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.
01/08/2025
Big thanks to all the generous sponsors and helpers who made these meritorious actions on Chökhor Duchen possible--
Morning Guru Puja and Protector Prayers done at Namgyal Monastery in Bodhgaya with around 20 Sangha.
During the afternoon at Mahabodhi Temple, prayer flags were hung; 100 plates of flowers were offered; and 5000 butterlamps lit, with Light Offering practice and sponsors’ dedication.
Robes were offered to the Shakymuni Buddha statue at Mahabodhi Temple on behalf of FPMT.
Bhavatu sabba mangalam—May all beings be happy!
12/06/2025
Yesterday we sponsored Lama Chopa Tsog at Namgyal Monastery in Bodh Gaya, and made money offerings to all the monks.
Many flowers and light offerings were made at the great Mahabodhi Stupa, and new prayer flags tied.
Prayers and dedications were made by Venerable Dekyong and Ugyen Shola.
Huge thanks to the generous sponsors who made this possible.
May peace and happiness increase in the hearts and minds of all.
Happy Saka Dawa 💛
12/05/2025
In celebration of Vesak Day, we have set up a free clinic outside Mahabodhi Stupa for the 35,000 pilgrims🙏
Our director, Urgyen Shola, made offerings to the Namgyal Monks at His Holiness Dalai Lama temple in Bodhgaya at a Guru puja sponsored today Tibetan 15th during the lunar eclipse at Chotrul Duchen as part of our Festival of Lights and Merits.
Thank you everyone 🙏🏾your support helps us keep alive Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s projects including a free clinic for the locals (3,700 people helped last month alone!) and a school run along the 16 Guidelines principles for nearly 300 local children!
Yesterday was holi and you can see Urgyen celebrating with the clinic staff! Have a great day everyone and thank you again to our sponsors.
Our director, Urgyen Shola, making offerings to the Namgyal Monks at His Holiness Dalai Lama temple in Bodhgaya at a Tara puja sponsored as part of our Festival of Lights and Merits.
Thank you everyone 🙏🏾your support helps us keep alive Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s projects including a free clinic for the locals (3,700 people helped last month alone!) and a school run along the 16 Guidelines principles for nearly 300 local children!
Losar Prayer Festival Dedicated for the Swift Return of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche at the Mahabodhi Stupa, Bodhgaya28 February to 14 March 2025, 7 to 8pm (Indian ...
08/03/2025
Day 9: Swift Return Practice for Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche at the Seat of Enlightenment on the Miracle Days.
Here is the link for tomorrow’s livestream, Sunday, March 9th, 7-8pm Indian time.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Root Institute for Wisdom Culture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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.
