Thursday 01 January 2026

Location: Vulture Peak and the ruins of Nalanda Mahavihara

Leader of the pilgrimage

We are so fortunate this season to have another wonderful pilgrimage with Geshe Tenzin Zopa, visiting two sites in Rajgir.

Vulture Peak

The holy mountain known as Vulture Peak was the site of Lord Buddha teachings of The Heart Sutra and many Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) sutras collectively termed The Second Turning on the Wheel of Dharma. Gaining insight into the meaning of these teachings is the path freeing the mind from innate misconception, the force of karma, and the resultant cycle of suffering existence, so their importance cannot be overstated. Fortunately these teachings have been preserved, and are the basis of study, debate, and meditation to this day.

Ruins of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara

Nalanda Mahavihara operated for almost a thousand years from 427 CE until around 1400 CE, and its site is thus of immense historical significance for the preservation of the Mahayana Buddhist lineage, including the Prajnaparamita teachings. It housed a vast library and, over the centuries, was a major centre of learning in India, where thousands of scholar monks from across Eastern and Central Asia studied and debated the teachings. So much of the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Tibetan Buddhism stems from the teachers and traditions at Nalanda.

Making the most of our journey

At each site the group will be given important information about the site and led into different meditations and practices relevant to the place.

Pilgrimage needs faith. More faith, more happiness. Otherwise, we are just like tourists looking at ruins. Pilgrimage is not just going to holy places and taking pictures. We go to holy places for blessing, so it's good to do practices at the different holy places.

Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Items to bring on the day

Root Institute will be bringing ground sheets to sit on, texts for recitation, and a small PA system.

For your own comfort, we recommend that you carry:

• sun protection – sunscreen and a sun parasol, hat, or scarf
• a water bottle
• a small meditation cusion (if you wish).

Schedule on Thu, 1 Jan, 2026

6:00 am	Pilgrimage to Vulture Peak (with take away breakfast)
12:00 pm	Lunch at Rajgir
1:30 pm	Pilgrimage to Nalanda Mahavihara
6:00 pm	Dinner at Root Institute (if required by non-residents, please book at reception)

Suggested donation

The suggested donation to cover transport hire for this pilgrimage will be confirmed closer to the date as it will vary depending on numbers.

Registration

• Open to both residents and those staying outside Root Institute.
• Please register in person at the Root Institute reception office closer to the time – up to one week prior.
• Registration deadline – 3 days before the pilgrimage.