HEALING RETREAT
with Drupon Palkyi
November 20-22, 2026
The Medicine Buddha (Tibetan: Sangye Menla) is known as the Supreme Healer. His deep blue body, the color of lapis lazuli, represents omniscient wisdom and compassion as vast as space. In his right hand he holds the healing myrobalan plant, and in his left a bowl of medicinal nectar. Long ago, as a bodhisattva, he made twelve great vows to relieve beings of sickness, suffering and all forms of deprivation.
His practice is a powerful method for healing the illnesses of body and mind, both for ourselves and for others. Through visualization, prayer and recitation of his mantra, we connect with his blessings, purify the deeper causes of illness and affliction, and grow in compassion for all who suffer.
Drupon Palkyi first guided us in this practice during her Medicine Buddha retreat in May 2026. This weekend she returns to help us deepen it, using the text Drops of Nectar: Meditation and Mantra Recitation of Medicine Buddha. Whether you joined us in May or are new to the practice, everyone is welcome, and no prior experience is needed.
SCHEDULE
no experience necessary – come as you are
Friday, November 20
Healing Chöd Ceremony | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
The Healing Chöd is a special practice for those who are experiencing illness. It is particularly beneficial for stress related illness and obstacles to our health. This Prajnparamita wisdom teaching lineage originates with the 11th century realised yogini, Machig Labdron. It is a profound dharma passed to us from the founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage, Jigten Sumgon in the form of the Kusali (mendicant) Chöd text. This ceremony requires no special prerequisites as Drupon la will do the practice on our behalf as we meditate or merely hold a receptive state of mind. As with all Mahayana practices it is done with bodhicitta, the mind that seeks to benefit all beings equal to space.
Saturday, November 21
Smoke Offering and House Blessing | 10:00am – 10:45am
A smoke offering (sang) is a traditional practice in which fragrant substances such as juniper and herbs are burned, and the rising smoke is offered to the Buddhas, the protectors, and all beings. It purifies obstacles, repays karmic debts, and brings harmony and blessings to ourselves and the world.
For the first time at our center, we will practice the smoke offering from the Rainfall of Benefit Sadhana, assembled by Garchen Rinpoche. At Rinpoche’s request, its English verse matches the Tibetan syllable for syllable, and it is his wish that both be chanted together. We warmly invite you to join us.
Medicine Buddha practice | 10:45 am – noon
Guided practice and mantra recitation using the text Drops of Nectar.
lunch break | noon- 2:00pm
Medicine Buddha practice | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
We dedicate our practice and mantra recitation to loved ones and all beings who are suffering from illness. You are welcome to bring the names of anyone you would like included.
Questions & Answers | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday November 22
Regfuge Ceremony | 9:00am – 10:00am
Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha is the doorway to the Buddhist path. In the Drikung Kagyu tradition, as Garchen Rinpoche teaches, the Buddha’s essence is wisdom, the Dharma’s is love and compassion, and the Sangha’s is the virtuous spiritual friend. Drupon Palkyi will explain the meaning and commitments of refuge and lead the ceremony. Anyone wishing to formally take refuge is welcome. Please register in advance so names can be prepared. With translation.
Medicine Buddha practice | 10:00am – noon
We deepen our practice together and dedicate its merit to the health and wellbeing of all beings.
lunch break | noon- 2:00pm
Lama Chöpa Tsok | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
We close the weekend with the Lama Chöpa practice, the guru yoga of Lord Jigten Sumgön (1143–1217 CE), founder of the Drikung Kagyu lineage. This beloved practice weaves together prayers and meditations from the sutras and tantras, and is recited daily in Drikung monasteries. Through devotion to the guru, we receive the blessings of body, speech and mind and purify obscurations. The practice concludes with a tsok, or feast offering: food and drink are blessed, offered, and shared, renewing our commitments and strengthening our sangha. We dedicate the merit to our new house, our community and all beings. You are welcome to bring food or drink to offer.
About Drupon Palkyi
Drupon Palkyi is a highly accomplished teacher in the Drikung Kagyu lineage. She completed the traditional Three-Year Retreat practicing the Five-Fold Path of Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Since 2013 she has served as resident lama at Drikung Garchen Institute in Munich — the European center of His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche. This is Drupon Palkyi’s third visit to Garchen Mila Center.
REGISTRATION
Registration is required
This retreat is offered on a sliding scale donation basis — please choose the level that feels right for your financial situation. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Ordained Sangha — $0
Supported rate — $45 (for those with limited financial means)
Standard rate — $90 (suggested for most participants)
Sustaining rate — $120 (for those who are able to give a little more)
Benefactor rate — $150 (for those who wish to support others’ participation)
No-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If cost is a barrier, please reach out at sangha@milarepaiowa.org.
Your generosity sustains our center and makes these teachings available to everyone.
REGISTRATION
Registration is required
This retreat is offered on a sliding scale donation basis — please choose the level that feels right for your financial situation. All are welcome regardless of ability to pay.
Supported rate — $45 (for those with limited financial means)
Standard rate — $90 (suggested for most participants)
Sustaining rate — $120 (for those who are able to give a little more)
Benefactor rate — $150 (for those who wish to support others’ participation)
No-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If cost is a barrier, please reach out at sangha@milarepaiowa.org.
Your generosity sustains our center and makes these teachings available to everyone.
LOCATION
Friday thru Sunday events will be held at Garchen Mila Buddhist Center:
1724 Morningside Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Please spread out your parking so we don’t inconveninece our neighbors. Consider parking in the northwest corner of the City High parking lot for the retreat weekend – it’s about a 4-min. walk.
Out-of-Town Guests:
The nearest airport is The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID). It is in Cedar Rapids, about 30 minutes from Iowa City.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: A Weekend of Healing Practices with Drupon Palkyi
Hosting Drupon Palkyi for our first weekend in the new house is a wonderful opportunity to offer service to the Dharma and our sangha. No experience is needed. Training is provided for every role, and you’ll always have someone to ask. Every kind of help, large or small, is a meaningful offering and a way of gathering merit together. You’re also welcome to take on more than one role.
Email Ellen Marie at: admin@milarepaiowa.org to inquire about volunteering.
Volunteer Opportunities: Training Provided.
Lama’s Transportation · 1 volunteer
Airport pickup and drop-off, and transportation to restaurants or home-cooked meals.
Lama’s Attendant · 1 volunteer
Provide tea during sessions, and make sure Drupon Palkyi has everything she needs.
Shrine Keeper · 1 volunteer
Move the Medicine Buddha thangka to the front. Set up the shrine before each day: change the water bowls daily and turn on the shrine lights. Provide vases and arrange for flowers by Friday evening. Help arrange the tsok offerings.
Umdze (Chant Master) · 1 volunteer
Lead the opening and closing prayers for the weekend. Become familiar with the English version of the smoke offering in advance. It helps to be able to carry a tune.
Fire Keeper (Sang) · 2 volunteers
Have the fire lit by 9:00 am on Saturday. Prepare the juniper and other substances, keep water and a fire extinguisher on hand, and put the fire out safely afterward.
Greeter and Registration · 1 volunteer
Welcome people, check online payments, collect the names of people who are ill, and be in touch with refuge-takers.
Texts Organizer · 1 volunteer
Pick up the texts from the printer and check the print quality. Announce that the texts are temple copies. Hand out and collect the texts at each session.
Tsok Organizer · 2 volunteers
Organize the food offerings, arrange them on the shrine, and serve and share the tsok on Sunday.
Setup and Cleanup · 2 volunteers
Pick up cushions, prepare the outdoor sang area, and reset the room between sessions.