Spiritual programme
Introductory
To Sunday 21 December 2025
Buddhism offers profound methods to overcome the harmful mental habits that block our experience of genuine happiness and well-being. By gaining deep insight into the workings of our own mind and the true nature of reality, we can bring about lasting, positive change – both in our own lives and in the lives of others.
In this course, we will explore the Buddhist path in depth: uncovering how attachment and self-centred thinking trap us in confusion and dissatisfaction, and learning how to break free from these patterns by cultivating our inner qualities of wisdom and compassion.
Format of the course will incorporate:
- Dharma teachings
- review / question and answer sessions, and
- guided meditations.
Teacher
Find out about Venerable Thubten Wangdu on our page – visiting teachers and course leaders.
Resources
- Teaching Slides – Day 1 – PDF
- Teaching Slides – Day 2 – PDF
- Teaching Slides – Day 3 – PDF
- Teaching Slides – Day 4 – PDF
- Guided Meditations by Thubten Chodron – PDF
Schedule
| Tue 16 Dec | |
| 1:15 pm-> | Check-in |
| 5:00 pm | Introduction to the retreat by Spiritual Programme Coordinator (SPC) |
| 6:00 pm | Supper |
| Wed 17 Dec | Sat 20 Dec |
| 6:45 am | Morning Practice |
| 7:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Teachings with Venerable Wangdu |
| 10:15 am | Tea break |
| 10:45 am | Teachings with Venerable Wangdu |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Discussion groups |
| 3:00 pm | Tea break |
| 3:30 pm | Teachings with Venerable Wangdu |
| 4:30 pm | Break |
| 4:45 pm | Teaching / Meditation with Venerable Wangdu |
| 6:00 pm | Supper |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Meditation |
| Sun 21 Dec | |
| 6:45 am | Morning meditation |
| 7:30 am | Breakfast |
| 8:30 am | Room check-out before the last teachings |
| 9:30 am | Pilgrimage to Mahabodhi Stupa with Venerable Wangdu |
| 12:00 pm | Big Lunch |
| 2:00 pm | Tour of Root Institute and introduction to the social service projects – Maitreya school, Shakyamuni Buddha Clinic and the Stupa Garden. |
Note: This schedule is subject to change.
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:
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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.
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To maintain a healthy, calm, clear mind, observing silence will bring conducive mental space.
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Practicing Dharma is a source of happiness; enjoy each step along the way!
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Thank you for your interest in Root Institute's Spiritual Programme. We'll do our best to support you!