Bodhi Satto

Journeys

(26 January 1952 – 16 August 2024)

Bodhi Rainer Pollet

by Sushma

“What is more important: love or the movie in your head?” he used to ask me. He always chose the former.

Bodhi Satto (Rainer Pollet) left his body on Friday, 16 August 2024. He was a lover of life in all its aspects. I never met anyone more determined to make the best out of life, to take it lightly and to see the joke in it, than Bodhi. And to recognize the best in everything and everyone.

He was born on 26 January 1952, in Germany. His dad must have been a sweet man, his mom a strong and dominating woman – an entrepreneur in times when women usually weren’t. She loved pearls and fur collars and to be in control of everything and everyone around her. Maybe that’s why he loved freedom so much – and the attention (as well as admiration) of women. He loved being the captain of his ship and to steer it into unknown and unpredictable waters.

Bodhi first studied mathematics, then changed over to medicine. When asked for the reasons, he used to just scoff and say that he liked the idea of being able to yell, “Step aside, I am a doctor.”

I remember a story: at the age of 45 he quit his job as a psychiatrist in a hospital, after his boss, at his 60th birthday party, declared, “I really don’t know where these last 15 years went.” Bodhi didn’t want that to happen to him. So, the next day he got up at 5 am and did everything he liked to do and wasn’t done with doing that even at midnight. When he asked himself what he enjoyed the least of the job, it became quite clear that it was the working hours. The following day he handed in his resignation and committed himself to travelling, searching and enjoying life full-time.

I don’t know much about the beginning of his search and when and how he came to Osho, but I know his deep and sincere longing for “coming home” to which he had dedicated his life. Over the years I heard about ayahuasca retreats in die Amazonas, tantric practices, shamanic rituals, breathwork, visiting and following different masters – trainings, courses and retreats all over the planet. He seemed to have done it all – and enjoyed it all. He also shared his insights and love freely. He was a good listener, curious, appreciative and free of judgement – often pulling me out of misery with his laughter. Generously, never holding back.

Bodhi always went for what he wanted and what felt right. “Easy is right” was his motto. He travelled extensively; in his last years he mostly spent the summers in Osho Afroz on Lesbos and the winters in Lamai on Ko Samui.

I met Bodhi in Pune, in 1998. We became lovers, then for a few years we were a couple, then became friends. We worked together for over 20 years, giving psychiatric expertises in courts, This gave us much freedom and total flexibility. He loved doing this work; to listen to people, and help them. He was fascinated by the question of free will – legally, philosophically, and spiritually.

Another fascination of his was longevity and to be as healthy as possible; he studied Chinese medicine (he almost became obsessed with fasting and detoxing). He followed all kinds of sports and never failed to check out any old or new method that came along his way. And if none came along, he created one – like in his last years it was eating bananas to alleviate his Parkinson tremors.

The fact that he contracted a neurodegenerative disease, which was going to affect his mind as well as his body, was tragic – but was also the ultimate joke. He slowly lost his physical and mental capabilities; he became paranoid and at times even mistrusting, which was never one of his personality traits. But I am sure that, on some level, he wanted to explore even that avenue.

Bodhi was always curious; he never ceased to learn something new, to investigate, to challenge himself, to experience and live to the max. He knew exactly how to tiptoe around god’s home so that the search that he enjoyed so much would continue. He didn’t waste time with doubts and never hesitated, taking life-changing decisions in a whim and seeing everything as a joke from the universe. He took risks, won and lost, sometimes losing it all – as it happened during the stock market crash in 2008.

Bodhi never looked back; he was always eager to explore what was lying in front of him. Even with this nasty disease he didn’t give in to depression or resignation, and always looked for ways how to improve his condition. He loved to sing and dance and celebrate until the end. He trusted that life would take care of him. And life did, giving him back with much generosity.

With the help of dear friends he spent his last three years in Thailand when a nursing home in Germany seemed to be the only option. There he was cared for and at the same time had the freedom to roam around and do what he wanted to do, especially enjoying live music in the evenings.

Bodhi was a lovely and funny man whose spark brought light into many of our lives. The memory of him will make us always smile. May his energy find new ways to enjoy and enrich life.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

More Tributes

Dear Bodhi,

I am thankful to Universe that you have been in my life.

Urga

SattoYou were always a beloved part of my live!
I’m floating! I still feel your breath!

Aine Ghealach

 

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