My journey through Bodhi Zendo

My relationship with self-care was a roller coaster up until the point I found meditation. I hadn’t travelled for a while let alone travel for meditating. That was a far fetched idea. Upon reaching Bodhi Zendo, a bus from Chennai straight to the hills, I Immediately felt at home, surrounded by plants and flowers (many flowers) reminding me of my own little backyard. The filmmaker inside me wanted to immediately document all the flowers. And so I did.

The experience was not only grounding humbling but also made a place in my heart that I would never forget. It was challenging in the first week but over the course of a month you do get better at it. Sitting in silence completely still and focusing on one point was one of the ways to start the process. Some of the practitioners were experienced Buddhists and some were just starting to learn what it was to be a buddhist zen meditator.

There was a library to pick up books to read in your free time. The food was strictly vegetarian and made to cleanse the body of toxins with plenty of salads and lentils, exiting the premise was a quaint walk you could take to the city as well. Their little flower initiative also leaves a mark. You can support their project to help kids and women mainly from indigenous groups and landless folks.

About Bodhi Zendo
- Location: Bodhi Zendo is tucked away in the serene hills of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu—a perfect setting for introspection and spiritual growth.
- Zen Roots: It’s led by India’s first Zen master, P. Ama Samy, and his successor Fr. Cyril Mathew. Ama Samy is known for bridging Christian and Zen traditions in a unique spiritual synthesis.
- Global Appeal: The center attracts visitors from around the world, creating a diverse and inclusive Sangha (community).

Meditation & Practice
- Daily Routine: Meditation is central, but service is equally emphasized—volunteering in daily tasks is part of the spiritual discipline.
- Silence as a Tool: Practitioners spend extended periods in silence, focusing on a single point to deepen awareness and presence.
- Mixed Levels: The community includes both seasoned Zen Buddhists and newcomers exploring the path for the first time.

Environment & Lifestyle
- Nature Immersion: The center is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, inspiring even artistic pursuits like filmmaking.
- Vegetarian Diet: Meals are designed to detoxify the body, featuring fresh salads and lentils.
- Library Access: Visitors can explore spiritual and philosophical texts during their stay.

Social Impact
- Little Flower: Bodhi Zendo supports a project started by Fr.Ama Swamy aimed at empowering children and women from indigenous and landless communities—a beautiful blend of inner and outer service.