Bodhi Monthly Meeting – April 2025

By Dr. Yogesh

Despite the scorching summer heat, there was a good turnout of Bodhi members at the SPACES Centre for the April meeting.

Ram gave a brief note on his recent experience at Bliss 2025, highlighting the unique energy and focus during the concentration sessions.

The highlight of the day was Suseela Ma’am’s engaging demonstration and discussion on Bougainvillea bonsai. She generously shared her magical tips for encouraging flowering in bougainvilleas, much to everyone’s delight.

Youvaraj spoke about suiseki stone collection, sharing his insights and takeaways from interactions with suiseki masters at Bliss 2025.

Dr. Yogesh introduced a new bonsai species – Antidesma (Desmodium) – and led a discussion on its care and styling potential.

Overall, it was an engaging and interactive session with active participation from Bodhi members.

Bliss 2025: Bonsai and Suiseki Convention

 Organized by the South Asia Bonsai Friendship Federation

The Bliss 2025 Bonsai and Suiseki Convention was held at the Radisson Blu Resort, Karjat, Mumbai, attracting over 200 delegates from across India and South Asia.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of eminent bonsai masters from India, Korea, Indonesia, the United States, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and South Africa. Their demonstrations and discussions provided valuable insights into the art of bonsai.

A major highlight of the convention was the suiseki (viewing stones) segment, which included demonstrations, discussions, and lectures by renowned suiseki experts. More than 200 suiseki stones and 100 bonsai plants were showcased for public viewing.

The exhibition area was a must-see, featuring numerous stalls selling bonsai trees, accent plants, pots, display stands, and other bonsai-related materials. The Bonsai Team from Bodhi, comprising 10 members, actively participated in both the bonsai and suiseki displays.

Adding to the excitement, a special photo album was released during the convention, with five bonsai from Bodhi being selected and published in the collection.

Overall, Bliss 2025 was an enriching experience, offering attendees immense knowledge and inspiration in the world of bonsai and suiseki.

A Glorious Day for Bodhi – The Chennai Bonsai Association!

By Dr. Yogesh.

We had the honor of being invited by ABK Dosokai Japanese Language School to present and demonstrate the art of bonsai as part of their 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The event saw a packed and enthusiastic audience, primarily young college students from across Chennai. We began with a PowerPoint presentation covering the benefits, history, styles, maintenance, and care of bonsai.

The highlight of the session was a live demonstration where we transformed a beautiful casuarina into a promising bonsai, showcasing the techniques and patience involved in this art form. The students’ keen interest and interactive participation made the session even more engaging.

Overall, it was a fantastic day of sharing knowledge and spreading the love for bonsai within the communiy.

Zen Garden & Bonsai Display at Madras Art Guild

 By Dr. Yogesh

The Madras Art Guild hosted an art festival at VR Mall, Chennai, featuring a diverse range of artistic expressions, including murals, photography, clay art, and paintings. The Bodhi Bonsai Club was specially invited to present a Zen garden and bonsai display, which captivated visitors and received high praise. The event was inaugurated by the Japanese Consul, adding cultural significance to the occasion. The festival attracted art enthusiasts who appreciated the creativity and craftsmanship on display.

Summary of Bodhi Monthly Meeting – February

 The Bodhi Monthly Meeting for February centered around the theme of Bonsai and Rocks, exploring the artistic and natural synergy between the two elements.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:

1. Discussion on the Role of Rocks in Bonsai:

The session began with insights into how rocks complement bonsai, both aesthetically and structurally.

Topics such as root-over-rock (Sekijoju) bonsai, landscape-style bonsai (Penjing), and suiseki appreciation were discussed.

The importance of rock selection based on texture, color, and natural form was emphasized.

2. Hands-on Rock Arrangement Activity:

All members participated in a practical session, where they created their own compositions using a few selected rocks.

This interactive exercise allowed members to explore different arrangements, balance, and visual harmony.

It provided a deeper understanding of how rocks can be positioned effectively to enhance a bonsai or landscape setting.

3. Display of Various Rocks:

A curated display of different types of rocks was arranged, showcasing variations in shape, size, and texture.

Members had the opportunity to examine the rocks closely, discuss their origins, and understand their suitability for different bonsai styles.

Some unique and rare rock specimens were also presented, sparking interest among attendees.

Overall, the meeting was a blend of theory and practice, helping members gain a hands-on experience with rock arrangements while appreciating the role of rocks in bonsai artistry.

Trip to Kolathur

By Sheela Babu

As bonsai enthusiasts we often find ourselves searching for the perfect materials to bring our miniature landscapes to life. So Bodhi bonsai club decided to make a trip to Kolathur famed for its streets of aquariums, stones and driftwood stores.

We met up at 10:30 AM on the dot and began a search for the treasures we were looking for. It was no doubt a treasure trove of lovely smooth colourful rounded stones, while others were rugged and jagged, perfect for mimicking natural landscapes in a bonsai pot. We also explored for driftwoods, gnarled and twisted pieces of wood which where absolutely fascinating. Raw organic beauties ideal for creating striking aaccents or for tanukies.

We were like enthusiastic young kids, hopping from one shop to another hunting for pieces of nature. We where not disappointed at all. We loaded our cars with these beautiful elements of nature; stones, driftwoods, sand and even ornamental fish by some members

After the purchases, some of the members gathered at Aachie eating joint, while others returned home totally satisfied with their valuable picks. I would recommend this place for all bonsai lovers to draw inspiration from these natural beauties to enhance their art of bonsai. I am sure this won’t be our last visit to Kolatur.

Good Bye 2024 💐

 By Dr .Yogesh, George and Vijaya Chamundeswari

The year-end celebration of the Chennai Bonsai Association was truly an event to remember, brimming with fun, learning, and camaraderie. The day kicked off with stunning bonsai and penjing demonstrations, where members showcased their creativity and expertise in shaping miniature trees. The bonsai quiz program challenged participants' knowledge, sparking friendly competition and deepening everyone’s appreciation for the art.

The Bodhi Family flanked together

Suseela on Mame Bonsai

Penjing by Dr. Yogesh and Suseela

Another by Mohan and Sheela

Shantha Mathew our stand up comedian

Quiz time with thinking caps on

In addition to these educational activities, the event was full of engaging fun games, lucky draws, and surprises, ensuring that everyone had a blast. It wasn’t just about bonsai; the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community made the day even more special. A delightful lunch was enjoyed by all, further fostering connections among bonsai enthusiasts, and guests took home thoughtful gifts, including high-quality bonsai materials, garden tools, and elegant ceramic pots—perfect for enhancing their collections.

The three prize winners

Suganthi got the first  place  in Bonsai  quiz

Mrs. Molly wins a prize

Mr. Mahendran our champion for the day

Happy December babies

Feeding each other a piece of comraderi

The enthusiasm of the participants was palpable, with every moment filled with energy and excitement. As 2024 comes to a close, the Bodhi community is grateful for a year of shared growth, both in bonsai and spirit. Looking ahead to 2025, Bodhi is excited to host even more inspiring bonsai events, continuing to bring people together to celebrate and cultivate this beautiful art form.

By George from FaceBook

Just two FB comments here and more posts on FB