August 13, 2025
10:00 EEST
Merigar East
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu writes:
“Being conditioned by the delusive appearances of mind and by thoughts without having any control over them constitutes the karmic vision of samsara. Abiding in the state of pure instantaneous presence of rigpa constitutes nirvana… the purpose of (the) special methods of separation, is to enable the practitioner to distinguish or separate the state of the mind that is the source of samsara from the state of rigpa that is the root of liberation of nirvana.”
This retreat will be based on the Rushen taught in the most ancient Dzogchen Tantra, which is the Drataljur or All Surpassing (and All Overcoming) Sound, as taught by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, whose explanations will be heard in audio, and then SMS Instructor Elías Capriles will offer some extra commentaries.
“Separating” means “distinguishing.” In the Base—the true condition of all beings and other phenomena—there are two possible functionings: samsara—involving unawareness of the Base’s true condition and a distorted perception of it—and nirvana—wherein the true condition of the Base becomes evident.
Please find the full retreat description here.
Part 1: Recordings with Rinpoche and Commentary
Warsaw DC onsite & Online
During this first part, we will watch recordings of the retreat “Name of the Retreat”, originally given by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche in 2008 at Merigar East. After each session, Elias Capriles will join onsite in Warsaw DC and online, offering commentaries, explanations, and answering your questions.
To join the first part onsite, please contact the Namdagling Gakyil for accommodation, schedule, and practical info.
Part 2: Explanation and Rushen Practice Retreat
Merigar East onsite & Online
The second part will focus on the explanation and collective practice of Rushen, guided onsite by Elias Capriles. This is a precious opportunity to deepen your understanding through direct experience.
To join this part onsite, please complete the registration form where you can select your accommodation options.
You can participate in the full retreat or attend one of the parts, either onsite at the location most convenient for you, or fully online.
Part 1: Namdagling & Online
13 August | Khorde Rushen – Part 1
11:00–14:00 – Replay of Rinpoche’s retreat + Commentary by Elias Capriles
16:00–19:00 – Replay of Rinpoche’s retreat + Commentary by Elias Capriles
14 August
10:00–13:00 – Replay of Rinpoche’s retreat + Commentary by Elias Capriles
14:30–16:30 – Replay of Rinpoche’s retreat (only)
15-17 August
13:30–16:30 – Replay of Rinpoche’s retreat + Commentary by Elias Capriles
Part 2: Merigar East & Online
20–25 August | Khorde Rushen – Part 2
09:00–12:00 – Teachings & Practice with Elias Capriles
15:00–18:00 – Teachings & Practice with Elias Capriles
Elías Capriles is an instructor certified by Chögyal Namkhai Norbu for the Santi Maha Sangha training. He received Dzogchen transmissions and practiced Dzogchen in repeated retreats in the Himalayas. He produced a comprehensive philosophical and psychological system, laid out in many books, papers and book chapters—including the book Buddhism and Dzogchen and books on transpersonal philosophy and psychology. He teaches Dzogchen inside and outside the Dzogchen Community. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the International Transpersonal Association and his work is discussed in books on philosophy in several countries.
Elias’s teaching style takes students directly to the center, focusing on the direct experience of contemplation. Elias gives plenty of space to practice and creates interactive settings where anyone can ask about and share their experience.
Your contribution supports the activities of Gars and Lings in the Dzogchen Community.
The suggested donation for this retreat is 150 EUR.
If you’re able to give more, you’ll help cover the costs for those who cannot contribute. If you cannot donate this amount, please consider supporting any Gar and Ling with Karma yoga. Also, contact us, explaining your circumstances. No-one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The retreat will be held in English. If you need translation, please indicate this in the registration form.
You can find information and links about travelling to us here.
You can stay in our facilities, we would be happy to host you. In this way, you can experience the retreat in an immersive manner, and dedicate your time to the practices. We are also 10 minutes from the sea, so you can relax and enjoy during the breaks. We offer accommodation in our dormitory (shared rooms) and in the camping.
You can choose your option in the registration form below.
You can extend your stay for longer by contacting us.
We are a community and everyone can take turns to contribute to the food preparation, cooking, shopping, assisting or doing the dishes. Nonetheless, everyone is free choose the options that best suit them and also eat on their own, if they wish. Our house has a large, well-equipped kitchen for you to use.
Asociatia Comunitatea Internațională Dzogchen – Merigar East
Address: 23 August 907005 Constanta, Romania
Phone: +40755421389
