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.
Weekly Schedule, Spring 2026
Wednesdays | 5:15–6pm
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.
Fridays | 3:30–5pm
HEART OF REFUGE:
**Friday afternoon practice is paused in June.
On Friday afternoons we have a sitting with two practices from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition: White Tara for healing and protection, Medicine Buddha for suffering of body and mind. Come sit with us. No experience necessary. Drop in when you can.
Sundays| 10–11:15am
MEDITATION & DHARMA DISCUSSION
On Sunday morning, we 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
Making an Offering
A note on dana. Dana is the practice of generosity that has sustained the dharma for 2,500 years: the center offers the teachings freely, trusting that those who receive will give back what they can, so the teachings remain available to the next person who needs them.
In keeping with this tradition, our weekly programs have no fee and no registration — but we rely entirely on the generosity of those who attend to keep the Center open. A donation box is located near the entrance, and even a few dollars helps. If you attend regularly, please consider supporting the center with a recurring gift.
Zoom Sangha
Weekdays | 10:00–11:00am
ZOOM DAILY PRACTICE
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
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.
HEALTH: Please do not attend if you are feeling at all ill or know that you have been exposed to a contagious disease.
SEATING options include both cushions and chairs. Kindly take off your shoes before entering the practice area.
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).
This only works because of you.
Your giving sustains our space, brings teachers like Drupon Palkyi 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 or a one-time offering — whatever feels right for your circumstances.
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift is tax-deductible.
