Deep Purification & Energy Restoration is a Mandala Meditation Retreat led by Zhang Dase (Maha Ruba), taking place at Merigar (Italy) on 20, 21 and 22 August 2026. Three days to purify energy, release tension and rediscover your inner strength through art.
Mandala, from the Sanskrit, refers to wholeness encircled by a wheel – a place where sages, virtues and spiritual merits converge. In Tibetan Buddhist practice the mandala is regarded as an “inner map of the universe”, symbolising the axis of life and the wondrous cycles of existence.
In this retreat we will engage in artistic practices such as painting and chanting to purify our physical and mental energy, release emotions and negative imprints, and rekindle the innate energy and boundless creativity within. Practising mandala painting can relieve stress, settle body and mind and let the beauty of life bloom – quietly and joyfully.
Unlike rigid, traditional approaches to meditation, here inner strength arises naturally through complete relaxation: awareness of the flow of wisdom awakens, a restless mind settles into present-moment stillness, and mindfulness and insight are cultivated.
Zhang Dase (Maha Ruba)
Artist, cultural scholar, founder of the Awake Art system and a life-growth and spiritual guide. Born in China, he began painting at the age of six and spent over twenty years of meditation practice and study in Tibetan regions under various teachers, including teachings centred on Dzogchen, receiving recognition to teach these practices. He developed a complete system of efficient, practical artistic exercises adapted to modern life, helping people cultivate concentration and awareness and return to a more complete, awakened state of being. His Awake Art courses have benefited thousands of participants.
A reflection from Zhang Dase
“In the drama of samsara we play many roles and often become so immersed that we lose ourselves, exhausted and disconnected from our strength. What is trapping you? What is consuming your energy? Often it is things that never truly belonged to you. Purification means saying farewell to illusion. When we rediscover the naturally clear sky we are no longer disturbed by thunder and storms; when we find what is unchanging, we stop fearing change.”
Practical information
- Dates: 20, 21 and 22 August 2026
- Schedule: 20 Aug 3:00–6:00 PM · 21 Aug 10:00 AM–1:00 PM / 3:30–6:30 PM · 22 Aug 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Fee: € 200 (includes tea breaks and art materials)
- Location: Merigar Gönpa, Italy (detailed directions provided after registration)
- Registrations: dynamicelements@yahoo.com
- No prior drawing experience is required
Retreat activities
Useful notes
- Loose, comfortable clothing, preferably white; avoid skirts, shorts, tight, revealing or transparent clothing
- Thick socks or clean indoor slippers (shoes are removed before entering the meditation hall)
- Registration is first-come, first-served, until full
- Silence is observed throughout the retreat: please keep phones on silent
- Participants are asked to attend the full session and avoid leaving midway
An event organised by Dynamic Space of the Elements ETS.
