Welcome to Milarepa Buddhist Center
a home for meditation, compassion and community
We are a place for respite and refuge. A place to relax and return to yourself. A place to open the heart and mind to bigger possibilities.
We offer teachings about what causes suffering and how to eliminate suffering. Our center is under the direction of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche, Khenchen Konchok Gyatshen Rinpoche and other esteemed lamas in the Drikung Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Join us now!
Dear Friends:
We WERE planning onopening for Sunday practices on May 9, 2021. HOWEVER, NOW the Johnson County Health Department says that their information was incorrect. So we will continue to meet on Zoom in April.
SPRING 2021 . WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MONDAY:
Join Us for Meatless Mondays
We would like to invite our community to consider not eating meat on Mondays. Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to reduce meat in their diet for their health and the health of the planet. The campaign was started in 2003 by Sid Lerner, the Founder of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.
Meditation and Dharma Discussion
Mondays
Meditation: 5:30–6:00pm
Dharma Discussion: 6:00-7:00
On Monday evenings we will join the sangha in Madison, WI on zoom. There is a period for meditation, contemplation and discussion. Right now we are discussing the A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path. You don’t need to have the book to join us!
We are so fortunate to have Khenmo Trinley, editor of A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path, with us for this discussion!
HOW TO PURCHASE THE BOOK
Purchase for audio, Kindle or paperback:
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION and DISCUSSION
Zoom information:
TO JOIN THIS ZOOM MEETING CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 820 6105 3580
Passcode: 108
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
this meditation is great for beginners
Khenpo Thupsang to Teach
37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
Mondays 7:30-8:30pm ~Central Time
Please note for international students- USA has had our daylight savings time change. Time Zone Convertor>
On Monday evenings Khenpo Thupsang will teach on the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva. This series begins on March 8.
Composed in the 14th century by the great sage, Gyalse Ngulchu Thogme, The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva is one of the most revered texts in Tibetan Buddhism. This concise, profound poem is studied across all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva provides us with the blueprint to develop precious bodhicitta and progress along the Bodhisattva’s path.
HOW TO JOIN THIS TEACHING
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
TUESDAY:
this meditation is great for beginners
Mindfulness Meditation
Tuesdays 7:00-7:30pm
Resting mind, calm-abiding, mindfulness –all these are names for the same type of meditation. This meditation provides relief from the daily pressures and anxieties of our busy lives.
Led by Gabriela Tobias
While working on spiritual and personal development, Gabriela finds joy in learning from different traditions that promote the practice of universal values. Gabriela is an Engineer with a multidisciplinary formation, she is currently studying a formal Buddhist training provided by The Dharmadatta Community, an international online Sangha guided by 4 nuns.
Gabriela thinks the best way to learn is practicing and sharing experiences with others, that is why she loves getting involved with community projects. Currently archiving a Yoga Teacher certification and working full time on the wind power industry, she is looking forward to facilitating silent meditation sessions.
HOW TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Mindfulness Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 872 4037 8545
Passcode: MeDitate21
WEDNESDAY:
Introduction to Meditation – The Journey Within
8 Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm ~Chicago time
Apr 21, 28 | May 5, 12, 19, 26 | Jun 2, 9
This Spring Tim will offer his wonderful introduction to meditation class once again. This class provides an excellent foundation for all types of meditation. Everyone is welcome to attend – including those who have already attended this class!
About Tim: Tim Mullaney, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, has been a meditator and practitioner in the Karma Kagyu lineage for nearly 40 years. His teachers include Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and Tai Situ Rinpoche. Tim is also a psychologist and has extensive background working with mindfulness training in professional, non-religious settings.
WEEKLY HANDOUTS
available when the class begins
Time zone information
7:00–8:30pm ~Chicago time
8:00-9:30pm ~NY time
5:00-6:30pm ~California & Arizona time
HOW TO JOIN THIS TEACHING ON ZOOM
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
THURSDAY:
this meditation is great for beginners
Mindfulness Meditation
Thursdays 7:00-7:30pm
Resting mind, calm-abiding, mindfulness –all these are names for the same type of meditation. This meditation provides relief from the daily pressures and anxieties of our busy lives.
Led by Gabriela Tobias
While working on spiritual and personal development, Gabriela finds joy in learning from different traditions that promote the practice of universal values. Gabriela is an Engineer with a multidisciplinary formation, she is currently studying a formal Buddhist training provided by The Dharmadatta Community, an international online Sangha guided by 4 nuns.
Gabriela thinks the best way to learn is practicing and sharing experiences with others, that is why she loves getting involved with community projects. Currently archiving a Yoga Teacher certification and working full time on the wind power industry, she is looking forward to facilitating silent meditation sessions.
HOW TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Mindfulness Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 872 4037 8545
Passcode: MeDitate21
Achi Chokyi Drolma Meditation Practice
Thursdays 7:30-8:10pm
Achi Chokyi Drolma is the great dharma protector of the Buddha’s teachings. Although she is revered by all lineages, she is the grandmother of Lord Jigten Sumgon and strongly associated with the Drikung Kagyu lineage.
Achi Chokyi Drolma promised to grant the ordinary and supreme siddhis to her followers. She composed a sadhana of herself and promised to protect the Buddha’s teachings in the future. When her activities came to an end, she flew up to the buddha-field on her blue horse depicted here. Her damaru and celestial songs could be heard by Lord Jigten Sumgon at Drikung Thel.
Achi is invoked to remove obstacles and to create positive conditions in spiritual and worldly activities. His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche has instructed everyone to do this practice during this time of Coronavirus pandemic.
Get the text and more information
HOW TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
SATURDAY:
SUNDAY:
this meditation is great for beginners
Sunday Meditation and Discussion
9:30-11:00am
On Sunday mornings we have a series of meditation practices and discussion. You are welcome to join us for any portion of the morning.
9:30-10:00am: Sangha Discussion and Check-in
On Sundays before practice we keet to talk. If anyone has a question we can raise it at that time.
10:00-10:30am: Om Ah Hung - Guided Meditation
Om Ah Hung Meditation Practice
Commentary by Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen Rinpoche
This practice will introduce you to a Tibetan Buddhist guided meditation – using the mantra Om Ah Hung – that can be used by anyone to achieve compassion and lovingkindness. Everyone is welcome.
Download Om Ah Hung Practice>
10:30-11:00am: White Tara Meditation
We practice White Tara meditation in order to cultivate loving kindness, compassion and mindful-ness.
HOW TO JOIN SUNDAY SESSIONS
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
Dear Sangha:
At the request of H.E. Garchen Rinpoche our sangha will have a resident lama, Khenpo Konchok Thupsang, come to the Milarepa Buddhist Center of Iowa. Khenpo will take on the role of Dharma teacher and spiritual friend in our community.
Khenpo Thupsang has wide knowledge of Buddhist scripture and also abundant practical experience in following the teachings. Khenpo Thupsang was born in Tibet and had his early training at the Gar Monastery in eastern Tibet. He later had nine years of Dharma education at Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Institute in Chauntra, India.
Khenpo is presently in Arizona participating in ongoing pujas and activities with Garchen Rinpoche and the GBI lamas. He will arrive in Iowa City in September. We are really excited about welcoming Khenpo into our community and will keep you all informed of our progress!
SPECIAL EVENTS . APRIL 2021
these teachings are great for beginners
PATH TO AWAKENING
The Essentials
by Venerable Khenpo Tenzin
Tuesdays and Thursdays | February 16-May 20
Venerable Khenpo Tenzin is the resident teacher at the Garchen Buddhist Institute
This concise and comprehensive overview of the Buddha’s teachings is perfect for both beginners and more experienced practitioners. It includes an introduction to the Buddhist view and all the essential teachings for the path to transformation.
Weekly Class Teaching – lecture format on Youtube
Tuesday classes are 2 hour teachings on each subject. These classes are accessed on Youtube.
Weekly Class Question and Answer Time – Q & A class time on Zoom | Thursday is an interactive format using Zoom to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s teachings. Offering an excellent opportunity to connect with Khenpo Tenzin and our worldwide Sangha. Khenpo will also lead an analytical meditation on each subject.
For Thursday Q & A sessions:
ZOOM ID: 218 378 3697
Password: 37PATH108
The subjects covered in this series include:
Refuge, Ten Virtues, Ten Non Virtues, Preliminary Practices, Vows, View of Karma, Four Noble Truths, Four Thoughts, Sutra Paths and Bhumis, New Tantric Paths and Bhumis, Old Tantric Paths and Bhumis, Generation Stage, Completion Stage and the Fruition of Dharma Practice.
SERIES SCHEDULE
* Tuesdays 12-2pm ~Chicago time – Teachings
* Thursdays – Alternating between 12-2pm AND 7:30-9:30pm ~Chicago time–Questions/ Discussion / Meditation
Thursday dates and times for April:
April 15 | 12-2pm ~Chicago time
April 22 | 7:30-9:30pm ~Chicago time
April 29 | 12-2pm ~Chicago time
SERIES DATES
February 16,18,23,25
March 2,4,9,11,16,18,23,25,30
April 1,6,8,13,15,20,22,27,29
May 4,6,11,13,18,20
All previous teachings and Q & A sessions in this series are available to view at the Garchen Buddhist Institute YouTube channel, categorized as “Path to Awakening Series” within Playlists.
CLICK HERE To join the Tuesday livestream
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION – There is no fee to participate in this event. However, please make a donation as you are able.
VAJRAPANI EMPOWERMENT
ACHI CHOKYI DROLMA
&
MAHAKALA
TEACHINGS AND BLESSINGS
Saturday April 17 | ~Chicago time
Sunday April 18 | ~Chicago time
Hosted by Garchen Meditation Centre Foundation
WE OFFER OUR MEDITATION IN THE TRADITION OF GENEROSITY…
Milarepa Buddhist Center continues the 2600-year-old Buddhist tradition of providing the teachings freely to all who are interested. We have no paid staff and the center is run entirely by volunteers. All financial support comes from the generosity of people who value what we do. Donations support all expenses, including programs, visiting teachers, publications, and the website. Our teachers are volunteers.
We are able to offer meditation without charge to the public due to the generosity of our members. If you begin coming to the center regularly, please become a member to support our programs. If you come once in a while please consider making a small donation for that day.
Our entire sangha is very grateful for all the support we receive, and are inspired by how beautifully Dharma practice develops when it does so in a field of generosity and gratitude!