Private Retreats at Root Institute
There are very few places as blessed and inspiring for retreat as Bodhgaya, the “centre of the Universe” for Buddhists, where Shakyamuni Buddha and all of the other 999 Buddhas of this Fortunate Eon will attain Enlightenment. Over thousands of years, Bodhgaya has been further blessed by countless hours of meditation by millions of
pilgrims from all around the world. Due to the power of these blessings, it is said that all virtue is
multiplied by eight in Bodhgaya—one prayer, one prostration, one hour of meditation is as powerful as
eight prayers, eight prostrations or eight hours of meditation anywhere else in the world!
Root Institute provides an ideal location for individuals and groups doing private retreat in Bodhgaya.
Retreat Facilities:
- Two inspiring meditation halls available for one’s own practice or group rental.
- Peaceful rooms and retreat houses in a beautiful garden setting of flowers, prayer flags, Buddha statues, stupas and prayer wheels. Many people describe Root Institute as an “oasis” from the dust and noise of the town of Bodhgaya.
- Three delicious, healthy vegetarian meals per day. Meal delivery is available for students in strict private retreat.
- Fire puja house. If your retreat requires a complicated concluding fire puja, Namgyal Monastery monks can be requested to come to Root Institute for this purpose.
- Excellent library of books and videos, as well as meditation cushions/boxes, water bowls, prostration boards and other retreat supplies available
- Laundry service and shop for your daily needs (toiletries, stationery, candles, incense, snacks, etc.)
- Friendly staff who will respect your retreat silence and be available to provide logistical and emotional support to retreaters if needed.
Making a Booking
Individuals wishing to undertake a private retreat of one week or longer should complete the on-line registration form. To the question asking which course/retreat you are registering for, please describe which type of private retreat you will be doing (ngondro, deity, Lam Rim, etc.), if you will be in silence, and where you will conduct your sessions (at Root Institute or at the Mahabodhi Stupa?).
Please note: During retreats of longer than one week, retreatants are encouraged to meet briefly with the Spiritual Programme Coordinator once per week to see if the retreat is progressing well and one’s health is stable. Most people do not experience any mental health problems during retreat. However, occasionally someone does have a reaction to the intensity of meditation or to the retreat experience, so it is important for Root Institute to take care of our guests as much as possible by having this brief weekly check-in.
Groups wishing to undertake retreat should Contact Us for a booking.
