The Bodhicitta and Wisdom of Emptiness retreat in Tibetan was organized by Root Institute, with a Tibetan audience, and was taught by Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul la. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity. Out of 135 participants, 35 were from Ladakh, of whom 20 were students from Delhi University, Kashmir University, and other institutions. For the Ladakhi audience, the Nalanda Ladakhi Translation Team provided simultaneous live translation from Tibetan into Ladakhi, which were joined by online participants as well.
This was the first time that Ladakhi students attended a Tibetan retreat and listened to the sessions in Ladakhi. This marks one of the first gesture in providing Ladakhi youth exposure to such sessions in their own language and in preserving the language along with profound Buddhist philosophy, psychology, epistemology, and logic. In this retreat, students were exposed to the understanding that whatever we do in our lives, we are ultimately seeking fearlessness and infinite happiness.
To attain these goals, the actual remedy lies in the wisdom of emptiness, as taught in the Mulamadhyamakakarika written by Arya Nagarjuna:
“Cessation of karma and afflictions is Nirvana. Karma and afflictions arise from the conceptualization of inappropriate attention; which in turn arises from elaboration of self-grasping ignorance, elaboration ceases into or by emptiness.”
By analyzing such texts, students engaged with the root cause of revolving in the web of fear and unease self-grasping ignorance and learned the need to cultivate the wisdom of emptiness. To understand the driving force of the path, the aspiration for one’s own liberation is explained as renunciation. However, by recognizing other beings upon whom we are dependent, this motivation is further strengthened through mind of Bodhicitta, which aims to remove become Buddha for the benefit of all sentient beings and to remove both afflictive and cognitive obscurations to benefit both oneself and others.
The methods to generate Bodhicitta were thoroughly discussed and meditated upon, based on the Sevenfold Cause-and-Effect Method and Equalizing and Exchanging Self with Others which were originally taught by Buddha Shakyamuni.
As a paying homage to the place where Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment, the Vajra Land, place where Buddha Shakyamuni turned the Second Wheel of Dharma in Rajgir, and in reflection on the kindness and profound wisdom of the ancient Nalanda masters, participants paid a visit guided by Ven. Geshe Dorji Damdul la. At these historic places, participants took the Aspirational Bodhisattva Vow as a gesture of aspiration, keeping in mind the wish to become holders of this rich Nalanda tradition embeddedin Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings, to benefit others, and, if unable to help, at least not to harm.
We were further fortunate to have an interactive session with the visionary Ven. Geshe Konchok Wangdu lay, who always inspires Ladakhi youth to recognize the value of the Bhoti language, encouraged students to continue their further exploration. He especially emphasized the importance of moving beyond temporary solutions and keeping long-term goals in mind. He highlighted the need for proper planning and reflection on His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision that it is the responsibility of Himalayan people, particularly Ladakhis, to preserve this profound wisdom tradition grounded in love and compassion.
Ms. Stanzin Lhadol
(PhD, IIT Delhi)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izkxUqUjJFs&t=663s
6 Comments
Jigsmeth Stanzin
It is with deep gratitude that we share that the ten-day study retreat on the Heart Sutra, held at the sacred land where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, has now concluded. Organised by Tibet House in collaboration with the Root Institute, this retreat has been a profound, meaningful, and enriching experience, especially for the students who participated with sincere dedication and spirit.
First and foremost, we are deeply grateful to Ven. Geshe Dorje Damdul for his compassionate guidance and profound wisdom. Through his clear and systematic explanations—from the foundational prayers to the deep profound understanding of emptiness—our perception of mind and reality has been deeply enriched. More importantly, his teachings offered practical insight into how the Dharma can be brought into daily life, enabling us to face challenges with clarity, balance, and compassion. We feel truly blessed to receive such guidance, care, and living wisdom from him.
On behalf of all the students, we wish to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Ka Tashi la and Geshe Samdup-la whose dedicated efforts, tireless commitment, and sense of responsibility made this opportunity possible. Even while being in Ladakh, they continued to guide and support us wholeheartedly, always keeping our well-being and academic progress in mind. Their vision, generosity, and constant concern were clearly reflected in every aspect of the retreat from accommodation and meals to the overall organisation were managed with great thoughtfulness and responsibility.
Their kindness, selfless service, and hardworking nature have left a lasting impression on all of us. We are deeply grateful for this precious opportunity and sincerely pray that we may honour their generosity by putting the teachings we have received into genuine practice.
With profound respect and heartfelt gratitude, we humbly offer our thanks to Ka Tashi and Geshe Samdup-la. 🙏
Urgain Takspa
From the depths of our hearts, we thank Flowering Dharma for holding this retreat. It touched us deeply, opened our minds to the essence of Buddhism, and planted seeds that will continue to grow within us. Our gratitude and support will always remain whenever we are needed
Jigmet Namgail
I m so fortunate to be a part of this retreat, the Gesha la is always a inspirational for all the youth.
Stanzin Tsetan
Jullay
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to flowering dharma and Tibet house for giving us this precious opportunity. It was my first time engaging with these teachings in such a way, and the experience was truly transformative. While my understanding is still in the process of deepening, I feel that I have gained a clearer and more meaningful insight than ever befor
Each session allowed me to go deeper, and the teachings resonated strongly within me. This retreat felt like my first step into a vast ocean of learning, inspiring me to continue studying, reflecting, and growing on this path
I am sincerely grateful for this meaningful experience and hope to continue learning and growing on this path
Regards
Stanzin tsetan
🙏
Jigmet dolker
Seeing the reflections from retreat … It is deeply inspiring to see specially our youth coming forward to preserve and carry forward the precious Nalanda tradition, especially through our own Bhoti language. This itself is a powerful step.. you travelled to the sacred land of Bodhgaya to study Bodhicitta, renunciation and the wisdom of emptiness, it will guide us in making better life choices, building meaningful careers and creating a more compassionate society.
The teachings of Ārya Nāgārjuna, remind us that self-grasping ignorance is the root of all suffering, which comes during our stressful college life, the practices of renunciation and Bodhicitta teach us to live not only for ourselves, but for the benefit of all beings. I can already see the impacts and When others will see positive change in you with more clarity, compassion and stability they will naturally become interested in the path.
Let us take this wisdom as a responsibility to share what you have learnt with your families, friends and communities, so more people can benefit from this profound Nalanda wisdom. Let your life become an example of positive change.
I am very proud of all of you who have joined such retreats…
Please continue to walk this path and inspire many others to do the same.
With respect and prayers,
Jigmet Dolker
Kelsang Dolma
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Geshe La, Tibet House Team, Tashi ly, Flowering Dharma Team and Root Institute for their tireless work. it’s always inspirational!! Please keep motivating and encouraging specially the youths.
With Best Wishes 🙏
Kelsang Dolma