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.
Spring 2025 . Weekly Schedule
SUNDAYS
Om Ah Hung Meditation Practice
Sun, 9:30–10:20am
Discover the Power of Compassion Meditation
Whether you’re just starting out with meditation or have been practicing for a while, our Guided Compassion Meditation is a great way to connect with yourself and others. We’ll introduce you to the Tibetan Buddhist mantra “Om Ah Hung,” a powerful tool for cultivating compassion and kindness towards yourself and all beings.
New to Meditation? Don’t worry! Our space is warm and inviting, perfect for beginners to explore meditation. And if you’re already a seasoned practitioner, this session can help you deepen your experience of compassion and mindfulness.
More about Om Ah Hung meditation practice
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.
Chenrezig Meditation Practice
Sun, 10:30–11:15am
Join Our Compassion Meditation
Come and explore the heart of compassion within yourself through our Chenrezig meditation practice.
This session combines mantra recitation, mindfulness meditation, and visualization to help you cultivate compassion for the benefit of all beings. Everyone is welcome to join us on this journey of self-discovery and kindness. Let’s come together to nurture our inner compassion and spread warmth and understanding to all.
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.
3 TUESDAYS ~March 18, 25 & April 1
Introduction to Practice
3 TUESDAYS, in person
6:00–7:30pm
next sessions : March 18, 25 & Apr 1
A 3-week introduction to the practices done at our Dharma Center. These sessions are drop-in. Please consider making an offering as you are able for the class.
In these three sessions we will explore the elements that form part of our Dharma practice at the Center. We will have a short silent meditation and the beginning of each discussion. Our discussions will cover topics such as:
- The meaning of opening and closing prayers
- Understanding Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
- Taking refuge: what it means and why we do it
- How to practice the Om Ah Hung meditation
- Tibetan Buddhist Deity meditation practice
- Ritual instruments , such as the bell and damaru
This is a great opportunity for newcomers and those looking to deepen their understanding of Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member.
MONDAYS thru FRIDAYS ~on zoon
Join Khenpo Samdup and sangha online for daily prayers and practices
Mondays–Fridays 10:00-11:00am central time
Let’s stay connected! Please join Naomi and Ellen Marie as we practice with the the Gar Drolma Center (in Dayton, Ohio) and international sangha on Zoom. The community is a group of devoted Dharma practitioners under the leadership of Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche and senior practitioners. The practices include daily prayers and deity practice including Shakyamuni Buddha, Achi Chokyi Drolma, Parnashavari, the Seven Verses of Supplication to Tara, and Vajrapani. How to Attend: Pre-registration is not necessary. *For security, please do not share ZOOM info on social media.
Zoom Meeting Info Request
Once you receive the meeting ID and password using the form above, simply visit Zoom.us, click “Join a Meeting” and enter the Meeting ID and password.
For Download: Daily Practice Book
Questions: sangha@milarepaiowa.org
- 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.
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
