The Tibetan Center of Merigar

The Temple of Great Contemplation

Merigar: a corner of Tibetan spirituality on Mount Amiata

Merigar, which means “home of energy”, is a Tibetan center immersed in the nature of Mount Amiata, in the municipality of Arcidosso. Here, since 1981, Dzogchen, an ancient spiritual tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, has been practiced and studied according to the teachings of Master Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.

Located in an area known for its particular energy – already linked in the past to mystical and religious cults – Merigar is a place of peace and awareness, perfect for those seeking silence, spirituality and authentic contact with nature.

What to do in Merigar

The center organizes courses, workshops, retreats and conferences open to all, with activities ranging from Yantra Yoga to Vajra Dance, from meditation to Khaita dances. Some events are reserved for those who have already received Dzogchen teachings.

Visit Merigar

Free guided tours are offered throughout the year (upon reservation) which allow you to discover:

  • The Gönpa, the Temple of the Great Contemplation: a unique building, built with natural materials and hand-decorated by the center's volunteers.

  • The Stupas and the green paths, ideal for regenerating.

  • The Library, where an expert guides you through Tibetan texts and scriptures.

  • On some occasions, it is possible to participate in short experiences of meditation or awareness of breathing.

Walks in the surrounding area are always possible, but access to the buildings may be restricted outside of official visits.

Useful Information

  • Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking between facilities.

  • Those with mobility difficulties can move around the area by car.

  • Large groups will be divided to visit certain areas.

Il Temple of the Great Contemplation (in Tibetan ཏིང་འཛིན་ཆེན་མོ་) was conceived, designed and engineered by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and it was inaugurated by HH the Dalai Lama in May 1990.
The Temple of the Great Contemplation is simply called by all “the Gönpa”, a Tibetan term which etymologically means “secluded, silent place”, since it is good that this is the environment of those who wish to dedicate themselves to contemplation.
Over the years the Merigar Gönpa has hosted numerous teachings of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and many other masters. It is also the place where seminars, courses, conferences and the many activities included in the program take place and where members meet to practice together.