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.
Upcoming Events
GREAT DHARMA PROTECTOR
ACHI CHOKYI DROLMA RETREAT
with Drupon Tsering Rinpoche
April 30-May 3, 2026
Achi Chokyi Drolma is revered as the Great Dharma Protectress of the Buddha’s teachings and practiced across Tibetan Buddhist lineages. She embodies the wisdom and activities of all the buddhas and is the divine mother of the Buddha.
Achi Chokyi Drolma is invoked to remove outer and inner obstacles, to protect from harm, and to create positive conditions for spiritual and worldly success. Whoever practices the meditation and prayer of Achi Chokyi Drolma and appeals to her with full devotion will be freed from all kinds of unfavorable circumstances and obstacles in this life, as well as obstacles connected with Dharma practice.
Whether you are new to Tibetan Buddhism or a longtime practitioner, this program offers something meaningful. Drupon Tsering will guide participants through each session with care and clarity — no prior experience is required.
Wondering what a retreat is like? Watch this short introduction to our Achi Chokyi Drolma Retreat
About Drupon Tsering Rinpoche
Drupon Tsering Rinpoche is a highly accomplished teacher in the Drikung Kagyu lineage, trained from childhood under His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche. He completed the traditional Three-Year Retreat, received the title of Drubpon — Retreat Master — from both H.H. Drikung Kyabgön Chetsang and H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, and serves as Garchen Rinpoche’s representative throughout Europe. He guides with boundless compassion, vast knowledge, and tireless patience — and speaks both German and English.
DHARMA TALK: Safeguarding Compassion in an Age of Anger
with Tibetan Lama, Drupon Tsering Rinpoche
Thursday, April 30, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Location:
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
The Paul Helen Building
209 E Washington St., Suite 200, Iowa City, 52240
Several parking garages are located nearby.
Suggested Donation: $5–$15 — registration required
ACHI CHOKYI DROLMA RETREAT:
information & registration
*Schedule updated April 11
Friday, May 1, 6:30pm–8:00pm
Achi Chokyi Drolma Empowerment
(a ceremonial blessing and introduction to the practice)
Saturday, May 2 | 9:30am–noon & 1:30pm–4:00pm
Achi Chokyi Drolma teaching and practice
Sunday, May 3 | 9:30am–noon & 1:30pm–3:30pm
Achi Chokyi Drolma teaching and practice
Sunday, May 3 | 4:00pm–6:00pm
One-on-one talk/s with Drupon Tsering
LOCATION
Friday thru Sunday events will be held at Garchen Mila Buddhist Center:
The Paul Helen Building
209 E Washington St., Suite 200, Iowa City, 52240
Several parking garages are located nearby.
Out of Town Guests:
The nearest airport is The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID). It is in Cedar Rapids, about 30 minutes from Iowa City. If you are flying in from out of town, let us know and a sangha member can pick you up at the airport: admin@activateiowa.org
REGISTRATION
This retreat is offered on a sliding scale donation basis — please choose the level that feels right for your financial situation. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Supported rate — $45 (for those with limited financial means)
Standard rate — $90 (suggested for most participants)
Sustaining rate — $120 (for those who are able to give a little more)
Benefactor rate — $150 (for those who wish to support others’ participation)
No-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If cost is a barrier, please reach out at sangha@milarepaiowa.org.
Your generosity sustains our center and makes these teachings available to everyone.
MEDICINE BUDDHA RETREAT
with Drupon Palkyi
May 15-17, 2026
Medicine Buddha, known in Tibetan as Sangye Menla, is the Buddha of Healing — revered across all Tibetan Buddhist lineages as the embodiment of the healing power of all enlightened beings. He is depicted radiating lapis lazuli light, his very form a symbol of the purification of suffering and the limitless compassion of awakened mind.
In this time of collective uncertainty, division, and unrest, the practice of Medicine Buddha offers a profound refuge. When fear and anger cloud the mind, we lose access to our own innate wisdom and compassion — and it is precisely here that Medicine Buddha’s healing power is most needed. This retreat invites us to pause, to turn inward, and to cultivate the clarity and equanimity that allow us to meet the challenges of our world with an open and steady heart. The healing we seek for ourselves ripples outward, becoming a source of peace for all those around us.
Whether you are new to Tibetan Buddhism or a longtime practitioner, this program offers something profound and accessible. Drupon Palkyi will guide participants through each session with warmth and depth — no prior experience is required.
About Drupon Palkyi
Drupon Palkyi is a highly accomplished teacher in the Drikung Kagyu lineage. She completed the traditional Three-Year Retreat practicing the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Since 2013 she has served as resident lama at Drikung Garchen Institute in Munich — the European center of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche. This is Drupon Palkyi’s second visit to Garchen Mila Center.
MEDICINE BUDDHA RETREAT:
information & registration
Friday, May 15 | 6:30pm–8:00pm
Medicine Buddha teaching & practice
Saturday, May 16 | 9:30am–noon & 1:30pm–4:00pm
Medicine Buddha teaching & practice
Saturday, May 16 | 6:00pm–7:00pm
Releasing the Guru Rinpoche stones
location TBA
Sunday, May 17 | 9:30am–noon & 1:30pm–4:00pm
Medicine Buddha teaching & practice
LOCATION
Friday thru Sunday events will be held at Garchen Mila Buddhist Center:
The Paul Helen Building
209 E Washington St., Suite 200, Iowa City, 52240
Several parking garages are located nearby.
Out of Town Guests:
The nearest airport is The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID). It is in Cedar Rapids, about 30 minutes from Iowa City. If you are flying in from out of town, let us know and a sangha member can pick you up at the airport: admin@activateiowa.org
REGISTRATION
This retreat is offered on a sliding scale donation basis — please choose the level that feels right for your financial situation. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Supported rate — $45 (for those with limited financial means)
Standard rate — $90 (suggested for most participants)
Sustaining rate — $120 (for those who are able to give a little more)
Benefactor rate — $150 (for those who wish to support others’ participation)
No-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If cost is a barrier, please reach out at sangha@milarepaiowa.org.
Your generosity sustains our center and makes these teachings available to everyone.
Spring 2026 . Weekly Schedule
WEDNESDAYS | 5:15–6:00pm
Silent Meditation: Building Inner Calm
Calm abiding meditation, offers an opportunity to cultivate stillness and stability of mind, free from distraction and agitation. We will gather at 5:15pm and begin meditation at 5:20pm.
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Our programs are offered freely in the tradition of generosity. If you attend regularly, we warmly invite you to support our center with a recurring gift. If you are joining us occasionally, even a modest donation is deeply appreciated. A donation box is located near the entrance.
FRIDAYS | 3:30–5:00pm
Heart of Refuge: Friday Afternoon Practice
We’re trying something new on Friday afternoons — a sitting with three practices from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition: White Tara for healing and protection, Medicine Buddha for suffering of body and mind, and Achi Chokyi Drolma for clearing obstacles. Come sit with us. No experience necessary. Drop in when you can.
White Tara Practice
Medicine Buddha Practice
Achi Chokyi Drolma Practice
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Our programs are offered freely in the tradition of generosity. If you attend regularly, we warmly invite you to support our center with a recurring gift. If you are joining us occasionally, even a modest donation is deeply appreciated. A donation box is located near the entrance.
SUNDAYS | 10:00–11:15am
Meditation & Dharma Discussion
Each Sunday morning, we’ll share a guided compassion meditation, using the Tibetan mantra “Om Ah Hung.” We will also read and reflect together on core Buddhist teachings. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re new to meditation or have an established practice. 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: Our programs are offered freely in the tradition of generosity. If you attend regularly, we warmly invite you to support our center with a recurring gift. If you are joining us occasionally, even a modest donation is deeply appreciated. A donation box is located near the entrance.
Zoom Sangha
Zoom DAILY PRACTICE
Weekdays | 10:00–11:00am
Join Khenpo Samdup and international sangha online
Join us 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. 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. ] Questions: sangha@milarepaiowa.org
TEXTS for download: Daily Practice Book
Information & Location
HEALTH: Please do not attend if you are feeling at all ill or know that you have been exposed to a contagious disease.
DANA-Generosity. Our programs are offered mostly free of charge. Regular visitors are warmly invited to support our center.
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).
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 warmly invite you to contribute in the spirit of dana.
