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!
DHARMA CENTER HEALTH GUIDELINES
August 2, 2021 IMPORTANT COVID PROTOCOL UPDATE
Our first priority in 2021 is doing everything we can to hold our community events in a way that is as safe as possible for everyone.
Now, with the Delta variant of Covid-19 on the rise we have revisited our Covid safety protocols. We want you to know how we are making decisions as the next several months unfold.
On July 27 we consulted with Jennifer Miller, Disease Prevention Specialist with Johnson County Public Health. Jennifer directed us to a rating system created by the CDC to easily look up the transmission status of our county. This map tells us if a county currently has high, substantial, moderate or low levels of Covid. We will be using this map to determine our actions at Milarepa Buddhist Center in 2021.
Each week we will update our website and announce in our weekly email – which protocol is in place as follows.
Thank you,
The Board of Milarepa Buddhist Center
CDC DATA TRACKER LEVELS FOR JOHNSON COUNTY:
Low: Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
Moderate: Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
Substantial: Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is mandatory inside the shrine room.
High: All events will be held on Zoom until the numbers go down.
JULY 26-AUGUST 1
CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
EVENT SCHEDULE
MONDAYS:
Evening Puja Practice with Khenpo Thupsang
Mondays 6:00-6:40pm
Sangha members are welcome to join Khenpo Thupsang in evening prayers and Dharmapala practices. The practices will be in a mixture of Tibetan and English. Khenpo Thupsang will lead.
There will be no Zoom for these practices – if you come in person please remember you must be fully immunized.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON | AUG 2–8 - Health Guidelines
JULY 26-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
TUESDAYS:
Mindfulness Meditation
Tuesdays 6:00-6:30pm
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. This meditation is great for beginners!
This session is offered in person and on Zoom. If you intend to come in person please follow our health guidelines.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
*NEW – BEGINS TUESDAY, AUG 9 Meditation Orientation & Discussion
Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm
Tibetan Buddhism has a wide range of meditation practices. The intention of all of these practices is to actualize compassion and realize the nature of mind. During this orientation time we will offer an informal introduction to the range of meditation practices done at Milarepa Buddhist Center. There will be plenty of time for question and answer.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
WEDNESDAYS:
Evening Puja Practice with Khenpo Thupsang
Wednesdays 6:00-6:40pm
Sangha members are welcome to join Khenpo Thupsang in evening prayers and Dharmapala practices. The practices will be in a mixture of Tibetan and English. Khenpo Thupsang will lead.
There will be no Zoom for these practices – if you come in person please remember you must be fully immunized.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
Introduction to the Buddhism:
the Buddhist World View
a class taught by Khenpo Thupsang
Section 2
(we opened a second section due to popular demand)
a 7-week class taught by our resident Lama, Khenpo Thupsang
August 4–September 15
7 Wednesdays, 7:30-8:40 ~central time
Topics to include:
The Three Jewels: Who was the Buddha? What is the Dharma? Who is the Sangha?
Understanding suffering: Pervasiveness of Suffering, Cause of Suffering, The Possibility of the Cessation of Suffering, the 8-fold Path
Four central thoughts for contemplation: Precious Human Birth, Impermanence, Defects of Samsara, Karma Cause and Effect
Opening the Heart: The Four Immeasurables
REGISTRATION:
[ We are opening this second class because of popular demand.
This will be on Wednesday evenings, 7:30-8:30pm starting Wednesday, August 4th. It will be the exact same format – taught by Khenpo Thupsang. Please email us at sangha@milarepaiowa.org to register.]
We will post this class on our YouTube channel. It is ok if you are unable to make every class. : )
This class will be offered in person and on Zoom. Health Guidelines: Please attend the class in person only if you are vaccinated.
THURSDAYS:
Mindfulness Meditation
Thursdays 6:00–7:00pm
You are welcome to sit with us for either
30 minutes or the full hour.
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.
You are welcome to sit with us for 30 minutes (starting at either 6pm or 6:30) or an hour. We will have short break every 10 minutes or so during the meditation. Beginners always welcome
This session is offered in person and on Zoom. If you intend to come in person please follow our health guidelines.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
HOW TO JOIN ON ZOOM
Topic: Milarepa Mindfulness Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 872 4037 8545
Passcode: MeDitate21
Introduction to the Buddhism:
the Buddhist World View
a class taught by Khenpo Thupsang
Section 1
an 8-week class taught by our resident Lama, Khenpo Thupsang
July 29–September 16
8 Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 ~central time
Topics to include:
The Three Jewels: Who was the Buddha? What is the Dharma? Who is the Sangha?
Understanding suffering: Pervasiveness of Suffering, Cause of Suffering, The Possibility of the Cessation of Suffering, the 8-fold Path
Four central thoughts for contemplation: Precious Human Birth, Impermanence, Defects of Samsara, Karma Cause and Effect
Opening the Heart: The Four Immeasurables
REGISTRATION: IN-PERSON CLASS FULL –
[ However, we are opening a second class because of popular demand.
This will be on Wednesday evenings, 7:30-8:30pm starting Wednesday, August 4th. It will be the exact same format – taught by Khenpo Thupsang. Please email us at sangha@milarepaiowa.org to register.]
We will post this class on our YouTube channel. It is ok if you are unable to make every class. : )
This class will be offered in person and on Zoom. Health Guidelines: Please attend the class in person only if you are vaccinated.
HOW TO JOIN ON ZOOM
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
SUNDAYS:
Sunday Session I 8:00-9:00am
Green Tara Meditation
We practice Green Tara meditation in order to cultivate loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness. This practice is great for beginners and more experienced practitioners alike.
Peaceful Abiding Meditation
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.
This session is offered in person and on Zoom. If you intend to come in person please follow our health guidelines.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
HOW TO JOIN ON ZOOM
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
Sunday Session II 9:30-10:30am
Om Ah Hung Meditation
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. This practice is great for beginners and more experienced practitioners alike.
Peaceful Abiding Meditation
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.
This session is offered in person and on Zoom. If you intend to come in person please follow our health guidelines.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
HOW TO JOIN ON ZOOM
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
Sunday Session III 10:45-noon
White Tara Meditation & Shinay: 10:45-noon
We practice White Tara meditation in order to cultivate loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness. We will be using Garchen Rinpoche’s White Tara Sadhana. Tara practice: 10:45-11:30 | Shinay (mindfulness meditation): 11:30-noon
This session is offered in person and on Zoom. If you intend to come in person please follow our health guidelines.
HOW TO ATTEND IN PERSON - JULY 28-AUGUST 1 - Health Guidelines
JULY 28-AUGUST 1: CDC data tracker level for Johnson County: MODERATE
Please come to the Dharma Center only if you are fully vaccinated. Mask wearing is optional.
However please wear a mask if you have been:
1) traveling internationally -or-
2) in close contact with unvaccinated people including school-age children
Do not come to the Dharma Center if:
1) you feel under the weather – or at all ill
2) you have recently been exposed to Covid
HOW TO JOIN ON ZOOM
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
12:15 – Lights out bye bye
SANGHA NEWS
A New Home for our Dharma Center!
1907 G Street, Iowa City 52240
In early May our sangha moved to a new home at 1907 G Street. This space will provide a home for our resident lama, Khenpo Thupsang and also have room for a shrine room and small library. In the coming months we will be having more opportunities for meditation.
Your support is needed! In order to offer our activities, we need to have active involvement by all those who value having a Tibetan Buddhist Center in Iowa City. In order to meet our monthly expenses of about $1600 per month, we ask that you either make regular donations, or become a member of the Center.
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!