Awakening in the Hills: My Transformative Journey at Bodhi Zendo, Kodaikanal - Sooraj D

Bodhi Zendo, nestled in the serene Perumalmalai near Kodaikanal, stands as a unique beacon of Zen meditation in South India. Founded in 1996 by Fr. AMA Samy, the first Indian Zen master and a Jesuit priest, the center represents a remarkable confluence of spiritual traditions. Fr. AMA Samy's journey to establishing Bodhi Zendo was deeply shaped by his life experiences and spiritual quests. His search for spiritual depth led him to Hindu ashrams, Buddhist meditation centers, and eventually to Japan, where he trained under Yamada Ko-Un Roshi of the Sanbo Kyodan school of Zen Buddhism. In 1982, he was authorized to teach Zen, blending elements from Soto and Rinzai traditions along with influences from Christianity and other religions, thereby creating a distinctive teaching method that reflects both his Indian heritage and Zen training.

Bodhi Zendo literally means "Awakening Hall" and functions as a Sangha—a community of practitioners—open to all, regardless of religious background, caste, or gender. It sits on land historically used as cow-grazing pasture to support nearby Jesuit educational institutions, symbolizing its roots in the Jesuit community, specifically the Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur. The center invites spiritual seekers to practice Zen meditation, fostering an atmosphere of silence, mindfulness, and communal living. With a beautiful Zen garden offering panoramic views of the hills and a rich library covering Zen, Buddhism, Christianity, philosophy, and psychology, Bodhi Zendo is more than a meditation retreat—it's a meeting point for spiritual exploration.

The core of Bodhi Zendo's spiritual practice lies in Zen meditation, specifically zazen, which means "seated meditation." Zazen emphasizes posture, breath awareness, and a quiet mind, cultivating mindfulness and deepening self-connection. Practitioners sit with an upright, balanced posture, often on cushions (zafu) or mats (zabuton), maintaining a soft gaze directed downward to help minimize distractions while turning attention inward. Beyond zazen, Bodhi Zendo also introduces the practice of koan study—intellectual and contemplative puzzles designed to help practitioners perceive the nature of reality beyond conventional thinking. For example, a koan might challenge one to reflect on paradoxes such as "What is rounder than a circle?" These practices offer both stabilization and awakening through mindful presence and insight.

Bodhi Zendo operates structured retreats known as Sesshins—intensive meditation retreats lasting five days—as well as Mini Sesshins that run for three days. During these retreats, silence is observed strictly, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in practice. On regular non-retreat days, visitors are welcomed to practice Zen meditation following a daily schedule of group sittings, work meditation, and communal meals. The center’s rhythm supports a balance of stillness and activity, fostering both individual and collective growth.

Since 2022, the center has been entrusted to Fr. Cyril Mathew, SJ, a spiritual successor to Fr. AMA Samy, ensuring continuity in the tradition and teachings of Bodhi Zendo. Fr. Cyril’s leadership reflects the center’s evolving mission of serving spiritual seekers worldwide while maintaining its roots in Indian Zen and Jesuit spirituality.

My own experience at Bodhi Zendo was as part of my Tertianship programme at Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur. Spending three days immersed in Zen meditation under the guidance of Fr. Cyril was transformative. The initial moments at Bodhi Zendo greeted me with tranquility—surrounded by the lush hills of Kodaikanal, the quiet exerted a powerful invitation to introspection. Each day began and ended with collective zazen sessions that infused me with a profound sense of calm and centeredness. The silent hours between meditation were filled with mindful work and reflection, allowing the practice to permeate through every aspect of daily life.

Fr. Cyril's sessions were thoughtfully structured yet nurturing, offering personalized attention while guiding us through the subtleties of zazen and koan practice. His approach reflected both depth and compassion, helping us navigate challenges that arose in sustaining focus and embracing silence. Working with koans, I learned to lean into questions without rushing for answers, allowing space for intuitive insight. The inclusive atmosphere of the Sangha—a community of fellow seekers from diverse backgrounds—strengthened the experience, reminding me of the universal relevance of Zen beyond doctrinal boundaries.

The Bodhi Zendo environment—its gardens, views, and simplicity—amplified the meditative state. The connection to natural elements created a seamless harmony between outer peace and inner stillness. This retreat became not just an exploration of Zen as a practice but a lived experience that anchored me deeply in presence, awareness, and spiritual companionship.

Bodhi Zendo not only nourishes the mind and spirit but also cares deeply for the body through wholesome, vegetarian food sourced directly from its own organic farm. The meals served at the center are simple yet delicious, prepared with fresh vegetables and herbs grown on-site, reflecting the Zen principle of mindfulness and respect for nature in every bite. One highlight of the culinary experience was the freshly baked bread, crafted daily at Bodhi Zendo, which added a comforting, homemade touch to the wholesome meals. This farm-to-table approach completes the holistic retreat experience, grounding the meditative practice in bodily well-being and sustainability.

In conclusion, Bodhi Zendo stands as a remarkable spiritual sanctuary—rooted in a rich history shaped by its visionary founder Fr. AMA Samy, sustained by the stewardship of Fr. Cyril Mathew, and blossoming as a place where the ancient tradition of Zen meditation meets contemporary seekers. My three days there were more than a meditation retreat; they were a journey into self-discovery, community, and awakening—a meaningful chapter of my own spiritual path within the Jesuit formation at Sacred Heart College, Shembaganur. Bodhi Zendo’s legacy and ongoing vitality continue to offer profound peace and insight to all who enter its serene embrace.