Root Institute is a socially-engaged Buddhist Dharma centre in Bodhgaya, India.
Root Institute for Wisdom Culture is a beautiful oasis of tranquility located near Bodhgaya in the north Indian state of Bihar. Each year our season runs from September through April, in which we offer Buddhist introductory and intermediate courses and retreats, as well as pilgrimages, in addition to more extensive studies of Buddhist philosophy in the FPMT Basic Programme. Because of our vicinity to the Mahabodhi Stupa, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, Root Institute is a unique place for practice, contemplation and blessings. Many other sites where the Buddha meditated, taught, and resided are found throughout the local landscape, making Bodhgaya the most blessed place in the Buddhist world. We have a separate, secluded area ideal for individual and group retreats: our Stupa Garden of Compassion. People are also most welcome to come and stay with us just to enjoy a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere to unwind and rest.
30/11/2025
Just one week now until we have the great honor of welcoming Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering to teach. There is still room available at Root and all are welcome.
We are very happy to announce that Khensur Rinpoche's course will be livestreamed, available through Root Institute's youtube page for those of you not able to join in person. There are no fees but donations are welcome: https://www.rootinstitute.ngo/donate
Photo courtesy of geshetashi.org
23/11/2025
Join us for this rare opportunity to compete a full preliminary practice in just one month, at one of the most sacred places on the planet.
Clear obstacles, generate skies of merit for beings everywhere, and prime the mind for realisations— all while being carried by the energy of a wonderful group, and bathing in the blessings of Mahabodhi Temple every day for one month.
Winter is coming and the Dharma is heating up in Bodhgaya. The Dzongsar Mönlam is underway beneath the Bodhi Tree, while at Root we prepare to welcome Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering and students for the next wave of Dharma teachings💫
All are welcome— please share these upcoming events🙏
14/11/2025
13/11/2025
Offering robes to Buddha Shakyamuni on Lhabab Duchen 🙏
12/11/2025
Celebration and prayers abound at the Great Vajra Seat of Bodhgaya for Lhabab Duchen✨️✨️✨️
Big thanks to all the gracious sponsors, Ani Dekyong la and Ugyen la of Root Institute, and all the wonderful helpers who contributed to these meritorious practices:
● Prayer flags hung at Mahabodhi Temple
● Sponsorship of Lama Chopa Tsog by Namgyal Monastery monks, with money offering made to all Sangha
● Offered robes to Buddha Shakyamuni Statue
● Abundant flowers and thousands of lights offered to the Stupa
● Recitation of the King of Prayers, Chanting the Names of Manjushri, and the Vajra Cutter Sutra
All sponsor's names along with their dedications were read at Mahabodhi Temple 🙏🙏🙏
08/11/2025
Geshe Dorji Damdul and students on an early morning pilgrimage to Mahabodhi Temple for prayers and the taking of Bodhisattva Vows🙏
06/11/2025
A very warm welcome to the most Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul. Students greeted Geshe la upon his arrival for a 10-Day retreat on Emptiness and Bodhicitta🙏🙏🙏
30/10/2025
Naga Puja performed at Root Institute by monks from Namgyal Monastery in Bodhgaya 🙏
17/10/2025
A warm welcome to Venerable Kalden and his pilgrimage group to Root 😊
Lama Chöpa yesterday in the main gompa.
Address
Saxena Road, Bodhgaya, Gaya District Bodh Gaya 824231
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Root Institute for Wisdom Culture:
Root Institute for Wisdom Culture is located in the holy land of Bodhgaya, where Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago. We received our name in 1984 from our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe, a highly qualified teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Since Bodhgaya is where the Buddha became enlightened, Lama Yeshe considered this place to be the Root from which the branches emerged to the rest of the world as depicted in our logo above. Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the heart disciple of Lama Yeshe and current Spiritual Director of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), added the term Wisdom Culture. Root Institute is part of the FPMT, which comprises of a network of over 160 meditation centres and projects in more than 30 countries.
It was the aspiration of Root Institute's founder, Lama Yeshe, that the institute 'return the historic kindness of the Indian people'. As part of this ideal, we run various social service projects which give immediate benefit to those who are impoverished.
Each year, from September to April, we offer a series of courses and retreats on Tibetan Buddhist Meditation and Philosophy in English. These courses cover a wide range of Buddhist topics and are designed to complement each other. Taught by experienced western and Tibetan teachers, all of our courses and retreats emphasize practical application of the Buddha’s teachings in order to increase wisdom, compassion, peace and happiness in one’s daily life.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, we express our deep gratitude to our most holy Guru, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche for his vision and compassionate guidance over the years. We also rejoice in the incredible generosity and kindness of our sponsors for supporting our projects!
Here are just a few of our accomplishments:
Established our spiritual programme which offers Dharma courses, pilgrimages and retreats
Shakyamuni Buddha Community Health Care Clinic - established in 1991
Tara Children's Project - founded in 2008
Maitreya School - re-opened in 2012
The residential FPMT Basic Programme began in September 2016
Our Stupa Garden of Compassion - consecrated by Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche in January 2017
Today, our residential community consists of our local Indian staff, rescued animals, a growing sangha community, volunteers and students from all over the world who offer service to benefit sentient beings.
