SPECIAL EVENTS
Join us on an exploration of compassion and wisdom, starting with a public talk by Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche on “The Power of Compassion” at the Iowa City Public Library on Thursday, May 16th.
Delve deeper into the profound meditation practices of Tibetan Buddhism with a Vajrakilaya empowerment led by Khenpo Samdup at Garchen Mila Buddhist Center on Friday, May 17th exploring the transformative power of Bodhichitta and the enlightened activity of the Buddhas. Engage in intensive Vajrakilaya teachings and practices on Saturday, May 18th, as you unlock the wisdom of this practice.
We will conclude our journey with an immersive exploration of Vipassana meditation on Sunday, May 19th, guided by Khenpo Samdup, followed by personal interviews for individual guidance from the lama.
Join us on this retreat to deepen your spiritual understanding and cultivate compassion in your life.
PUBLIC TALK
Thursday, May 16
7:00-8:30pm
PUBLIC TALK: THE POWER OF COMPASSION
location: Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A
Free and open to the public! (No registration needed for the public talk.)
RETREAT EVENTS SCHEDULE
Registration is on a daily basis, requiring you to sign up for each event individually.
Friday, May 17
7:00-8:30pm | VAJRAKILAYA EMPOWERMENT
Vajrakilaya, the wrathful form of Vajrasattva, is the yidam deity who embodies the awakened activity of all buddhas and whose practice is famous for being the most powerful for removing obstacles, destroying forces hostile to compassion, and purifying the spiritual pollution so prevalent in this age.
location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
suggested donation: $25 | students & seniors $20
Registration required
[Vajrakilaya Empowerment is Full. Email us to be put on the waiting list. ]
background viewing: Garchen Rinpoche on Vajrakilaya. more reading: Vajrakilaya: A Complete Guide with Experiential Instructions by H.E Garchen Rinpoche
Saturday, May 1810-noon & 1:15- 4:00pm | VAJRAKILAYA TEACHING & PRACTICE
location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
suggested donation: $35 | students & seniors $25
Registration required. REGISTER HERE
Vajrakilaya empowerment required to attend this practice & teaching.
7:00-8:15pm | ACHI CHOKYI DROLMA SMOKE OFFERING / Event cancelled
Sunday, May 19
10-noon & 1:15- 3:30pm | VIPASSANA MEDITATION TEACHING, PRACTICE, Q&A
Join Khenpo Samdup for a day of teaching and meditation centered on Vipassana (insight) meditation. Khenpo Samdup Rinpoche will guide you through traditional meditation techniques, including analytical meditation and non-conceptual meditation or resting the mind, to help you gain direct insight and directly experience the fundamental nature of mind and phenomena.
location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
suggested donation: $35 | students & seniors $25 entire day
Registration required. REGISTER HERE
7:30-8:30pm: 10-min personal interviews available
location: TBA
At beginning or end of an interview, it is customary to make an offering to the lama. This can take the form of money, food item or other items.
FAQ
- Do I have to come to the whole retreat?: No. The registration is set up on an event-by-event basis.
- I am not very experienced in Buddhism – is it really ok for me to attend these events?: Absolutely! All of our events our open to people of all levels of experience with the Dharma.
- The suggested donations are a bit much for me. Is there another way to make an offering? Yes – Just let us know and we can work something out with you. Email us at admin@milarepaiowa.org.
- I have never been to the center – can I still attend some of these events? If you have never been to this Dharma Center or any other we would suggest you attend any of these: Public Talk, Vipassana teachings, and Smoke offering.
MORE INFORMATION
- Registration: Registration is required for all events held at the Dharma Center. The Public Talk and Smoke Offering do not require registration.
- Volunteering: To volunteer for one or all of these events, including lama-care, cooking and transportation – please contact us at admin@milarepaiowa.org
- Vajrakilaya Teachings: Vajrakilaya empowerment is required for participation in Saturday Vajrakilaya teachings & practice.
- Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes early for events to get settled in. On Friday evening and Sunday afternoon the front doors will be locked after hours. Please arrive on time because we will have someone waiting at the door.
- Health Policy: Vaccination against Covid19 is encouraged for all visitors. Please refrain from attending if feeling at all unwell –or if you have been exposed to Covid. If positive for Covid or flu, wait at least ten days before returning. (We will refund your donation if you become ill before or during the retreat events.)
- Seating Options: include both cushions and chairs.
- Posture Custom: It is customary in a Dharma setting to not have your feet pointed towards the lama or the shrine.
- Flowers: If you would like to make an offering of a bouquet of flowers for the Shrine that is most welcome. Please bring a vase for the flowers. Please arrive early to get them set up.
- Lunch: We will take lunch on Saturday and Sunday together at the India Cafe. We will pay for our meals individually. However, please let us know in the regisration process if you will want to have lunch with us -so that the restaurant owner will have a headcount.
- About Lama Visits: We have put together this page that provides some information about elements of a lama visit – including empowerments.
- Questions: If you have questions – please text Ellen Marie at 937-244-1961
SAVE THE DATE!!
Exciting news! Garchen Mila Center will be hosting Drupon Palkyi as part of her upcoming first North American tour.