Grosseto
Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, an eminent scholar of the history and culture of Tibet whose research has an important scientific value, was one of the great contemporary representatives of a rare treasure in the world, the ancient Dzogchen teaching.
Dzogchen, the teaching of Total Perfection, consists of a body of knowledge that promotes the evolution of the individual so that the person can partake of a broader and more positive vision of life. Total Perfection is everyone’s natural condition which, if recognized, intrinsically leads to compassion, non-violence, being spontaneously respectful of others, generous, and happy.
Realizing that this teaching could be important for Western populations looking for tools to live a more peaceful and relaxed life, Master Namkhai Norbu offered this knowledge with profound humanity and competence, communicating the essential wisdom of Dzogchen, also known as Atiyoga, in a rigorous but deeply innovative format effective and useful for modern society.
Over the last years, his work has culminated in a corpus of teachings - The Longsal Cycle - which includes the Dance of the Vajra, a method that uses sound and movement to harmonize and relax the body, energy, and mind.
The slow and coordinated movements on the Mandala, a symbolic representation of our globe, while singing softly and maintaining one’s awareness produce an experience of deep relaxation.
Also of great interest are the studies Master Namkhai Norbu continued to carry out on his country’s culture and civilization, after the end of his academic activity as a professor of Tibetan language and literature at the Oriental University Institute (IUO) of Naples .
The historical importance of Namkhai Norbu's cultural and academic commitment lies in the great value he attributed to language, arts, and culture in general in preserving the identity and integrity of populations, a Path to valorize all cultural heritages.
Namkhai Norbu developed a specific interest in traditional and modern folk songs and dances which he selected, collected, and choreographed with his students, conscious that this would help to keep alive the love in populations for their culture and the awareness of their own identity.
This is how the "Harmony of Space" (Khaita) series was born, collections of songs and dances that transmit universal messages of joy, respect, tolerance, and peace.
In 2010 the meeting between Master Namkhai Norbu and President Alkis Raftis gave rise to the affiliation of the Khaita Joyous Dances and the Dance of the Vajra with the International Council of Dance, CID-Unesco.
Namkhai Norbu has also been the promoter of numerous humanitarian activities.
For over fifty years, he has dedicated his life to the tens of thousands of people who have been interested in the Dzogchen teachings all over the world.
He was awarded the high honor of the title of Commander of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic by President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella.
In 2018 he died serenely at Gadeling, his Italian residence of in Arcidosso, Italy.
Essential Bibliography:
Dzogchen. Lo stato di autoperfezione, Ubaldini Editore, Roma, 1986.
Dzogchen. The self-perfected state, Snow Lion Publications, Ithaca, New York, 1989.
The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen, Penguin Books, 1993.
The Mirror - Advice on Presence and Awareness, Shang Shung Editions, Arcidosso, 1983.
Yantra Yoga: the Tibetan Yoga of Movement, Snow Lion Publications, 2008.
Message from Tibet, Shang Shung Editions, Arcidosso, 2014
In the past several years, members of the Dzogchen Community have studied, deepened their knowledge and spread the Dance of the Vajra and the Khaita Joyful Dances in the world, with seminars and exhibitions. This activity will be carried forward in the spirit of the Master's teaching because of the great import of this message in promoting human evolution: the way of culture and the arts.
The Municipality of Arcidosso and the Dzogchen Community of Merigar Cultural Association have the pleasure to invite you to the inauguration of the Museum of Asian Art and Culture of Arcidosso.
Saturday, 10 December 2016
Castello Aldobrandesco of Arcidosso
- 9:30 - 10:00 Arrival and welcome of invited guests
-10:00 Official presentation with authorities and the curators
-11:30 Official inauguration of the Museum of Asian Art and Culture
-13:00 Official luncheon
-15:30 Visit to towns of Monte Amiata region
Sunday, 11 December 2016
Merigar, Arcidosso: Celebration of Thirty-Fifth Anniversary of Merigar
-10:00 Guided tour of Merigar
-11:30 Temple of the Great Contemplation, Gönpa of Merigar
Brief presentation of the Dzogchen Community of Merigar and other centers of the Dzogchen Community around the world.
R.S.V.P. - 0564966837 - office@dzogchen.it
Kind regards
Giovanna Natalini
(vice - president Associazione Comunità Dzogchen di Merigar)