"Sincere inquiry always sparks our movement towards truth. Deep questions signal the manifestation of the very energy through which we outgrow ourselves." -- from the Introduction.
Born in Chicago, a law school graduate and real estate professional, Ajahn Sumano abandoned his comfortable American lifestyle for the begging bowl and simple cave home of an ordained Buddhist monk in the tradition of the Thai forest meditation masters. In 1994-95, he 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 meditation cave, Sumano's enchanting 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.

Questions from the City, Answers from the Forest: Simple Lessons You Can Use from a Western Buddhist Monk

Religion & Spirituality

Bhikkhu, Ajahn Sumano

Buddhism

Quest Books

The brightened mind is one that is able to make better choices," says Sumano Bhikkhu. Having left the hectic world of Chicago real estate decades ago to become a Thai Buddhist monk, he knows what he's talking about. This simple, short introduction to meditation, particularly well suited to young people, can help anyone rattled with the stresses of living in today's society rife with financial uncertainty, war, crime, and the psychological assaults of bosses, teachers, and the media. His methods increase awareness, strengthen positive mental states, and develop insight. Eventually, the feeling of being overwhelmed becomes replaced with a sense of innate brilliance and trust in one's natural abilities. Moreover, the meditation Sumano teaches opens access to the infinite wisdom of the Universal Mind. An appendix on lovingkindness is an added benefit, providing the tools needed to face all challenges with a poised, cool, and compassionate heart.

The Brightened Mind: A Simple Guide to Buddhist Meditation

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Alternative Medicine

Monk in the Mountain

:Monk in the Mountain provides direct access to the Spiritual Heart of genuine Samana (One who is walking the Path to the end of the world). The reader can access the Insight immediately and directly as Ajahn Sumano is someone just like you. The only difference is that he no longer believes that the pleasures of the world are all there is to this life. His process is everyone's process: the obligation to know who we are, to get one's priorities right, to sacrifice a little for the possibility of a lot. Ajahn Sumano took himself to where there was only he and his mind and challenged the mind to continue to deceive him, if it dared. The deception ended.

Monk in the Mountain: Questions from the City, Answers from the Forest

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