Teachings of a Buddhist Monk by Ajahn Sumedho

by Ajahn Sumedho

Containing the modern practical teachings from one of the oldest Buddhist traditions, this collection of Sumedho's wisdom and humor bring readers into the heart of Buddhist meditation. (World Religion)

Genres: Buddhism, Spirituality, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Ajahn Sumedho was born Robert Jackamn in Seattle, Washington in 1934. He was raised as Anglican and from 1951 to 1953 studied Chinese and history at the University of Washington. He served as a medic for the US Navy until returning to the University to ccomplete a BA in Far Eastern Studies in 1959. In 1966 he went to Thailand and was ordained as a novice Buddhist; in 1967 he received a full ordination.

Reviews

[Emkoshka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up for free from a vegan café in Sintra, Portugal, along with several other Theravada Buddhist publications. This was by far the best and clearest explanation of some fundamental principles and yet, writing this review now, two weeks after I initially read it, I find myself unable to remember clearly any of the wisdom communicated. Still, it was a good read which I passed on to my partner for his enlightenment.

[concetta arnao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a second hand bookshop in Thailand and to me it is such a treasure. The way he explained the foundamnents of Buddhism is very clear, even for me that I never read much about it. I love it so much that I read it a second time on the plane back home. I highly recommend this book if you are learning and want to know more about Buddhism.

[Cody]

A wonderful collection of essays: pithy, funny, insightful, reasonable, and kind. Ajahn Sumedho always brings us back to the fact that "how we live our ordinary lives is the real practice."

[Angus Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite sure I got it. Some valuable and thoughtful information but maybe not what I was after/expecting but that's on me more than the book I'd say

[Steve Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I have read by Sumedho has been instrumental in the formation of my own practice. This little book of 8 dharma talks has been no different. I get lost sometimes in the more esoteric works I read and the jargon and expressed ideals can carry me away. i lose touch sometimes with my humanity in the moment, the price of being an intellectual I guess. This man always seems to offer remedy for that. Down to earth and directly to the point Sumedho is able to present the heart of the Buddha's teaching in a most accessible way. What he says just rings true for me, applicable now in my life. His words are a great grounding influence for me and I am grateful to have found him.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess you could say this book contains the modern practical teachings of a Buddhist monk (as the publisher's blurb states), but it also contains some good stories about Ajahn Sumedho's time as a monk in Thailand. Most of the stories include stuff about his teacher Ajahn Chah, if you're interested in that guy. It's a light read, and it's funny. There are drawings. I enjoyed it a lot.