Turning on the Light: Joy and Non-Attachment by Ajahn Sumedho Ajahn Sumedho 's Profile : Venerable Ajahn Sumedho was born in Seattle, Washington, USA in 1934. He left the States in 1964 and took bhikkhu ordination in Nong Khai, N.E. Thailand in 1967. Soon after his ordination, he went to stay with Venerable Ajahn Chah at Wat Pah Pong, a forest monastery in Ubon Province. Ajahn Sumedho eventually stayed there for ten years before being invited to take up residence in England. He is abbot of Amaravati Buddhist Monastery near London, England, and spiritual leader of its many branches.