Welcome to Iowa City's Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Center

 We are a home for meditation, the cultivation of compassion, and the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. The center is under the spiritual direction of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche who is known for his vast realization, attainment, and great compassion. Everyone is welcome at the center.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Spring 2024 . Weekly Schedule

“What does it mean to study Buddhism? It means that you cultivate a mind of love and compassion for others.” – H.E. Garchen Rinpoche

  • Arrival: Please arrive 10 minutes early to get settled in.
  • Health Policy: Vaccination against Covid19 is encouraged for all visitors. Please refrain from visiting if feeling at all unwell –or if you have been exposed to Covid. If positive for Covid or flu, wait at least ten days before returning. 
  • Our programs are mostly free of charge. Regular visitors are invited to become members to support the Center. Occasional visitors are encouraged to make a modest donation.
  • Seating options include both cushions and chairs. Kindly take off your shoes before entering the practice area.
  • All ages are welcome at the Dharma Center.
  • Yearly Schedule: While some of our programs are held year round, others change on a quarterly basis.  Please look out for new opportunities in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. 

MONDAYS

Calming Mind Discussion Group

Mondays, 6:15–7:30pm


Relax your mind and body with meditation, discussion, and contemplation.

We will explore Pema Chodron’s Welcoming the Unwelcome: Wholehearted Living in a Brokenhearted World together. No book purchase necessary -we will read together little by little.

Location: 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 |  Donations welcome. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.

FRIDAYS

Lunchtime Refuge –Silent Meditation

Fridays, noon–12:30


Discover the transformative power of silence and mindfulness in this shared meditation.

Join us at Lunchtime Refuge for a half-hour respite. We kindly request refraining from bringing food or beverages into the space. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a beginner exploring mindfulness, all levels are warmly welcomed.


Location:
209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 | Donations welcome. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.

SATURDAYS

Introduction to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation:
Green Tara Practice

Saturdays, 9:30–10:15am


Join us in this ancient meditation that allows us to experience love and compassion for all beings.

This is a chance to explore Tibetan Buddhist meditation. We always have time for instruction and Q&A. Through Green Tara meditation we can realize our own heart of compassion through the application of mantra recitation, mindfulness meditation and visualization.  Newcomers welcome.

Exploring Buddhism: The Heart of Compassion

Saturdays, 10:30–11:15am


Join us for an introduction to Buddhism through discussion of the '37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.'

Explore the path of lovingkindness and compassion as guided by Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s classic book  The Heart of Compassion. Purchase of the book is optional. Suitable for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. 

Location: 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 | Donations welcome. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.

SUNDAYS

Dharma teachings by Khenpo Tamphel: 'In Praise of Dharmadatu' by Nagarjuna

Sundays, 9:30-10:25am


Join us for profound teachings on Nagarjuna’s ‘In Praise of Dharmadatu’ –all levels welcome!

This poetic work from the great 2nd century Indian Buddhist master Nagarjuna shows us how buddha nature exists in all beings, and how it can be gradually uncovered by those who train in the methods described, and blossom into the fully enlightened state of dharmakaya–completely free from all imperfections. Open to all. Teaching will be held on zoom –but broadcast only at the Dharma Center. Khenpo's teaching will be followed by ten minutes of silent meditation.

“This basic element, which is the seed,
Is held to be the basis of all dharma.
Through its purification step by step,
The state of buddhahood we will attain.”
Nagarjuna’s ‘In Praise of Dharmadatu,’

Bio: About Khenpo Tamphel.
Location: 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 |  Contributions to Khenpo Tamphel are very much welcome. 

Tibetan Buddhist Meditation
Chenrezig Meditation Practice

Sundays, 10:30–11:00am


Join us in this  meditation to realize compassion.

Through Chenrezig meditation practice we can realize our own heart of compassion through the application of mantra recitation, mindfulness meditation and visualization. Everyone welcome!

Location: 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 | Donations welcome. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.

MONTHLY PRACTICES & EVENTS

Sangha Lunch at India Cafe

1st Sundays | April 7th, 11:15am

April 7, May 5, June 2


Join us for lunch and chatting.

This is an opportunity for us to get together and relax.  Everyone welcome!!


Location:
India Cafe is located at 227 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240

A Rainfall of Benefit and Happiness & Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice

2nd Thursdays | April 11, 6:00-8:00pm

April 11, May 9, June 13


In the Drikung Kagyu tradition, Achi Chokyi Drolma is revered not only as a wisdom dakini and protector deity but also as the grandmother of Jigten Sumgön, the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. We invoke Achi Chokyi Drolma's blessings and guidance in this practice, through visualization, mantra recitation, and meditation on Achi, with the aim of cultivating wisdom, compassion, and realization.


Location:
209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 | Donations welcome. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.

Vajrakilaya Practice

Last Thursdays | May 30, 6:00-8:00pm

May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29


Vajrakilaya is a wrathful deity associated with the removal of obstacles, particularly those related to spiritual practice. The meditation practice of Vajrakilaya is aimed at overcoming inner and outer obstacles on the path to enlightenment. H.E. Garchen Rinpoche has specifically requested our sangha to do this practice regularly.

[Refuge & empowerment are required to attend this practice. The next opportunity to receive both is in mid May during Khenpo Samdup's visit.]


Location:
209 East Washington Street, Suite 200, in downtown Iowa City.
Registration: No registration, drop-in
Fee: $0 | Donations welcome. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.

Events & News

MAY, 2024

Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche Coming to Iowa City
May 16-20, 2024

Please prepare for a wonderful event coming to Iowa City this May! Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche is set to share Dharma teachings!

 

 

 

 

*Please join Gar Drolma Buddhist Center in Dayton Ohio and our community of devoted Dharma practitioners worldwide as we come together on Zoom.us to study and practice the dharma under the leadership of Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche and senior practitioners.

DAILY EVENTS
Starting Sunday. March 10 – ALL TIMES Eastern Time
Monday – Friday / 11:00 am – 12:15 pm 

To join online click here.

 

SEPTEMBER, 2024

Drubpon Palkyi Coming to Iowa City
September, 2024

Exciting news! Garchen Mila Center will be hosting Drupon Palkyi as part of her upcoming US tour. Keep an eye out for the confirmed dates – we look forward to sharing her special teachings with you!

 

 

 

 

Dharma Center Location:  The Dharma Center is located on the second floor of the Paul-Helen Building at 209 East Washington Street (Suite 200) in downtown Iowa City. The entrance to the building faces the Dubuque Street pedestrian mall. There is an elevator that opens  directly to our doorway. The building and the center are accessible to individuals with mobility difficulties.

Parking:  Iowa City’s downtown streets have metered parking. Parking is also available in three ramps with entrances from Dubuque and Linn Streets (Sheraton Hotel), Clinton and Capitol Streets (Old Capitol Center), and Iowa Avenue (Clock Tower Place).

Health:  Please do not attend if you are feeling at all ill or know that you have been exposed to a contagious disease.

WE OFFER OUR MEDITATION IN THE TRADITION OF GENEROSITY…

The Garchen Mila Buddhist Center upholds the ancient 2600-year-old Buddhist custom of offering teachings without cost. Staffed exclusively by volunteers, the center functions through the kindness of our members, enabling us to provide meditation sessions to the community without any fees. For those who decide to make our center a regular part of their journey, we invite you to join us as a member and contribute to the sustenance of our programs. For those who drop by occasionally, a modest donation for the day would be greatly appreciated.

To send membership by mail, please send checks to:
P.O. Box 5352, Coralville IA 52241
Milarepa Buddhist Center of Iowa