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.
Winter 2026 . Weekly Schedule
WEDNESDAYS | 5:15–6:00pm
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.
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member. If you are not able to become a member please consider making a donation for your time at the center. There is a donation box located near the entrance.
SUNDAYS | 10:00–11:15am
Meditation & Dharma Study
Each Sunday morning, we’ll 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.
Location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center, The Paul Helen Building, 209 East Washington Street, Suite 200 –in downtown Iowa City,
No registration or fee: Drop-in. Regular visitors are invited to become a member. If you are not able to become a member please consider making a donation for your time at the center. There is a donation box located near the entrance.
Supporting our Sangha
Dear Friends,
Every week our doors open freely to anyone seeking meditation and dharma. This is possible because of you. Our center runs entirely on volunteer time and the generosity of our community. As we enter this giving season, we’re asking for your support to keep our practice space open and welcoming to all.
Please consider:
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Making a recurring or one-time donation: Donate HERE
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Mailing a check to:
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
c/o Ellen M Lauricella, President
15 Oak Park Place NE, Iowa City, IA 52240
Your generosity sustains this refuge in the heart of Iowa City.
Thank you for being part of our sangha!
With gratitude, Ellen Marie, Naomi & Catherine
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
Zoom Sangha
Zoom Sangha sessions are a welcoming way to explore Buddhist teachings and meditation with a diverse range of teachers and communities. All session times are listed in Chicago time.
Daily Prayers and Practices
Weekdays | 10:00–11:00am
~with the Gar Drolma Buddhist Center sangha in Dayton, OH
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
HEALTH: Please do not attend if you are feeling at all ill or know that you have been exposed to a contagious disease.
DANA-Generosity. Our programs are offered mostly free of charge. Regular visitors are invited to become members to support the Center. Occasional visitors are encouraged to make a modest donation.
SEATING options include both cushions and chairs. Kindly take off your shoes before entering the practice area.
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).
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
