Simple lessons you can use from a Western Buddhist Monk
“Sincere inquiry always sparks our movement towards truth. Deep questions signal of manifestation of the very energy through which we outgrow ourselves.”
So writes Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu, American born Buddhist Monk now living ina simple mediation case in Thailand
Born in Chicago, a law school graduate and real estate professional, Ajahn Sumano abandoned his comfortable American lifestyle for the shaved head, begging bowl, and rigorous mediation schedule of a forest monk.
In 1994-95, Sumano conducted a series of question and answer evenings at a guest house in Thailand’s Kowyai National Park with English speaking tourists eager to meet a Western Buddhist monk. The heartfelt questions of these “city” people and the clear and penetrating answers Sumano gave from his “forest” perspective form the basis of this remarkable book.
Written on a battered, Battery-powered laptop in his mediation cave, Sumano’s fascinating personal story and his refreshingly down to earth blend of American sensibility and Eastern practice will fascinate newcomers to Buddhist ideas as well as experienced practitioners.