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.
Spring 2025 . Weekly Schedule
WEDNESDAYS
5:15–6:00pm
Calm Abiding Meditation: Building Inner Calm
Let silence guide you to a mind at ease
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: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member. If you are not able to become a member please consider making a donation for your time at the center. There is a donation box located near the entrance.
SUNDAYS
10:00–11:15am
Weekly Contemplation & Meditation
About the Contemplation:
We are starting a weekly reading, contemplation and discussion to acquaint ourselves with the main themes and wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism. On June 15 & 22 we will discuss facing birth, old age, sickness, and death – with a teaching from Khenchen Konchok Gyatshen Rinpoche. You’re welcome to download this week’s contemplation in advance for your personal reflection.
About the Meditation:
Our Guided Compassion Meditation is a great way to connect with your compassion and wisdom. We’ll introduce you to the Tibetan Buddhist mantra “Om Ah Hung,” a powerful tool for cultivating compassion and kindness towards yourself and all beings. New to Meditation? Don’t worry! Our space is warm and inviting, perfect for beginners to explore meditation. And if you’re already a seasoned practitioner, this session can help you deepen your experience of compassion and mindfulness. 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: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member. If you are not able to become a member please consider making a donation for your time at the center. There is a donation box located near the entrance.
Regional Dharma Events
Zoom Sangha
Zoom Sangha sessions are a welcoming way to explore Buddhist teachings and meditation with a diverse range of teachers and communities, all within the Drikung Kagyu lineage network of sanghas. Most of these sessions are small, intimate gatherings—usually with 5 to 20 participants—offering a comfortable space to experience different practices and ideas. All session times are listed in Chicago time.
2025 Essence of Mahayana Teaching & Discussion
~taught by Khenpo Tenzin from the Garchen Buddhist Institute
Sundays
Next sessions: June 1, 15, 22, 29
3:30–5:00pm Teaching
5:00pm–6:00pm Discussion
We are delighted to announce a new teaching series on Lord Jigten Sumgon’s Lam Rim text, Essence of the Mahayana, written by Yogi Zhe Dhing Dorjee. Khenpo Tenzin will teach on this major text that illuminates all the stages of the path to reach the full realization of enlightenment. It is one of the essential texts in the Drikung Kagyu lineage that is necessary to study to help us correctly understand all the foundational and subtle meanings of the sutras and tantras.
The series will run for several months, with each session followed by a Sunday discussion group—a valuable opportunity to ask questions and explore the teachings further.
How to Attend: Zoom Registration & link to text
Daily Prayers and Practices
~with the Gar Drolma Buddhist Center sangha in Dayton, OH
Mondays thru Fridays
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
Weekly Meditation and Discussion
~with Drikung Kagyu Dharma Circle in Madison, WI
Mondays
5:30pm–6:00pm Meditation | 6:00–7:00pm Discussion
Join Drikung Kagyu Dharma Circle sangha online
Join the Drikung Kagyu Dharma Circle sangha and others in silent meditation and warm-hearted discussion. We are reading Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “In the Heart of Buddha’s Teaching, Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy and Liberation.” It is not necessary to have read the book in order to attend.
ALL WELCOME NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
How to Attend: Pre-registration is not necessary. For Zoom information email: Dkdcbodhi@gmail.com or call: 608-209-8432
Location
- Our programs are mostly free of charge. Regular visitors are invited to become members to support the Center. Occasional visitors are encouraged to make a modest donation.
- 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).
Health: Please do not attend if you are feeling at all ill or know that you have been exposed to a contagious disease.
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 invite you to join us as a member and contribute to the sustenance of our programs. For those who drop by occasionally, a modest donation for the day would be greatly appreciated.
To send membership by mail, please send checks to:
P.O. Box 5352, Coralville IA 52241
Milarepa Buddhist Center of Iowa
