"ROOT INSTITUTE: From The Ground Up" – a short film
This film, produced in 2018 to commemorate our 30th year, chronicles the challenging birth, early days, and expansion of our social service projects, spiritual programme, and ongoing developments.
Strap yourself in to enjoy these 17 minutes of fun and education! (Switch to HD, 720p, for optimal view.)
Directed by Marc Israel
© 2018 Phenomenal World Cinema
Maitreya School
We also recommend this video as well as a visit to our Maitreya Universal Education School pages under Social Service, to better appreciate the difference Root Institute continues to make to our local area through the provision of education.
An overview of our centre
Root Institute for Wisdom Culture is a beautiful oasis of tranquility located near Bodhgaya in the north Indian state of Bihar.
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.
For this reason, each year during our season – October through March – we offer:
- Buddhist courses and retreats
- introductory and
- yoga retreats integrating Buddha Dharma.
We have a separate, secluded area suitable for individual and group retreats – our Stupa Garden of Compassion.
And travellers are most welcome to come and stay with us just to enjoy a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere to unwind and rest.
Our founders
Root Institute was established in 1984 under the direction of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, highly qualified teachers in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Lama Yeshe considered Bodhgaya to be the root from which the branches of Buddhism had spread to the rest of the world.
Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche was the heart disciple of Lama Yeshe, and is the current Spiritual Director of Root Institute and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, FPMT, which comprises a network of over 170 meditation centres in over 30 countries, including nine in India.
Our mission
To fulfil the vision of our spiritual guides, there are three main components to our mission:
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to be part of the preservation of the ancient Nalanda tradition of India through providing the opportunity to engage in the study and practice of Buddhist meditation and philosophy thereby helping people's minds and hearts to be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others
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to provide compassionate service especially to impoverished children, adolescents and adults in neighbouring areas; and
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to create a harmonious and compassionate spiritual environment in which to live and work together.
Our activities
In addition to the dharma activities of the centre, Root Institute encompasses the socially engaged charitable projects located within or close by:
and our nearby peaceful retreat space:
- Stupa Garden of Compassion.