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 one of the most revered teachers in the Drikung Kagyu tradition and famous for his vast realization, attainment, and great compassion. Everyone is welcome at the center. All that’s required to attend is your open heart.
What does the Buddhist path offer?
In the beginning you will learn ways to calm your mind and become friends with your emotions and thoughts. With time and practice you may undertake the development of compassion for all sentient beings including yourself. You may explore the nature of reality and cultivate wisdom. On the Buddhist path there is help along the way. You will meet other people who are on a similar quest for understanding –these people we call the Sangha. You will have a chance to meet an authentic teacher who has dedicated their entire lives to the study and practice of this path. These teachers are precious because of their profound understanding, kindness and generosity to share their wisdom with us.

NEWS
We had a wonderful Sand Mandala Event & Chenrezig Empowerment – September 5-9! Thank you to everyone who helped and attended!









September, 2023: THREE NEW DISCUSSION & MEDITATION SESSIONS
In light of heightened interest and with consideration of our limited space, we are pleased to announce the addition of three new practice sessions: one on Sunday evenings and another on Wednesday evenings.


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