Given the limited seating availability, we encourage you to secure your spot at your earliest convenience. Registration is daily, meaning you sign up for each event individually.

RETREAT SCHEDULE:

Thursday, May 16
7:00-8:30pm
PUBLIC TALK:  THE POWER OF COMPASSION
Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A

Friday, May 17
7:00-8:30pm | VAJRAKILAYA EMPOWERMENT
Vajrakilaya is a wrathful Heruka (‘hero’) emanation of glorious Vajrasattva. At the same time, he is the ultimate expression of Bodhichitta and compassion and love. He is the Heruka of activity and represents the Enlightened activity of all of the Buddhas. This aspect of the Buddha is the “sharp weapon” against the the “demons” of craving and greed, hate and hostility, and ignorance and misapprehension.

location: Garchen Mila Buddhist Center
suggested donation: $25 | students & seniors $20

background viewing: Garchen Rinpoche on Vajrakilaya.  more reading: Vajrakilaya: A Complete Guide with Experiential Instructions by H.E Garchen Rinpoche

Saturday, May 18
10-noon & 1:15- 4:00pm | VAJRAKILAYA TEACHING & PRACTICE
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center | 209 E Washington St #200, Iowa City, IA
suggested donation per day: $35 | students & seniors $25
Vajrakilaya empowerment required to attend this practice & teaching.

7:00-8:15pm | ACHI CHOKYI DROLMA SMOKE OFFERING & TREASURE VASE BURIAL
outdoor location TBA

Sunday, May 19
10-noon & 1:15- 3:30pm | VIPASSANA MEDITATION TEACHING, PRACTICE, Q&A
Garchen Mila Buddhist Center | 209 E Washington St #200, Iowa City, IA
suggested donation: $35 | students & seniors $25 entire day

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.

about Vajrakilaya practice | about lama visits and retreats

IMPORTANT RETREAT 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

Exciting news! Garchen Mila Center will be hosting Drupon Palkyi as part of her upcoming first North American tour.