WEEKLY SCHEDULE

 

  • Health Policy: Unfortunately, Covid is on the rise again.  We encourage everyone coming to the center to be vaccinated against Covid19. Please do not come to the center if you feel at all ill –even with the sniffles.  If you test positive for Covid or the flu please do not attend for at least ten days.  We will be here when you feel better!  In addition, please do not come to the center if you have a known exposure to covid or the flu.
  • Seating options include both cushions and chairs.
  • Kindly take off your shoes before entering the practice area.
  • There is no fee or registration required for weekly events.
  • 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.

SUNDAY MORNINGS – 2 Sessions

Sundays 9:00–10:20am

Topics in Buddhism & Chenrezig Meditation Practice

We will have 10 minutes of silent meditation followed by discussion of the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva.  This text gives instructions on how to follow the path of lovingkindness and compassion. We will follow the teachings in the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva slowly – learning one stanza at a time.  

After discussion we will practice Chenrezig meditation with the Six-Syllable Mantra: Om Mani Padme Hung. Chenrezig, a revered bodhisattva cherished in Tibetan Buddhist tradition and beyond, holds the key to unlocking our innate compassion.  Through mantra recitation, and meditation, we invite you to delve into the heart of this practice.

 

  • Open to beginning and advanced practitioners alike.
  • Drop-in – no registration required.
  • Schedule: Silent Meditation, Discussion, Meditation Practice, Closing Prayers

    Sundays 10:45–11:45

    Newcomers Discussion & Meditation

    Discussion of Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron
    In the first part of this session we will discuss Pema Chodron’s classic Buddhist book, Start Where You Are.  We will provide the book and there is no need to have read in advance.

    Om Ah Hung Meditation
    After the discussion we will do Om Ah Hung meditation practice. This guided meditation provides step-by-step entry to a more open, relaxed, and compassionate awareness.

    • This session is excellent for individuals who are newcomers or are fairly new to Buddhist thought and meditation.
    • Drop-in – no registration required.
    • Schedule: Silent Meditation, Discussion, Meditation Practice
    • We always have time for questions if you have them.

       

      LOCATION

      Location: 209 E Washington St., Suite 200, Iowa City, 52240  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 limited 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). You may want to download this app on your phone to park on the street (although coins are allowed): Park Mobile


      We need your Support!:  All meditation and discussion sessions are offered to the public on a dana (generosity) basis. Donations are greatly appreciated. Please consider becoming a member in order to support meditation and Buddhist education in Iowa City.


      Health Policy:  Please do not come to the center if you feel at all ill –even with the sniffles. If you test positive for Covid or the flu please do not attend for at least ten days. We will be here when you feel better!  In addition, please do not come to the center if you have a known exposure to covid or the flu.


      Weather: If weather is extreme, we may need to cancel practice. Our home page will make weather announcements if needed.

       

      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