The Sound on the Net

 

Merigar connects to the world

Merigar, the international center of the Dzogchen Community on Monte Labro, has completed a transformation that will improve how the teachings reach practitioners worldwide.

Key numbers:

  • 9,000+ connections per event

  • 40+ countries reached

  • 9 languages with simultaneous translation

 

Why this project

Merigar's isolated location, while ideal for practice, has always posed connectivity challenges. With the arrival of fiber optics and support from the Italian Buddhist Union, we have been able to create a state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Sound in the Dzogchen tradition is not merely a technical detail: it represents a direct manifestation of ultimate reality. The transmission of oral teachings requires perfect audio quality, without distortions or delays. For this reason, we have adopted the DANTE system.

 

What we have accomplished

✓ 10 Gbps fiber optic network connecting all main buildings: Casa Gialla, Gompa, Sala Mandala, Infopoint, Infomerigar, and Tenda Vendite

✓ 23 professional Access Points for complete wireless coverage, capable of supporting over 4,700 simultaneous users

✓ Redundant computer system with server cluster, automatic backups, and secure remote access to the Historical Archive and library

✓ DANTE audio-video technology for high-quality streaming with simultaneous translations in 9 languages 

✓ 95% stable streaming without interruptions, even during events with thousands of participants

 

First field test: July 2025 Retreat

The infrastructure is already operational. During the Dzogchen teachings retreat in July 2025, the new fiber optic network and wireless system demonstrated their effectiveness, successfully supporting thousands of participants both in person and online. This first concrete use confirmed the robustness of the system, which will be further enhanced with the complete integration of the DANTE system in the coming months.

 

Concrete benefits

This investment allows Merigar to:

  • Transmit teachings in real-time to thousands of practitioners worldwide, preserving the spiritual quality of the transmission
  • Make accessible the Historical Archive (recognized by the Tuscan Archival Superintendency) and the library with rare manuscripts
  • Organize multiple simultaneous events, from large retreats (9,000+ users) to daily courses (300 users)
  • Manage the center more efficiently, with remote monitoring and maintenance
  • Serve as a replicable model for other Dzogchen Community centers worldwide

 

A sustainable project

The infrastructure has been designed with open source technologies (Proxmox) and scalable equipment that eliminates licensing costs and allows future expansions without replacements. Cloud monitoring reduces maintenance costs and ensures rapid interventions.

 

Thanks to the Italian Buddhist Union

This project was made possible by the support of the UBI for spreading the Dharma. A fundamental step in making Dzogchen teachings accessible to everyone, anywhere in the world.