIVE on all major podcast channels: Apple, Google, Spotify, AmazonMusic, and Audible and also here: https://zaltho.org/en/media/podcasts-zaltholive.html These are questions and topics that Claude AnShin Thomas - Zen Buddhist monk, combat veteran, and author - reflects on. He reminds the listener of how to stay awake to life and how to understand more deeply the traps 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: info@zaltho.org 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: 01:15 You said that Keith received the Dharma name “DaiShin”. What does this name mean? 1:44 DaiShin, how was the ordination process for you?  2:08 Was there any issue with the administrators of the ordination location (concentration camp Dachau, Germany)? 3:16 Would you speak a bit about ‘commitment' and how the quality of commitment has changed in your life as a monk? 5:11 To review our personal past: is this just a sign of attachment or can it be healthy? 7:00 If I feel hurt by something someone has said, is it important to let them know? 9:44 How do you “surf the urge” when you have a craving?  12:14 Where is this refrigerator (re:previous response) standing now? Is it still existing? 13:17 Do you think at some level you and the refrigerator are connected? 13:32 Could you share with us what has maybe been the happiest day of your life? 13:56 Do you think inanimate objects such as cushions and refrigerators have consciousness? 14:21 What about the consciousness of plants? 15:26 Do you know the feeling of shame about your supposed weakness in connection to your traumatization?  17:40 Is it about falling right into the shame and to feeling it?