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.
26/01/2026
Through simple and direct language, yet with meaning so profound, Serkong Tsenshab Rinpoche bestowed the Dharma in his characteristic way with honesty, humour and humility. Rinpoche taught on both the Seventh Dalai Lama's "Song of the Four Mindfulnesses" and Atisha's "Bodhisattva's Jewel Garland" over the course of five days at Root Institute.
Rinpoche's unparalleled skillfulness in continually relating all practice to the Four Noble Truths, the essence of the Dharma, carries immense practical benefit and strikes the heart of how to practice.
On the final morning, many of Rinpoche's students from Spiti also joined us in the gompa to collectively take Bodhisattva Vows with Rinpoche.
From our heart we thank Rinpoche for his immeasurable kindness. Please live long and continue to teach the Dharma🙏🙏🙏
All welcome to (re)listen to Rinpoche's teachings. You can find them on dedicated playlists on Root's YouTube page:
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
Venerable Yarphel's Dharma talk has been postponed to tomorrow evening (January 23rd 7pm)
Thank you🙏
20/01/2026
Only one month to go!
Please join us in-person or online for Losar prayers with Venerable Sarah Thresher under the sacred Bodhi Tree, dedicated for the swift return of our supreme spiritual guide, Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche🙏🙏🙏
Despite the casual appearance, from the moment Rinpoche began teaching, it became clear very quickly what a remarkable scholar and practioner he is.
With clarity, humor and warmth, Rinpoche taught the most profound Madhyamaka Middle Way wisdom, making the deepest teachings understandable and applicable in just a week. We were thoroughly humbled by Rinpoche's razor-sharp logic, while simultaneously held by his laughter, kindness, and ever-present joy.
THANK YOU Rinpoche 🙏🙏🙏
Rinpoche's teachings were recorded and have been collated in a Playlist on our YouTube page, free to revisit any time:
Geshe-la paying homage to Bodhisattva Adriana Ferranti during a recent visit to Maitri Charitable Trust.
At 83 years old, Adriana continues a lifetime of completely selfless service to the poorest, most vulnerable and neglected people and animals in Bihar—carried out within an especially harsh and challenging environment.
Our deepest respect, admiration, and gratitude to Adriana for her unwavering compassion and extraordinary dedication. https://www.maitri-bodhgaya.org/home/
07/01/2026
Between teachings and pilgrimages, Geshe Tenzin Zopa still found time to visit and pay homage to the social service projects at Root Institute, and to the incredible work being carried out by Adriana and her dedicated team at Maitri Charitable Trust🙏
On New Year’s Eve, Geshe-la also officially re-opened the dental service at Shakyamuni Clinic at Root, which had been closed since 2023. At this initial stage, the clinic will be open one day per week, offering essential dental care such as extractions and fillings. These are vital services being offered to very underprivileged people who would otherwise go without.
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.
