Garchen Mila Buddhist Center

08/26/2026

08/15/2026

Garchen Mila Buddhist Center has a new home: 1724 Morningside Drive, Iowa City.

After ten years of meeting in one rented space after another, we've moved into a house of our own. When the plan was brought to Garchen Rinpoche in June, he blessed it and urged us to move forward.

We will have the same schedule in August: silent meditation Wednesdays at 5:15pm, meditation and dharma discussion Sundays 10:00–11:15am.

We're in a residential neighborhood now, so please spread out when parking. Two steps at the entry, shoes off inside, cushions and chairs available.

Everyone is welcome.

06/17/2026

We are deeply saddened to announce that Robert A.F. Thurman, prominent American Buddhist scholar, co-founder of Tibet House US, author and translator whose teachings shaped countless lives, died Tuesday morning, June 16, in Woodstock, New York.

Om Mani Padme Hum 🙏

The Thurman family requests privacy at this time.
Please check thus.org for updates.

05/05/2026

Thank you Drupon Tsering Rinpoche for wonderful Achi Chokyi Drolma teachings!

05/05/2026

The Buddha taught about buddha nature. If you study this in The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, it is explained as the preliminary cause.

Every sentient being has buddha nature.

First of all, what is buddha nature? Buddha nature itself, under any circumstances --- whether being believed or not believed, whether known or not known --- is uncontrived, unfabricated, as it is. That very nature is undefiled peace; it is total peace.

Because of this, when you experience some peace or happiness in your mind, you feel naturally comfortable with it.

And since buddha nature is free from all suffering by its very nature, when suffering arises, physically or mentally, we do not want to remain in it. It always feels uncomfortable. No matter how much suffering there is, you never get used to it. Even in the hell realms for countless kalpas of suffering, you never become comfortable. This shows that buddha nature is free from suffering.

Buddha nature is the preliminary cause because it is already present within you, and studying and practicing the Dharma can lead you to be free from suffering. So what I am sharing with you is extremely precious.

~ Khenchen Konchog Gyaltsen Rinpoche, Teaching on The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: Chapter 11, Day 1, Alor Star, Malaysia