At the beginning of this year, we asked our community to share thoughts, wishes, ideas, and feedback regarding Merigar East and its future activities. We promised to come back with some results, and today we would like to do exactly that.

Before sharing a few key points, we would like to thank everyone who took the time to participate. Every comment, every suggestion, and every honest reflection was appreciated.

“Always remember that the most important thing is collaboration, which is difficult since, as Rinpoche said: “we all have gigantic egos”. But it is such a powerful practice, since we tend to believe that our opinions are supreme.” (As one survey participant wrote)

This comment stayed with us because it is so simple and so true.

Here are some of the main themes that emerged from the survey:

  • Retreats with Namkhai Yeshi remain the strongest priority, mentioned by approximately 65% of respondents.
  • Online formats (archives, retreats, long-term programs) and onsite SMS teacher retreats were nearly equally valued, requested by 39% and 38% of respondents respectively.
  • Hybrid events remain in demand, with approximately 50%
  • The most requested practices included Mandarava, Longde, Yantra Yoga, Santi Maha Sangha, and Rushen.
  • We discovered a strong willingness to contribute: 28% of respondents expressed interest in volunteering onsite, 18% online, and 27% indicated willingness to support specific projects financially.
  • Participants came predominantly from Europe, with Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria most strongly represented.

Thank you again for helping us better understand the needs, interests, and aspirations of our community.

2026 Summer Program at Merigar East


The Black Sea coast near Merigar East, Olimp, Constanța County, Romania, May 2026


We would like to invite you to save the dates for the upcoming program at Merigar East.

Online: 

  • 13–14 June | Dzogchen Application – Developing Capacities and Overcoming Hindrances | Alexander Pubants (https://dzogchen.ro/events/dzogchen-capacities-hindrances/)
  • 10–12 July | Dzogchen Complete Through Triads – Fundamentals of Teaching and Application Genuinely Presented in Triads | Alexander Pubants (https://dzogchen.ro/events/dzogchen-capacities-hindrances/)
  • 31 July – 2 August | Transforming Suffering and Happiness | Elias Capriles (Registration details coming soon: https://dzogchen.ro/)

Archive:

  • 24 June – 2 July | Recordings of Retreat with Rinpoche: Shine and Lhagthong according to Dzogchen Ati Yoga and Mandarava Chudlen (Merigar East, 2007) (Registration details coming soon: https://dzogchen.ro/))

Onsite:

Please keep an eye on future announcements, as additional activities may still be added throughout the season.

First Steps on the Path: Reflections

Over the past six months, participants of First Steps on the Path gathered regularly for study, practice, and exchange under the guidance of our precious Santi Maha Sangha teachers: Zoltán Cser, Arnaud Coquillard, Gabriella Schneider, Alexander Skwara, Anna Apraksina, Mira Mironova, Monica Gentile and Alexander Pubants.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all the teachers for sharing their knowledge and experience, to our translators for their tireless dedication, and to all participants for their commitment and perseverance throughout the program.

We are also grateful to Sangha App for providing a space where participants could stay connected, access materials, and continue the exchange between sessions.

We hope this course has supported many practitioners in taking their first steps—and continuing them—on the path.


Romanian Sangha Gathering, May 2026

Less Is More


Finally, we would like to remind everyone that Merigar East remains an open place of the wider Dzogchen Community who wish to spend some time here for personal practice, study, or simply to reconnect with the atmosphere of the place.

Merigar East is not the easiest place to reach. Nor is it an all-inclusive resort place.

It is, however, an authentic place of practice.

Even a few days spent practicing, walking through the fields, sitting quietly in the Gonpa, or sharing a meal with friends can reveal the particular character of this place.

Five days. Seven days. Sometimes that is enough.

Enough to slow down.

Enough to practice.

Enough to reconnect.

Enough to understand why Merigar East continues to matter.

We look forward to welcoming you.