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.
The Milarepa Buddhist Center is temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
Fall Programs . 2020
BEGINNING PRACTICES & DISCUSSION
meditation, teachings, special events
TUESDAYS:
Mindfulness Meditation
Tuesdays: 6:00-6:30pm
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
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
Book Discussion: The Practice of Lojong
Tuesdays: 7:00-8:30pm
This Spring Tim will lead a discussion group based on The Practice of Lojong by Traleg Rinpoche. This book presents commentary, stories, and historical background on the lojong slogans of Tibetan Buddhism. Used by meditators through the ages to cultivate awareness and compassion, and made popular by successful books by Pema Chodron and Chogyam Trungpa. This contemplation practice offers guidance for remaining receptive and wakeful amid the ups and downs of daily life. [ Begins June 16. The discussion group will take place until the book is finished. *Don't worry if you do not have the book for your first session. ]
Taught by Tim Mullaney
Tim Mullaney, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, has been a meditator and practitioner in the Karma Kagyu lineage for nearly 40 years. His teachers include Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche, Bardor Tulku Rinpoche and Tai Situ Rinpoche. Tim is also a psychologist and has extensive background working with mindfulness training in professional, non-religious settings.
TO PURCHASE THE BOOK
TO JOIN THIS DISCUSSION
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
WEDNESDAYS:
Introduction to Om Ah Hung Meditation
a 4-Week Workshop
Wednesdays: 7:00-8:00pm
Om Ah Hung meditation is a wonderful introduction Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice. This practice is also found in all aspects of Tibetan Buddhism and can form a foundation for all other types of meditation. BEGINS WED. SEP 30
Class Schedule
Wednesday, Sep 30
Wednesday, Oct 7
Wednesday, Oct 14
Wednesday, Oct 21
Taught by Naomi Bloom & Ellen Marie Lauricella
Naomi Bloom, M.D. and Ellen Marie Lauricella are founders of Milarepa Buddhist Center and long time students of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.
TO JOIN THIS DISCUSSION
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
THURSDAYS:
Mindfulness Meditation
Thursdays: 7:00-8:00pm
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
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
SUNDAYS:
Meditation Practices & Discussion
Sundays: 9:30-11:45am
Sunday Schedule
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: Community Discussion
Our Community Discussion is a time for our community to come together to discuss questions and thoughts about meditation and study.
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>
10:30-11:15am: White Tara Meditation
At 10:30 we practice White Tara meditation in order to cultivate loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness. This is a guided meditation
11:15-noon: Dharma Discussion
On Sundays we have a a period for contemplation and discussion. Right now we are discussing the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva - and Garchen Rinpoche's commentary on this.
37 PRACTICES OF A BODHISATTVA
Commentary by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
TO JOIN ANY OF THESE SESSIONS
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
INTERMEDIATE MEDITATION & DISCUSSION
meditation, teachings, special events
MONDAYS:
Parnashavari Meditation Practice
Mondays: 7:00-7:50pm
There are a great many ways that compassion can express itself. In Tibetan Buddhism these expressions of compassion are represented and embodied by various deities and deity practices. Lady Parnashavari, who is attired in green leaves of medicinal plants, is the 20th of the 21 Taras. During pandemics her qualities are invoked to spread the intention of healing for all beings. more on Parnashavari practice>
Download the text
Parnashavari Sadhana
from the Collected Works of Jigten Sumgon
Download Parnashavari Sadhana (text)
Led by Naomi Bloom
Naomi Bloom, M.D. is a founder of Milarepa Buddhist Center and long time student of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche.
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS:
Essence of the Mahayana Teachings
with Khenpo Samdup
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 6:00-7:30pm ~central time
"In coordination with sister sanghas, Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche begins a new course of teachings based on his commentary of Lord Jigten Sumgon’s Lam Rim text, Essence of the Mahayana Teachings. It provides deep insight into the path of the Sutras and Tantras that can ultimately lead to the realization of enlightenment." ~Gar Drolma
About Khenpo Samdup
Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche was born in Tibet and is a long time student of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche. He studied the philosophy of the four schools of Tibetian Buddhism under numerous khenpos, such as Khenpo Munsel and Khenpo Jigme Phunsok. He taught for five years at Kagyu College in India founded by His Holiness Drikung Kabgyon Chetsang, from whom he received the vast teachings and transmissions of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. He has written a commentary on Jigten Sumgon’s Gong Chik – one of the significant philosophical texts of the Kagyu Lineage. He is currently the Dharma teacher at Gar Drolma Choling in Dayton Ohio, USA. more>
TO JOIN THIS TEACHING
To participate in any of our scheduled Virtual Dharma activities, simply visit Zoom.us, click “Join a Meeting” and enter the Meeting ID and password. Please contact info@gardrolma.org for the required information for the meeting.
WEDNESDAYS:
White Tara Practice
with Drupon Rinchen Dorje
Wednesdays: 7:00pm
In partnership with Chicago Ratna Shri –Chicago, Illinois:
Chicago Ratna Shri is hosting White Tara practice with Drupon Rinchen Dorje by zoom. These events are open to everyone! We encourage our sangha to take advantage of this opportunity to practice with Drupon
About Drupon Rinchen Dorje
Drupon Rinchen Dorje entered Tana Monastery in 1984, receiving his vows as a novice monk from Tulku Nyendrak Gyaltsen Rinpoche. While helping with the reconstruction of the monastery, he received teachings on the Fivefold Path of Mahamudra and Kunsang Lama's Words of Profound Instruction, Dzogchen's Great Completion Parting from Samsara and Nirvana, Pointing Out the Nature of Mind, and other teachings from Tulku Nyendrak Gyaltsen Rinpoche. Rinpoche has also received Chakrasamvara according to Drilbupa, including the empowerment, scriptural transmission, and pith instructions from Tulku Thogme Rinpoche. more>
Resources
White Tara Sadhana
A Flowing Stream of Ambrosia: A Concise Practice Sadhana of the Exalted Tara
Download White Tara Sadhana
TO JOIN THIS MEDITATION
Please RSVP by contacting admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive further information to join this practice session. You will be given the Zoom ID and password once you contact us. Everyone is welcome to join any of these classes or practices - whether near or far or experienced in Buddhist practice or not.
If you begin to regularly attend practices with Drupon Rinchen Dorje and the Chicago Ratna Shri sangha, please consider making a donation to their sangha.
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS:
The Way of the Bodhisattva Teachings
with Khenpo Samdup
Saturdays & Sundays:
10:00am-noon : teaching session
6–7pm : Discussion with Q&A
"Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche will be teaching the beloved classic Buddhist text, The Way of the Bodhisattva or Bodhicaryavatara. The Indian scholar, Shantideva, provides inspirational guidance to developing the boundless qualities of a bodhisattva dedicated to easing the suffering of sentient beings. H.E. Garchen Rinpoche frequently ends his teachings with a recitation of the last chapter." ~Gar Drolma
Series continues every weekend until further notice.
Download Text
More Information
TO JOIN THIS TEACHING
To participate in any of our scheduled Virtual Dharma activities, simply visit Zoom.us, click “Join a Meeting” and enter the Meeting ID and password. Please contact info@gardrolma.org for the required information for the meeting.
SUNDAYS:
Meditation Practices & Discussion
Sundays: 9:30-11:45am
Sunday Schedule
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: Community Discussion
Our Community Discussion is a time for our community to come together to discuss questions and thoughts about meditation and study.
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>
10:30-11:15am: White Tara Meditation
At 10:30 we practice White Tara meditation in order to cultivate loving kindness, compassion and mindfulness. This is a guided meditation
11:15-noon: Dharma Discussion
On Sundays we have a a period for contemplation and discussion. Right now we are discussing the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva - and Garchen Rinpoche's commentary on this.
37 PRACTICES OF A BODHISATTVA
Commentary by H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
TO JOIN ANY OF THESE SESSIONS
Please RSVP at admin@milarepaiowa.org in order to receive the Zoom meeting id and password. OR sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive this information automatically.
RECORDED TEACHINGS:
H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 1 of 13// July 13, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 2 of 13// July 13, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 3 of 13// July 14, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 4 of 13// July 14, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 5 of 13// July 15, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 6 of 13// July 15, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 7 of 13// July 16, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 8 of 13// July 16, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 9 of 13// July 17, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 10 of 13// July 17, 2020// H.E. Garchen Rinpoche
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 11 of 13// July 18, 2020
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 12 of 13// July 18, 2020
Summer Teaching: Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen 13 of 13// July 19, 2020
Summer Teaching: Q&A Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen// July 19, 2020
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!