Dharma Programs in 2023:

In January 2023, we transitioned from the Catholic Worker House to our current location at the Paul Helen Building. The initial part of the year involved rebuilding after the pandemic’s challenges. Our new location in downtown Iowa City proved to be both welcoming and comfortable, attracting new members while retaining sangha members who have been with us since 2016. Over the the last six months we have seen our sangha grow spiritually as we introduced Chenrezig meditation and continued our robust discussions of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.
By this fall we were particularly happy to be able to sponsor Drupon Thinley Ningpo and Lama Kalsang at the University of Iowa. Hundreds of University of Iowa students and staff members as well as Iowa City community members attended the events surrounding the construction of the sand mandala. In October we organized the four Iowa City Buddhist groups in a Meditation for Peace. It was very moving and meaningful for the 45 or so Iowa City Buddhists from all traditions to come together in support of peace. As 2023 comes to a close we find that in this year we were able to stabilize and grow our spiritual community. 

Financial and organizational status in 2023:

Financially, we’ve managed to persevere despite the pandemic’s hardships. Currently, 13 individuals contribute monthly, but two families account for 67% of these donations. While these donations cover our bills, they fall short of sponsoring visiting lamas or special events. As we approach the new year, we urge everyone to evaluate their commitment to the center and its financial sustenance. For those already contributing regularly, your participation is deeply valued.

Potential Dharma Programs for 2024:

In 2024 we have the opportunity to continue to offer two Sunday morning sessions, the first for more experienced practitioners and the second primarily for those less familiar with Buddhist practice and thought. In addition, we will offer an introduction to meditation class this winter. We have a couple of other programs that may be led by lay leaders this winter. One goal for 2024 is to continue to bring lamas to Iowa City to lead retreats and offer teachings.

We have also recently been offered a new and exciting opportunity to invite Khenpo Tamphel to Garchen Mila Center. Khenpo Tamphel is one of the most respected scholars in the Drikung Kagyu lineage. Since 2012, Khenpo Tamphel has been heading The Ratnasri Translation Group For 84000 Dharma Translation. Since 2013, he has been teaching and assisting on research projects at The University of Vienna.

In addition, in September of 2024 our center has the chance to co-sponsor a North American tour for Drupon Palkyi. After completing her philosophy studies, Drupon Palkyi entered a traditional three-year-retreat in 2008 where she practiced the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. In August 2013 she was invited by Drikung Garchen Institute to Munich, Germany where she continues to serve as a resident lama, regularly offering teachings and leading group practices and retreats. This will be Drupon’s first visit to the United States.

Financial and Organizational Focus in 2024:

During the past year at the Paul Helen Building we have rebuilt our community. For this reason if we decide, as a community, that the Dharma center is a shared interest and commitment for another year, then the Board would suggest that we stay in our present location for 2024. If we hold retreats or larger teaching events those will need to be held at a larger location such as the Englert Theater.