During a recent retreat with Namkhai Yeshi at Merigar West on Mount Amiata, nature once again revealed itself in all its glory. The scorching summer sky gave way to an evening display of lightning—it seemed as though nature was echoing the growing crescendo of our practice of the fiery syllables HUM, which shook the earth.

We practiced mindfulness: we performed speech rituals, chanting HUM in rows, and listened to the Teacher’s audio compositions, created specifically to help us experience the core principles of the Dzogchen teachings firsthand. The Teacher’s birthday and other joyful events—such as the “Dynamic Space of the Elements” charity dinner in Archidosso, a new exhibition at the MACO Museum, and a theatrical performance—provided an excellent opportunity to spend time together in a relaxed atmosphere.

The Sangha App team responsible for communications and translation took the opportunity to meet in person to strengthen our connections across continents. Thanks to their work, the Sangha App—including its various features—is available in five languages. We rarely get to meet in person, so we made the most of this special opportunity.

Here’s a photo where you might recognize someone!

The Sangha App also provided free Wi-Fi at the participant registration desk so everyone could stay connected. Our support team—Nikol and Oana, wearing Sangha App logo T-shirts—was ready to provide any necessary assistance. We’re happy to be of service!

A Channel for Newcomers

Thanks to the growing number of retreats with Namkhai Yeshi, more and more people are being introduced to the Dzogchen teachings and receiving the transmission.

The Sangha App offers newcomers a suitable roadmap featuring practices and teachings from the Dzogchen community. Over the past year, the “First Steps on the Path” channel has become a discussion forum for sharing resources, advice, and announcements. We collaborate with teachers from the Santi Maha Sangha who have been authorized by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu to offer guidance and provide expert answers to our users’ questions.

You can find this channel by clicking the “magnifying glass” icon in the upper-right corner of the “Channels” section in the app or in the “My Channels” section on the web version.

Share the Sangha App with newcomers by sending them an invitation code!

With love,
Sangha App team