Founded in 1981, Merigar is a cultural association of international scope. It was born on the inspiration and under the guidance of Chögyal Namkhai Norbu (1938-2018) as a place where people can meet, receive teachings, study and apply them in daily life People interested above all in the study and practice of Dzogchen gather here. Merigar was the first Gar of the Dzogchen Community to be founded. Merigar's Spiritual Guide is Yeshi Namkhai.
Dzogchen means total (chen) perfection (dzog). It is each individual's actual condition, his or her self-perfected state. We all possess this potential, which is independent of cultural traditions, religious beliefs, geographical origins. The method of acquiring this knowledge and discovering our true condition is called Dzogchen teaching. It is not a philosophical theory created by intellectual analysis but derives from direct knowledge of this state acquired through experience. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu was the first Master to teach Dzogchen in the West, in the early 70s, founding the Dzogchen Community.
The International Dzogchen Community is a secular community of planetary dimensions based on the principles of awareness and respect. It emerged spontaneously around its inspiration and teacher, Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, and is open to everyone.
Continue reading here International Dzogchen community
The Dzogchen Community has several centers around the world. The largest meeting centers are called Gar, a Tibetan term which literally means camp, by extension indicates a place where people meet to practice and follow teachings around the figure of a Master; in cities, the reference centers are the Ling.
Discover the different centers here International Dzogchen Community - Gar & Lings
Merigar is located on the hills of southern Tuscany that surround an ancient volcano called Monte Amiata. The closest town is Arcidosso, in the province of Grosseto. It is about 2.5 hours from Rome airport and about the same distance from Florence and Pisa. If you arrive by car, look for Merigar West, 58031, GR or follow this link on Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/36KarDJQp6jUAiDA7
The easiest way to get to Merigar is with your own transport, but with a little patience and a short walk it is also possible to get there by public transport.
Find out how to get to Merigar
Visitors are always welcome at Merigar. To make sure you can enter the facilities during your visit, we recommend taking part in the guided tours, the calendar of which can be found here:
The secretary is open at Merigar every day except Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 to 13 and 15 to 17:30, to help you with information on courses, events, and guided tours.
The Temple of Great Contemplation (Gönpa), conceived, conceived and designed by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu is certainly the most important structure to visit in Merigar. In addition, there are three Stupas, monuments whose function is to promote the well-being and prosperity of the places in which they are built, the Mandala Hall where the Vajra Dance is practiced, and the library with an important collection of texts in Tibetan, English and Italian. A cinerary was also recently built.
Find out more here Merigar Faclities
Merigar is a place of encounter where you can participate in courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, and practice retreats. Activities are linked to the teachings of Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, such as Yantra Yoga, the Dance of the Vajra, meditation, Khaita Joyful Dances. Courses in collaboration with other associations also take place here.
Find out more here: our activities
Our calendar of activities and events is available on this page
You can subscribe to our newsletter and receive information on upcoming events by filling out this form https://my.sendinblue.com/users/subscribe/js_id/2xi6l/id/2
There are no accommodations within Merigar, but accommodation for all needs can be found in neighboring villages!
You can support Merigar with a general or specific donation for some projects. More details here
On this page you can find the contacts of Merigar staff