Ames Buddhist Mahasangha

American Zen

Ames Buddhist Mahasangha is an ecumenical American Buddhist sangha (with primarily Korean Soen and Vietnamese Thiền lineage roots). As a modern American sangha, we vow to act with compassion, wisdom and equity, to share resources, and to build relationships that empower liberation from dukkha. We teach beginning and advanced meditation practices, hold retreats, and work together to support each other. We are based in Ames, Iowa, but include members across the country. We hold many of our meetings both in-person and over the Internet. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Events

Weekend Meditation Retreat, May 15-17

Join us for a weekend to deepen and enrich your practice. We will focus on meditation, including sitting and moving meditations. The program will focus on four keys to waking up, led by Zen monk Venerable Myeong'il. Meditations will be led by qualified teachers from the Ames Buddhist Mahasangha, and yoga will be led by Jennifer Gentile (RYT 500, YACEP, E-RYT 200, RYT YIN-50) and Julie Tabor (CYT 200). No experience in Buddhism is necessary, although prior experience with meditation is beneficial.

The retreat will be held at the Timber Hill Sanctuary at 1392 West 28th St. North, Newton, IA. The program will begin at 7pm on Friday, May 15 and end by 4pm on Sunday, May 17. The cost for lodging and all meals for the weekend is $250, with an early bird registration fee of $220 if paid by April 1. Bedrooms are shared with other participants, and there are two cabins available. Financial assistance is available.

To reserve a spot or to request more information, please email ven.myeongil@gmail.com. Payment may be made through the "Donate" button. Space in the retreat is limited, so reserve your spot(s) early!

What’s Happening

Buddhist Study Group

2nd and 4th Sundays, 4:30–6pm Central, hybrid in-person and Zoom. Beginning in January we are studying women in Buddhism, with the book Women of the Way: Discovering 2500 Years of Buddhist Wisdom by Sallie Tisdale. This series will be led by Revs. Hyeon'ui and Shimji.

Where: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, 1015 Hyland Avenue, Ames IA 50014

Join online at https://tinyurl.com/uubsg (or call 312-626-6799, meeting ID: 204 489 222)

Zoom link and schedule available at Calendar – Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames (uufames.org)

Weekly Meditation Practice

Sundays 6–7pm Central, hybrid in-person and Zoom. This group practices mindfulness and sitting meditation practices from a range of contemplative traditions. Beginners are always welcome!

We are currently taking two weeks to discuss the four foundations of mindfulness. On Jan 25, we begin reading and discussing the book, Original Face, Original Heart: Zen Reflections on the Way of Lovingkindness, by our very own Rev. Chris Gwando Spinler!

Where: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, 1015 Hyland Avenue, Ames IA 50014

Join online: https://bit.ly/3mVpwGq (or call 312-626-6799, meeting ID: 258 912 292)

Zoom link and schedule available at Calendar – Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames (uufames.org)

Please help us continue to offer our services for free by making a tax-deductible donation!