Global .claude/CLAUDE.md configuration not automatically loaded in conversations

Problem Description

The Claude Code system is designed to support global configuration files at ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md that should be automatically loaded and available to the assistant in every conversation. However, this functionality is not working as designed.

Current Behavior

• The global CLAUDE.md file exists and contains important tool configurations (e.g., ast-grep installation v0.40.0, command availability)
• This context is only visible to the assistant if explicitly provided in the conversation context
• The assistant does not automatically load or integrate this global configuration at conversation start
• Users must manually reference or provide these instructions, defeating the purpose of a global config file
• The assistant fails to proactively use configured tools without being explicitly reminded

Expected Behavior

• The ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md file should be automatically loaded and available to the assistant at the start of every conversation
• The assistant should reference and use tools/configurations from this file without being prompted by the user
• Users should not need to repeat global instructions across conversations
• Configured tools should be part of the assistant's baseline capabilities

Impact

• Reduces reliability of the system - users cannot trust that configured tools will be available
• Creates confusion about system design and capabilities
• Defeats the purpose of global configuration files
• Forces users to manually manage what should be automatic configuration

Environment

• Platform: WSL2 Linux (5.15.167.4-microsoft-standard-WSL2)
• Working directory: /mnt/c/Users/baird/onedrive/projects/stocktrading
• Global config location: ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md
• Installed tools referenced in config: ast-grep (v0.40.0)

Steps to Reproduce

1. Create a ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md file with tool configurations
2. Start a new conversation with Claude Code
3. Observe that the assistant does not reference or use the configured tools
4. User must explicitly remind assistant about the global configuration