Leh, Feb 08: The Bodhicitta and Wisdom of Emptiness retreat, conducted in the Tibetan language at the Root Institute from 27 January to 5 February 2026, concluded successfully, bringing together Buddhist scholars, students, and practitioners from various regions, including a significant participation from Ladakh.
The retreat, organised by the Root Institute and taught by Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, saw the participation of 135 attendees, including 35 participants from Ladakh. Notably, 20 Ladakhi participants were students from Delhi University, Kashmir University, and other academic institutions, highlighting growing interest among Ladakhi youth in Buddhist philosophical studies.
In a significant development for linguistic and cultural preservation, Tibet House Delhi and Flowering Dharma extended scholarships and financial assistance to Ladakhi students. Additionally, the Nalanda Ladakhi Translation Team provided simultaneous live translation from Tibetan into Ladakhi, enabling participants to follow the teachings in their native language. The sessions were also attended by online participants, expanding the reach of the retreat.
Organisers described the event as a historic milestone, marking one of the first instances where Ladakhi students attended a Tibetan retreat with teachings available in Ladakhi. The initiative is being viewed as an important step toward preserving the Ladakhi language while promoting deeper engagement with Buddhist philosophy, psychology, epistemology, and logic.
During the retreat, participants studied the philosophical foundations of fearlessness and the pursuit of lasting happiness through the wisdom of emptiness, based on the Mulamadhyamakakarika by Arya Nagarjuna. The teachings emphasized that liberation from suffering comes through understanding and overcoming self-grasping ignorance — considered the root cause of fear and dissatisfaction.
The retreat also focused on the development of Bodhicitta — the altruistic aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. Students learned and practiced methods such as the Sevenfold Cause-and-Effect Method and the practice of Equalizing and Exchanging Self with Others, teachings originally imparted by Buddha Shakyamuni.
As part of the spiritual journey, participants visited sacred Buddhist sites, including Bodh Gaya (Vajra Land), where Buddha attained enlightenment, and Rajgir, where the Second Wheel of Dharma was turned. Under the guidance of Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul, participants took the Aspirational Bodhisattva Vow, pledging to uphold and preserve the Nalanda tradition rooted in compassion and wisdom.
The retreat also featured an interactive session with Ven. Geshe Konchok Wangdu, who encouraged Ladakhi youth to recognise the importance of the Bhoti language and continue exploring their cultural and philosophical heritage. He stressed the need for long-term vision and planning, echoing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s call for Himalayan communities, particularly Ladakhis, to safeguard the ancient wisdom tradition based on compassion and universal responsibility.
