“So, I believe it’s crucial for the whole Community to stay united and to always strive to be present and aware of our situation. In Vajrayana, it is said that after receiving empowerment, it is like a snake entering a tube, which can only exit from one end or the other—either liberation or the lowest states. Why? Because after receiving Vajrayana initiation, we are bound to follow our samayas, our commitments, even at the cost of our lives. It’s the same for us—we have one very important samaya: to remain present and aware.”
(Adriano Clemente, 2020, Mirror)
With these words, I would like to begin sharing about Merigar East, located at the far end of the Old Continent of Europe. Beyond our programs and activities, it is a reality filled with challenges. Merigar East is a vast space full of possibilities but with very few human resources. And those few resources, when they appear, often collide with their own limitations. It is not necessary to perform a social or “community” diagnosis, but for anyone who has served in the Gakyil, the taste of those challenges is surely familiar.
How do we overcome them? What motivates us to keep going? What makes us want to give up?
Do we still practice Dzogchen in the Dzogchen Community?
These and many other questions have echoed throughout the space of Merigar East.
But beyond everything, the snake tends to rise, and that is the choice we make every day, moment by moment, from action to action—trying our best to be present and aware.
That is why everything continues at Merigar East. Because the sky is still more than the earth… and the teachings left by Rinpoche continue to manifest here, whether physically or virtually. The key is in our active participation!
We’re excited to share some of the wonderful activities that have taken place recently at Merigar East.
A Year of Dorje Sempa Namkha Che
This past year has been a remarkable journey of study and practice. Together with Gabriela Schneider, the Romanian Sangha completed a one-year course on the profound text Dorje Sempa Namkha Che with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu’s commentary. Every Wednesday, we gathered online to delve into this important teaching, deepening our understanding and connection. We are incredibly grateful to Gabriela for guiding us through this experience and knowledge.
Collective Practices: Online and Onsite
As the summer shifted into the calmness of autumn, we dedicated this season to collective practices. Sangha members gathered online via Zoom and onsite in our beautiful Gonpa at Merigar East for weekend sessions. These practices offered moments of connection, contemplation, and mutual support, reminding us of the strength of practicing together.
A Joyful Khaita Workshop in Bucharest
In Bucharest, we hosted a wonderful Khaita workshop led by Krisztina Balla introducing the joyful dances to 14 participants. For many, this was their first touch with Khaita, and it was heartwarming to witness their enthusiasm and joy. Some participants expressed interest in a longer weekend course, which would allow them to deepen their freshly acquired experience. And we will be happy to fulfill their wish. On top of all, Krisztina also led weekly practice Khaita Forever from ME, for the first time ever.
Planting a Shelter for the Future
With gratitude to our amazing 16 volunteers and generous donors, we’ve planted 800 out of 1,000 Turkestan elms to create a natural windbreak. This project will enhance the Gar’s environment, and we invite your support. Every contribution makes a difference. So far, we’ve raised 278 out of 500 Euros for this important initiative.
You can learn more and donate for the Oasis Project here.
Lungta Project: A Blessing for Losar
We’re excited to continue our Lungta project! This summer, volunteers printed and cut the Lungta, and now we’re preparing to sew them for you. You can already order Lungta from our website and choose to have them sent to your home or hung at Merigar East for Losar, which we’ll celebrate on February 28th, 2025. Join us for any part of this journey: help sew or print the Lungta at Merigar East, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere here, celebrate Losar together, or order Lungta for yourself and loved ones!
Your donation will help preserve, share, and promote Rinpoche’s cultural heritage. It will also support various educational programs designed to deepen understanding of the nature of the individual and foster a more aware and harmonious state of being.
Meditation Training and Secondary Practices of the Dzogchen Community
We are excited to announce the Meditation Training and Secondary Practices of the Dzogchen Community program, in collaboration with the Sangha App Team. This unique online program, made possible through the generosity of our teachers, will offer teachings and practices that benefit both newcomers and experienced practitioners. The program will span three modules from January to June 2025.
Each module is designed to provide essential practices that build the foundation of your practice.
Module 1: First Steps on the Path begins in January. This course is a collaboration between Dina Priymak, Enzo Terzano, Lukas Chmelik, Lynn Newdome, Oliver Leick, and Steven Landsberg.
With love and gratitude,
Merigar East Team
