Spiritual programme
Intermediate
To Friday 14 November 2025
A rare and precious opportunity – 10 days of teachings!
This popular retreat will focus on the practice of Bodhicitta, the altruistic aspiration to become fully enlightened in order to benefit others. This awakening and compassionate mind is ever-present as a seed in all sentient beings. The path to awaken and nurture this will be introduced by the most kind Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul la, based on Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings, specifically the Mahayana teachings. In the intensity of the many sessions a day and continuous teaching and meditation, one can come to experience the magic of the Buddha's teachings. The retreat will include a pilgrimage to Vulture’s Peak in Rajgir and Nalanda ruins – the date is to be confirmed by Geshe la at the beginning of the retreat.
Bodhgaya is the very heart of the Buddhist world – the place where Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment and where in the future, one thousand buddhas will descend, display holy deeds and attain enlightenment. Bodhgaya is also near many of the holy sites where the Buddha spent time practicing, meditating and teaching. Thus making the Bodhicitta Retreat with Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul in Bodhgaya an unique experience.
Root Institute is a tranquil and quiet haven, set amongst trees and gardens, making it the ideal place for retreat. This is an amazing opportunity to come to Bodhgaya where it is said that the merit from any virtuous activities we perform here is multiplied many times due to the blessings from all the holy activities accomplished by countless holy beings.
This retreat will include maintaining silence from 8:30 pm through to breakfast next day.
Teacher
Venerable Geshe Dorji Damdul is one of the most popular teachers of the Tibetan Buddhist Nalanda tradition and a distinguished Buddhist scholar whose interest lies in the relation between Buddhism and science, especially in physics.
Geshe la is currently the Director of Tibet House, New Delhi, The Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He has a Geshe Lharampa degree (equivalent of a PhD) from Drepung Loseling, in Mundgod, Karnataka, and was an interpreter for His Holiness for five years.
Tentative schedule subject to change
| Tue 4 Nov | |
| 4:00 pm | Introduction to course by Spiritual Programme Coordinator |
| Wed 5 Nov | Thu 13 Nov |
| 5:30 am | Wake up / personal practice |
| 6:00 am | Morning Practice (prostrations & meditations) with Geshe Damdul |
| 7:45 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Teachings with Geshe Damdul |
| 10:30 am | Tea break & group discussion |
| 11:30 am | Teachings with Geshe Damdul |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:30 pm | Teachings with Geshe Damdul |
| 4:00 pm | Tea break & group discussion |
| 5:00 pm | Sitting meditation & dedication prayers |
| 6:00 pm | Supper |
| 7:00 pm | Group discussion (optional) |
| Fri 14 Nov | |
| 5:30 am | Wake up / personal practice |
| 6:00 am | Morning practice (prostrations and meditations) with Geshe Damdul |
| 7:45 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Last teachings with Geshe Damdul |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Root Institute tour |
Course / retreat discipline
We welcome your application to participate in our Spiritual Programme.
We now offer all Dharma events without charge, however we do require bookings for planning purposes.
To make the most of the opportunity, we suggest the following:
-
Settle all outside communication before you begin your course or retreat. Telling friends and family that you will be out of contact for the duration will significantly help to reduce distractions. Likewise, settling your travel arrangements, etc. before you come to Root Institute is highly advisable.
-
To maintain a healthy, calm, clear mind, observing silence will bring conducive mental space.
-
Practicing Dharma is a source of happiness; enjoy each step along the way!
-
Thank you for your interest in Root Institute's Spiritual Programme. We'll do our best to support you!