About This Retreat
Root Institute for Wisdom Culture is a Tibetan Buddhist centre located in Bodhgaya, Bihar — the most sacred site in the Buddhist world, where Shakyamuni Buddha attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi Tree. Founded in the tradition of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Root Institute is affiliated with the FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition), a network of 160+ Dharma centres worldwide.
The centre offers a tranquil place to stay, study and practice — either individually or on guided group retreats and courses — during the pilgrimage season (typically October through March), when the weather is cool and the town of Bodhgaya comes alive with monks, pilgrims, and meditators from across Asia and the world. The Mahabodhi Stupa — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is a 5-minute walk away.
Root Institute's program includes introductory and intermediate-level Buddhist courses led by respected Geshe teachers, guided pilgrimages to the sacred sites of the region (Rajgir, Nalanda, Vulture's Peak), personal and group retreat, and a drop-in meditation programme. The centre also operates the Maitreya School and Shakyamuni Buddha Clinic — two respected social service projects serving the local Bodhgaya community.
What's Included
✓All teaching sessions and guided meditations
✓Residential accommodation (single, double, triple, dorm)
✓3 vegetarian meals daily (in-season)
✓Access to Dharma library
✓Drop-in guided meditation sessions
✓Access to the holy objects on campus
✓Proximity to Mahabodhi Stupa (5 min walk)
✓Programme certificate on course completion
Course Types
Introductory Courses
Courses on foundational Buddhist teachings — the Three Principal Aspects of the Path, the Wheel of Sharp Weapons, Dependent Origination — suitable for new students and returning practitioners alike. Taught by qualified Geshe teachers in English.
Intermediate Retreats
Deeper practice-based programs including Bodhicitta Retreat and Wisdom of Emptiness — guided by senior teachers such as Geshe Dorji Damdul (Director, Tibet House Delhi). Require some prior Buddhist study.
Sacred Pilgrimages
Guided pilgrimages in the footsteps of the Buddha — visiting Rajgir (Vulture's Peak), Nalanda, Sarnath, and surrounding sacred sites. Led by knowledgeable guides and teachers who bring the context alive.
Personal Retreat
Come and stay for as long as you like — practising independently in your room, attending drop-in meditations, circumambulating the Mahabodhi Stupa, and sitting in the extraordinary field of merit that Bodhgaya offers.
2026–2027 Schedule
| Program | Dates | Teacher | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the Footsteps of the Buddha (Pilgrimage) | Dec 1–12, 2026 | Geshe Thubten Rabten | ● Open |
| Three Principal Aspects of the Path | Dec 3–5, 2026 | Geshe Thubten Rabten | ● Open |
| Bodhicitta Retreat (Intermediate) | Dec 12–23, 2026 | Geshe Dorji Damdul | ● Open |
| Wheel of Sharp Weapons | Jan 6–11, 2027 | Geshe Tenzin Zopa | ● Open |
| Pilgrimage to Rajgir | Jan 12, 2027 | Geshe Tenzin Zopa | ● Open |
| Nagarjuna's In Praise of Dharmadhatu (Intermediate) | Jan 20–31, 2027 | Geshe Dorji Damdul | ● Open |
| In Praise of Dependent Origination | Feb 24–26, 2027 | Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche | ● Open |
| Pilgrimage to Rajgir | Feb 27, 2027 | Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche | ● Open |
Teachers
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Geshe Dorji Damdul
Senior Teacher · Director, Tibet House Delhi
One of the most respected Tibetan Buddhist teachers in India, Geshe Dorji Damdul is the Director of Tibet House New Delhi — the cultural institution founded by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He holds the title of Lharampa Geshe (the highest academic degree in Tibetan Buddhism) and is known for his ability to present complex Buddhist philosophy with extraordinary clarity in English. He leads Root Institute's intermediate retreats.
🙏
Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche II
Visiting Teacher
The reincarnation of Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche — one of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's closest teachers and debate partners. A highly regarded tulku who teaches Buddhist philosophy and guides pilgrimages at Root Institute during the season.
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Geshe Tenzin Zopa
Visiting Teacher
An experienced Geshe and longtime FPMT teacher who leads introductory courses and pilgrimages at Root Institute. Known for his grounded teaching style and ability to make Tibetan Buddhist teachings accessible to Western students.
Location & Travel
Address
Saxena Road, Near Nyingma Monastery, Bodhgaya, Gaya District, Bihar 824231
Nearest Airport
Gaya International Airport (GAY) — 15 km. Direct flights from Bangkok, Colombo, and major Indian cities during season.
Nearest Railway
Gaya Junction — 13 km. Well-connected to Patna, Kolkata, Delhi, and Varanasi. Taxis and autos available to Bodhgaya.
Sacred Proximity
The Mahabodhi Stupa (where the Buddha attained enlightenment) is a 5-minute walk. The Bodhi Tree is nearby. Early morning circumambulation is a life-changing practice.
Best Season
October–March. Peak pilgrimage time is Nov–Feb when temperatures are cool (8–25°C). Avoid April–September (extreme heat, 40°C+). Many teachers and monasteries close for summer.
Contact
WhatsApp / SMS: +91 9931 518 858. Office hours Mon–Sat, 9am–12pm & 1:15–5pm IST.
Reviews
★★★★★
Studying Buddhism 5 minutes from the Bodhi Tree is something I will never forget. The teaching by Geshe Dorji Damdul was outstanding — challenging and profound. Root Institute has a warmth and community feeling that is rare. The food was excellent and the rooms comfortable enough. I came for a week and ended up staying for three.
✓ Attended Bodhicitta Retreat, Dec 2025
★★★★★
The pilgrimage to Rajgir with Tsenshap Serkong Rinpoche was extraordinary. Walking where the Buddha walked and receiving teachings on those very spots transforms the philosophy from something intellectual into something living. Root Institute does this better than anywhere I know. The combination of study and pilgrimage in Bodhgaya is simply unmatched.
✓ Attended Pilgrimage, Jan 2026
★★★★☆
I came as a complete beginner and left with a genuine foundation in Buddhist philosophy. The teachers are accessible and warm. The location in Bodhgaya adds an indescribable atmosphere — circumambulating the Mahabodhi at dawn with monks from a dozen countries is something no retreat centre in the West can replicate. Rooms are simple but clean. Highly recommended for the season.
✓ Introductory Course, Nov–Dec 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Root Institute?
The main season runs October through March. December–February is peak time with the coolest weather, the most events, and the greatest concentration of pilgrims, teachers, and monasteries operating. Avoid the summer months (April–September) as Bodhgaya is extremely hot and most centres close.
Do I need prior Buddhist knowledge to attend?
Not for introductory courses — these are open to complete beginners. Intermediate courses (like the Bodhicitta Retreat) benefit from some prior Tibetan Buddhist study, though motivated newcomers are welcome. Check the individual course prerequisites on rootinstitute.ngo.
What accommodation is available?
Root Institute offers single, double, and triple rooms, as well as dormitory beds. Accommodation is comfortable and clean. All stays must be booked through the website in advance, especially for the peak December–February period when the centre fills up quickly.
Is there anything to do in Bodhgaya beyond the centre?
Bodhgaya is a remarkable town for any Buddhist practitioner. Beyond the Mahabodhi Stupa, there are monasteries from Thailand, Japan, Bhutan, Tibet, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and more — each hosting their own events and puja services. His Holiness the Dalai Lama often teaches here in January. The Root Institute's pilgrimage programme covers regional sacred sites like Rajgir and Nalanda.
How do I register for a course?
Register and book your accommodation together at rootinstitute.ngo/stay/book. The registration form allows you to specify which courses you want to attend during your stay. WhatsApp/SMS +91 9931 518 858 with any questions during office hours (Mon–Sat, 9am–12pm and 1:15–5pm IST).