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!
The Milarepa Buddhist Center is temporarily closed due to the pandemic. All of our events are online for now. We hope to be able to open the Center sometime this summer.
WINTER 2021 . WEEKLY SCHEDULE
MONDAY:
Join Us for Meatless Mondays
We would like to invite our community to consider not eating meat on Mondays. Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to reduce meat in their diet for their health and the health of the planet. The campaign was started in 2003 by Sid Lerner, the Founder of The Monday Campaigns, in association with the Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future.
Meditation and Dharma Discussion
Mondays
Meditation: 5:30–6:00pm
Dharma Discussion: 6:00-7:00
On Monday evenings we will join the sangha in Madison, WI on zoom. There is a period for meditation, contemplation and discussion. Right now we are discussing the A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path. You don’t need to have the book to join us!
We are so fortunate to have Khenmo Trinley, editor of A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path, with us for this discussion!
HOW TO PURCHASE THE BOOK
Purchase for audio, Kindle or paperback:
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION and DISCUSSION
To join this zoom event click here.
Meeting ID: 828 1923 4189
Passcode: LJS
Khenpo Thupsang to Teach
37 Practices of a Bodhisattva
Begins March 8
Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
On Monday evenings Khenpo Thupsang will teach on the 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva. This series begins on March 8.
Composed in the 14th century by the great sage, Gyalse Ngulchu Thogme, The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva is one of the most revered texts in Tibetan Buddhism. This concise, profound poem is studied across all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The 37 Practices of the Bodhisattva provides us with the blueprint to develop precious bodhicitta and progress along the Bodhisattva’s path.
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION and DISCUSSION
Zoom information:
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
TUESDAY:
this meditation is great for beginners
Mindfulness Meditation
Tuesdays 7:00-7:30pm
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.
Led by Gabriela Tobias
While working on spiritual and personal development, Gabriela finds joy in learning from different traditions that promote the practice of universal values. Gabriela is an Engineer with a multidisciplinary formation, she is currently studying a formal Buddhist training provided by The Dharmadatta Community, an international online Sangha guided by 4 nuns.
Gabriela thinks the best way to learn is practicing and sharing experiences with others, that is why she loves getting involved with community projects. Currently archiving a Yoga Teacher certification and working full time on the wind power industry, she is looking forward to facilitating silent meditation sessions.
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Mindfulness Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 872 4037 8545
Passcode: MeDitate21
Book Discussion Group
Tuesdays 7:30-8:30pm
On Tuesdays we are discussing Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche. You are welcome to join at any time! We will begin this week on page 75.
Suggested Donation: This discussion offered free of charge
HOW TO PURCHASE THE BOOK
https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Meditation-Emptiness-Tsultrim-Rinpoche/dp/153740900X
TO JOIN THIS BOOK DISCUSSION
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
WEDNESDAY:
this study group is great for beginners
Exploring Buddhism
Small Group Study – Level 1
6 Wednesdays 7:00-8:00pm
Feb 24, Mar 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
STILL TIME TO REGISTER – We will begin reading the first 5 Chapters the week of Mar 3
Learning & Meditation:
This study group will provide a taste of Buddhist meditation and teachings. We will read “The Wisdom of No Escape” by Pema Chodron over six weeks. In addition, we will watch Buddhist teaching that are available online. With each session you will be introduced to mindfulness meditation as it is taught in the Buddhist tradition. This study group is perfect for those with little to no experience with Buddhist ideas.
Group size: Facilitator and 2-4 students – (2 spots left)
Suggested Donation: sliding scale – offer as you are able: $10-$35 for entire program
HOW TO PURCHASE THE BOOK
- The Wisdom of No Escape: and the Path of Loving-Kindness ~by Pema Chodron
REGISTER NOW
Suggested Donation: sliding Scale: $10-$35
REGISTER HERE
THURSDAY:
this meditation is great for beginners
Mindfulness Meditation
Thursdays 7:00-7:30pm
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.
Led by Gabriela Tobias
While working on spiritual and personal development, Gabriela finds joy in learning from different traditions that promote the practice of universal values. Gabriela is an Engineer with a multidisciplinary formation, she is currently studying a formal Buddhist training provided by The Dharmadatta Community, an international online Sangha guided by 4 nuns.
Gabriela thinks the best way to learn is practicing and sharing experiences with others, that is why she loves getting involved with community projects. Currently archiving a Yoga Teacher certification and working full time on the wind power industry, she is looking forward to facilitating silent meditation sessions.
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Mindfulness Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 872 4037 8545
Passcode: MeDitate21
Achi Chokyi Drolma Meditation Practice
Thursdays 7:30-8:10pm
Achi Chokyi Drolma is the great dharma protector of the Buddha’s teachings. Although she is revered by all lineages, she is the grandmother of Lord Jigten Sumgon and strongly associated with the Drikung Kagyu lineage.
Achi Chokyi Drolma promised to grant the ordinary and supreme siddhis to her followers. She composed a sadhana of herself and promised to protect the Buddha’s teachings in the future. When her activities came to an end, she flew up to the buddha-field on her blue horse depicted here. Her damaru and celestial songs could be heard by Lord Jigten Sumgon at Drikung Thel.
Achi is invoked to remove obstacles and to create positive conditions in spiritual and worldly activities. His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche has instructed everyone to do this practice during this time of Coronavirus pandemic.
Get the text and more information
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
FRIDAY:
this meditation is great for beginners
Begins March 5
Mindfulness Meditation with Khenpo Thupsang
Fridays 7:00-7:30pm
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.
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Topic: Milarepa Mindfulness Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 872 4037 8545
Passcode: MeDitate21
SATURDAY:
SUNDAY:
NEW SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Sunday Meditation and Discussion
9:30-11:00am
On Sunday mornings we have a series of meditation practices and discussion. You are welcome to join us for any portion of the morning.
9:30-10:00am: Sangha Discussion and Check-in
On Sundays before practice we keet to talk. If anyone has a question we can raise it at that time.
10:00-10:30am: Om Ah Hung - Guided Meditation
Om Ah Hung Meditation Practice
Commentary by Khenchen Konchok Gyaltsen Rinpoche
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.
Download Om Ah Hung Practice>
10:30-11:00am: Vajrasattva Purification Meditation
At the beginning of this year we will lead the sangha in Vajrasattva practice. This short practice is a wonderful opportunity to reset our intentions, cleanse our motivations, and purify the obstacles that we create for ourselves. We will be doing this practice until the Tibetan New Year – Losar – the week of Feb 12th.
TO JOIN ANY OF THESE SESSIONS
Topic: Milarepa Buddhist Center Classes & Meditation
To join this zoom meeting click here
Meeting ID: 843 7803 3565
Passcode: Hung21!
Dear Sangha:
Garchen Rinpoche has offered our sangha the possibility of having a teacher come to the Milarepa Buddhist Center to be our resident lama. His name is Khenpo Thupsang and he is already living in the United States at the Garchen Institute. Khenpo Thupsang was born in Tibet and had his early training at the Gar Monastery in eastern Tibet. He later had nine years of Dharma education at Dzongsar Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Institute in Chauntra, India.
Update: We have found a residence for Khenpo Thupsang. We are in the preparation stages of a local and national capitol campaign to enable us to support the lama and have a permanent home for our sangha.
We expect Khenpo Thupsang to arrive in Iowa City sometime in either May or September depending upon conditions for travel during the pandemic.
We are really excited about welcoming Khenpo into our community and will keep you all informed of our progress. Please contact us with any questions, donations or ideas. t: 937-244-1961
SPECIAL EVENTS . MAR 2021
Commentary on Chapter 8 of Shantideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva
Wednesdays – Feb 24, Mar 3, 10, 17
9am-noon ~Chicago time
On Wednesday mornings Khenchen will discuss the Eighth Chapter of Shantidva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva. This will be a zoom meeting.
Rinpoche will be teaching in English. There is no fee to attend these teachings. However, please make an offering as you are able.
Sponsored by: Buddhismus in Berlin | Drikung Dharma Circle of Wisconsin | Milarepa Buddhist Center of Iowa
Questions?: sangha@dkdhrmacircle.org
How to join this Zoom event
Meeting ID: 828 2028 0511
Passcode: 453003
Purchase the Book
Time Zone Information
9am–noon ~Chicago time
10am–1pm ~NY, NY time
7am–10am ~San Francisco, CA time
3pm–6pm ~England
4pm–7pm ~Germany
5pm–8pm ~Latvia
10pm–1am ~Vietnam
11pm–2am ~Singapore
Love offerings
OR you can send a check made out to “Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen” and mail it to:
Drikung Kagyu Dharma Circle
1722 Washington St.
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572-2713
Heartfelt Advice Opening the Eyes to Acceptance and Rejection
commentary and doha written by Khenchen Rinpoche
Saturday – Mar 6 | 9am-noon ~Chicago time
Rinpoche will be teaching in English. There is no fee to attend these teachings. However, please make an offering as you are able.
Sponsored by
Drikung Meditation Center Boston | Drikung Dharma Circle of Wisconsin | Milarepa Buddhist Center of Iowa
Questions?: sangha@dkdhrmacircle.org
How to join this Zoom event
Meeting ID: 882 4150 8028
Passcode: 108
Time Zone Information
9am–noon ~Chicago time
10am–1pm ~NY, NY time
7am–10am ~San Francisco, CA time
3pm–6pm ~England
4pm–7pm ~Germany
5pm–8pm ~Latvia
10pm–1am ~Vietnam
11pm–2am ~Singapore
Love offerings
OR you can send a check made out to “Khenpo Konchog Gyaltshen” and mail it to:
Drikung Kagyu Dharma Circle
1722 Washington St.
Mt. Horeb, WI 53572-2713
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!