Teachings From the Forest offers an intimate glimpse into the wisdom of Ajahn Sumedho, one of the most influential Western teachers in the Thai Forest Tradition. This collection brings together a series of talks given at Wat Pah Nanachat, the international monastery he founded in northeast Thailand in 1975. The talks, delivered during visits in the early 1980s and late 1980s, reflect both the challenges and the beauty of life dedicated to mindfulness and renunciation.
Ajahn Sumedho’s teachings in this book are characterised by their immediacy and practicality. Rather than relying on complex philosophical arguments, he speaks directly from experience, guiding his audience to see impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and not-self — the three marks of existence — in their own lives. His words encourage the reader to step into the position of “the one who knows,” cultivating awareness of the present moment without clinging to past or future.
Throughout the chapters, he covers a range of topics fundamental to Buddhist practice. In “The Three Characteristics,” he describes how recognising impermanence leads to insight and freedom from suffering. “The Ordinary Miracle” reveals the transformative power of mindfulness in everyday life, while “Taming the Wild Horse” uses vivid metaphors to explain the taming of the restless mind through meditation and discipline. The book also explores the importance of refuge in Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, as well as the practice of loving-kindness, patience, and letting go of attachments.
One of the strengths of this book is Ajahn Sumedho’s ability to weave humour and personal anecdotes into profound teachings. He shares stories from his own monastic journey, including struggles with desire, anger, and the challenges of adapting to monastic rules. These stories make the teachings relatable, even to readers who are not monks or nuns.
The final section, a conversation between Ajahn Sumedho and Ajahn Khantipalo, adds a dynamic element to the collection. Their dialogue touches on the early days of Wat Pah Nanachat, the influence of Ajahn Chah, and the broader context of Buddhist practice in the West.
Originally published by Cittaviveka, Chithurst Forest Monastery in 2005, the book was created to honour Ajahn Sumedho’s thirty-ninth vassa (the annual rains retreat). It stands as a testament to his decades of teaching and the enduring relevance of the Thai Forest Tradition.
For readers seeking practical guidance in meditation and a deeper understanding of Buddhist principles, Teachings From the Forest is both accessible and inspiring. It is a book to read slowly, reflectively, and return to often, as its lessons continue to resonate long after the first reading.
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