WELCOME
Iowa City’s
Tibetan Buddhist Dharma Center
A welcoming community for meditation, the cultivation of compassion, and the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.
1724 Morningside Drive, Iowa City
A Place for Practice, Study and Community
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, known for his vast realization, attainment, and compassion. Everyone is welcome.
Rooted in the Drikung Kagyu Lineage
We follow the authentic lineage of the Drikung Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, passed down through unbroken lines of realization and practice.
new
WEEKLY SCHEDULE, 2026
events held at Dharma Center, 1724 Morningside Dr., Iowa City
Most programs are offered freely in the tradition of generosity. If you attend regularly, please support our center with a recurring gift. In person only.
MEDITATION & CONTEMPLATION
Sundays | 10:00–11:15 am
On Sunday mornings we follow the traditional three activities of hearing, contemplation, and meditation.
More Information
We begin with a group reading, followed by a period of silent contemplation, and close with a guided compassion meditation using the Tibetan mantra “Om Ah Hung.” No experience necessary. Drop in when you can. The Om Ah Hung practice was developed by Khenchen Konchok Gyatshen Rinpoche. It involves following a guided visualization and mantra recitation.
This session is offered freely in the tradition of generosity. If you attend regularly, we invite you to make a contribution to help sustain our programs.
FOUNDATIONS OF BUDDHISM
Tuesdays | 6:30 – 7:45 pm
in-person only
New to Buddhism? Start Here
Explore the foundations of Buddhism in a welcoming, accessible setting. Each evening consists of a short reading and discussion. Never meditated or read a Buddhist book? You don’t need any prior experience. Bring your questions and curiosity.
Session II . Oct 27 – Dec 15
Session II. Motivation & the Four Thoughts
6 Tuesdays
Oct 27, Nov 10, Nov 17, Dec 1, Dec 8, Dec 15
No prior experience or reading required. All materials provided.
Registration & fees
Standard rate: $15 for 6 weeks
Students rate: free, but please register so we have your info in case of any changes
Returning participants: do not need to re-register.
The year-long course is arranged in four sessions. Each session stands on its own — you’re welcome to begin with any of them.
Session III. Aspiration, Bodhicitta
Jan 19 – Mar 2, 2027
Session IV. Training, The Six Perfections
Mar 16 – Apr 27, 2027
SUNDAYS 5:00 – 6:00pm —Chicago time
VAJRAKILAYA STUDY GROUP
Several years ago Garchen Rinpoche instructed our sangha to practice Vajrakilaya. The conditions have now come together for us to undertake this powerful practice as a community. The practice is complex and the prerequisite understanding is extremely important. Therefore, we are creating a Study Group so that we form a core of understanding. Following are the elements of the Study group that we have planned.
- Read Garchen Rinpoche’s Book Vajrakilaya together
- Take 4 weeks of teachings about Vajrakilaya on Zoom from Khenpo Tenzin
- Hold weekly Zoom & in person discussions among the group about the practice
- Undertake the practice as a group starting in early November
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 20–22, 2026
A WEEKEND HEALING RETREAT
with DRUPON PALKYI
JANUARY, 2027
KHENPO SAMDUP TO TEACH
APRIL, 2027
DRUPON RINCHEN DORJE TO TEACH
More details will be announced soon.
NEWS & UPDATES
A Request for Prayers for
H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Updates, teachings and prayer sessions for our beloved Rinpoche
We have moved
Help us fulfill Garchen Rinpoche’s wish for a stable, permanent Dharma center in lowa City. Join us at 1724 Morningside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52245.
This only works because of your generosity.
Your giving sustains our space, brings teachers to Iowa City, and keeps the doors open for those who haven’t found us yet. If the center has been meaningful to you, please consider a recurring monthly gift.
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift is tax-deductible.
