An American Monk in Thailand

Ajahn Sumano Bhikkhu is an American-born Buddhist forest monk who has lived and practiced in meditation caves in northeastern Thailand since 1985. He established the Double-Eyed Cave Retreat Sanctuary in the Khao Yai mountains of Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, in 1995, and is author of several books on the forest tradition, including "Meeting the Monkey Halfway" and "Questions from the City, Answers from the Forest".
He was born in Chicago USA in July 1940. He attended university, served in the US Navy, was a civil servant, and owned several businesses (real estate, appraisal, insurance and construction). He married, divorced and left the lay life on his spiritual quest at 29. In the US, he lived in yoga ashrams, spiritual communities and Buddhist centers. After a 3 year retreat, he left the US, was ordained as a novice, and became a full ordained Bhikkhu 20 years ago.
In Thailand, Ajahn Sumano has lived in international forest monasteries in the northeastern and southern Thailand, on top of mountains, in the most remote hilltribe regions, on islands, and in caves. He has spent several rains retreats in Malaysia, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
For more information, writings by and videos about Ajahn Sumano, check out his website at www.next-life.com.