Root Institute is located in Bodhgaya within the state of Bihar, one of the poorest states in India. Being well prepared will make your stay much more comfortable.
Be prepared
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You will need a photocopy of your passport, visa, and a passport size photo. This is required on arrival.
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Please check our page on seasons – when to visit to pack suitable clothes, for example, warm clothing is needed November through January.
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Please bring your own bath towel, toiletries, and any medicines you need.
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We highly suggest you bringing vitamins, probiotics, electrolytes, and any treatment for an upset stomach (our kitchen is very clean but eating outside can sometimes bring problems).
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A torch and batteries to use during power cuts (usually we quickly start the generator and switch over to it, but a torch will help in the meantime).
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If you feel the need for clock, it's helpful to bring one which is digital, i.e. which does not tick.
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Ear plugs – to ensure a peaceful sleep regardless of any noise in the neighbourhood.
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Your own water bottle. We have filtered water available day and night.
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Please note: Toiletries such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, razors and deodorant are inexpensive and readily available in Bodhgaya. Tampons are not available.
During courses or retreats
If you are coming to participate in one of our courses or retreats and, in accord with the guidelines of behaviour in a Dharma environment, you agree not to leave Root Institute property for the full duration of that course or retreat, unless is part of the schedule, we ask you to prepare everything you can reasonably expect to need for the duration.
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Your donation: For courses and group retreats, students are required to pay their donation before the start.
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You will be asked not to use cameras, MP3 players, laptops, tablets, kindles, or mobile phones for the duration of your course or retreat.
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Please do not play any musical instruments at Root Institute.
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We highly advise not to use your mobile phone as an alarm clock. If you do, please switch it to airplane mode througout the whole of the course / retreat. Please be respectful of fellow retreatants.
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To help you stay focused on the ideas presented in the course, we also ask that you only read books about Buddhism while you are here, so you won't need any extra non-Dharma books.