Buddhist monastery in Kadian offers city dwellers spiritual retreat
Tucked away in the quiet lanes of Kadian, the Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara remains a little-known monastery where Buddhism isn’t just preached—it’s gently lived. Amid the clang of industrial life, the vihara stands as a silent haven, inviting those seeking tranquillity and introspection. Not many realise that Ludhiana, a city known more for its factories and traffic, is also an abode of Buddhist practice.
For monsoon, two guest monks—Buddhankar from Delhi and Mahanam from Mumbai—made the vihara their home, in observance of Varsha Vassa, a centuries-old Buddhist tradition. During the rainy season, monks remain in one place to avoid harming small creatures like snails and insects. “Even with the advent of modern transport, this tradition holds deep meaning,” said Buddhankar. “We travel less during the monsoon, not just out of respect for life, but also to deepen our mindfulness,” Mahanam said, adding that, “Living here through the rains has been grounding—it’s a return to simplicity.”
Presiding over the vihara is Pragya Bodhi Thero, who shares both the significance of the monks’ stay and the philosophy they carry with them.
“They’re following the age-old tradition of Varsha Vassa with sincerity and joy. It’s heartening to see how this practice, rooted in compassion and mindfulness, continues to thrive even in today’s fast-paced world,” adds Pragya.
“There’s a craze today for OMAD—the one meal a day diet—but in Buddhism, this has been a way of life for centuries. It’s not a trend, it’s a discipline,” he explains.
OMAD has a purpose, while the people these days have popularised it as a wellness trend, Pragya Bodhi Thero explains its deeper roots in Buddhist discipline. “Even if daily OMAD isn’t feasible, observing it on four sacred days—two Ashtami days, one Amavasya (new moon) and one Purnima (full moon)—can make a meaningful impact,” he said.
“It not only helps detox the body and improve digestion, but also conserves food grains, cooking oil and fuel. It’s a way of living lightly, with intention and respect for resources,” he added.
Though understated in its presence, the Takshila Maha Buddha Vihara opens its doors to anyone—Buddhist or otherwise—yearning for a moment of stillness. Thero gently reminds, “If you seek peace and want to spend time with your inner self, you don’t need to rush to the hills or chase distant monasteries. A quiet place is waiting right here.” With its calm halls and the quiet rustle of Bodhi leaves, the vihara doesn’t just offer shelter—it offers a return to self.
“I come here often, especially on weekends. The peace inside the vihara is unlike anything else in the city,” said Ravinder Sharma, a 34-year-old schoolteacher from Civil Lines. “You walk in and feel a quietness that lingers—it helps me slow down, reflect and just be. It’s a spiritual break without having to go far,” he added.
In a city racing toward modernity, this pocket of timeless reflection invites passers-by to slow down. The monks may be observing tradition, but the invitation is modern: pause, breathe and meet yourself again.
Ludhiana