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.
24/12/2025
We are delighted to welcome Geshe Tenzin Zopa to Bodhgaya. His arrival was a little touch and go, as heavy fog blanketed Gaya over the past week, delaying and cancelling flights—but at last the clouds parted, and the Lama appeared!
This morning, Geshe-la visited Maitreya School for their Christmas celebration. He gave an inspiring talk to the children before offering chocolates to everyone. Geshe-la then led a pilgrimage to the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, where we collectively offered robes to Shakyamuni Buddha and received the Bodhisattva vows.
Tomorrow morning, on Christmas Day, Geshe-la will begin teaching in the Gompa at Root. Teachings for the coming week (Dec 25—31) will be daily at the following times:
9:00am–12:00pm (with a short break) 4:00pm–6:00pm
(Indian time)
For those unable to be with us in person, we are happy to share that the teachings will be livestreamed and recorded. You are warmly invited to join us online via Root’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com//streams
All teachings are offered by donation: https://www.rootinstitute.ngo/donate
24/12/2025
Sincere thanks to Venerable Wandgu for offering such crystal-clear Dharma teachings on the foundations of the Buddhist Path. The course concluded with a pilgrimage and prayers at Mahabodhi Temple, followed by an inspiring journey led by Venerable Wandgu to Rajgir and Nalanda.
Amazing photos taken by
18/12/2025
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering for the precious week-long teachings that concluded on the auspicious day of Lama Tsongkhapa’s Parinirvana.
Khensur Rinpoche kindly remained with us in the afternoon for Lama Chöpa tsok offering, and in the evening we gathered to make light offerings and recite Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga and "Destiny Fulfilled", Je Tsongkhapa’s spiritual autobiography.
The day concluded with a special screening of “Until Space Remains: The Dalai Lama and India” in the gompa.
We are very happy to share that many of this season’s Dharma teachings will be livestreamed and recorded on Root Institute’s YouTube channel. This makes it easy for friends and practitioners around the world to join—either in real time or whenever it best supports your practice.
You’re warmly invited to subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive notifications and access upcoming teachings:
You can also see the latest updates on the teachings on offer below, and keep informed about what’s coming up this season on our website.
Please see course schedules on respective event pages on our website for livestream times.
The Dharma is offered freely in the spirit of generosity. If you feel moved to support Root Institute’s ongoing humanitarian and spiritual activities, offerings of dana are deeply appreciated and can be made here:
May these teachings bring benefit, inspiration, and peace to all beings. 🙏💛
05/12/2025
Today, Shakyamuni Buddha Community Health Care Center organized a special clinic workshop at the mobile clinic, where physiotherapy and acupuncture specialists provided guidance to patients struggling with mobility issues. The workshop focused on physical exercises and acupuncture techniques to make daily life easier for them.
With deep gratitude to the volunteers and helpers🙏
Reciting the Names of Noble Manjushri in the gompa this evening to mark the birthday of our most precious teacher, Kyabjé Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Remembering the immeasurable kindness, guidance, wisdom and compassion that Rinpoche continuously bestows upon all beings.
May we never be parted from perfect Gurus, and may Rinpoche's unmistaken reincarnation be swiftly recognised so that his enlightened activity continues to flourish and benefit beings endlessly🙏💕
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
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.
