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 authentic Buddhist teachings and practices as well as contemporary paths of resting the mind and the cultivation of compassion.
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 for classes, events, and weekly meditation.
Upcoming Events
Friday, Jan 31 | 7–8:30pm
SACRED SOUND HEALING EVENT:
KIRTAN JAM
About once a month we will get together to listen and participate in a sacred music event. Kirtan is an ancient, meditative, heart-opening and fun call-and-response singing yoga practice with mantras put to simple, traditional melodies. It empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to cultivate devotion to the sacred, expand life force energy, and ground in pure being for clarity of mind, relaxation and inner and outer peace. We will also have a few Buddhist songs to sing.
fee: none, drop in
facilitator: Justn Matthews
beverages provided – bring a snack to share!
Saturday, February 1 | 11-noon
SANGHA MEETING
We will hold a sangha meeting on Saturday, December 7 to discuss upcoming events, financial report and other agenda items. We will post an agenda on our website soon. If you have a matter that you would like to discuss and put on the agenda please email us at: sangha@milarepaiowa.org SNACKS & COFFEE PROVIDED : )
future Sangha Meeting dates (every other month) : April 4, June 6
Friday, February 7 | 7-8:30
GURU RINPOCHE PRACTICE
The 10th day of the lunar calendar is connected with Guru Rinpoche who is revered as the Second Buddha. In 2020 We will begin to practice Guru Rinpoche meditation each month on this day. Please join us for this important and amazing practice!
Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava or “The Lotus Born”), was an Indian tantric master who played a major role in bringing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the eighth century. During the reign of King Trisong Detsen, Guru Rinpoche helped establish the country’s first Buddhist monastery in Samye. The subject of many myths and legends, he is said to have had eight manifestations, including both the peaceful and wrathful forms.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom
Winter, 2020 Weekly Schedule
Thursdays
Thursdays | Jan 16-Feb 27 | 6–7pm
New Weekly Practice:
Mindfulness 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. It is a time to let go of our lists, our responsibilities and return home to ourselves.
time: 6-7pm | fee: none, drop in
facilitator: Gabriela Tobias
Saturdays
~you are welcome to join us at any point in the morning
Saturdays | 9:00-9:30am
Guided Meditation: Om Ah Hung
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 regardless of your level of experience with meditation.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom, Catherine Deming
Saturdays | 9:30-10:00am
Dharma Discussion
During the Dharma Discussion we will read and discuss a short excerpt from a book of Garchen Rinpoche's quotes. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. If you are new to Tibetan Buddhism or have never done Green Tara meditation – we can discuss the practice during this time.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom, Catherine Deming
Saturdays | 10:00–10:30am
Mindfulness 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. It is a time to let go of our lists, our responsibilities and return home to ourselves.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom, Catherine Deming
Sundays
~you are welcome to join us at any point in the morning
Sundays | 9:30-9:50am
NEWCOMERS ORIENTATION
Want to find out more about meditation and Buddhism, but don’t know where to start? This program is for you! Whether you’re just curious about what a Buddhist mediation center is like or you’ve been thinking about learning more about Buddhism. Our Newcomers Orientation is a relaxed introduction to our center and our programs. Come with your questions if you have any. All are welcome.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom
Sundays | 10:00-10:30am
Guided Meditation: Om Ah Hung
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 regardless of your level of experience with meditation.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom
Sundays | 10:30-10:55am
Dharma Discussion
During the Dharma Discussion we will read and discuss a short excerpt from a book of Garchen Rinpoche's quotes. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. If you are new to Tibetan Buddhism or have never done Green Tara meditation – we can discuss the practice during this time.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom
Sundays | 11-11:45am
Green Tara Meditation
At 11am we practice the Green Tara meditation in order to cultivate loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness. Texts are provided and everyone is welcome regardless of your level of experience with meditation.
fee: none, drop in
facilitators: Ellen Marie Lauricella, Naomi Bloom
Sundays | 11:45am–12:15pm
TEA & CONVERSATION
Join us for tea and conversation after meditation practice.
time: 11:45 -12:15