Merigar West Tibetan Centre
A Buddhist centre between Monte Amiata and Monte Labbro where the international Dzogchen community was formed
The Tibetan complex of Merigar West stands at the meeting point of the slopes of Monte Amiata and Monte Labbro, surrounded by woods and immersed in silence. Founded in 1981 with a contribution by the master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, Merigar was the first Dzogchen centre, an ancient Buddhist teaching that now forms the heritage of the international community.
The literal meaning of the name is "residence of the mountain of fire". While it may be presumed that this is due to the ancient volcanic origins of Monte Amiata, it's actually linked to the concept of energy dwelling, a spiritual place.
In addition to the "yellow house" that hosts the secretary and is used for welcoming visitors, the Merigar centre consists of several structures surrounded by greenery and separated by paths. The library is open to all, and was created due to the need to preserve the first texts that Chögyal Namkhai Norbu brought with him from Tibet when he came to Italy in 1959. Today it preserves over 12,000 volumes, many of which are in Tibetan.
One of the most important buildings is the Temple of Great Contemplation, designed by Norbu and inaugurated in 1990 in the presence of the Dalai Lama. The large octagonal room is decorated with colourful traditional Tibetan motifs and has four doors, one for each cardinal direction; the main entrance is the one facing east, chosen for its symbolic value.
In the centre you'll find the Cinerary and three reliquary monuments called Stupas intended to promote a feeling of well-being.
You can visit the outside of Merigar West independently, or take a guided tour that allows you to enter the facilities.
In the centre, yoga, dance and meditation practices take place, as well as courses, seminars and workshops.
In Arcidosso, it's also possible to visit the MACO - Museum of Oriental Art and Culture, formed from the collaboration between the municipality with Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in order to protect and spread awareness of the numerous artistic artefacts of oriental culture.
