The practice of Buddhism is a method of meditation, examination and self-awareness taught by Prince Siddhartha Gautama, (Shakyamuni Buddha) some 2,500 years ago.

The Buddha saw that all living creatures share a need for happiness and contentment, and constantly strive to be free from every type of suffering. Yet when we search for lasting peace in a changing world over which we have no control, this search results in frustration. To find peace of mind, the Buddha taught, you have to work with the mind itself.

The more we search outside of the mind, the further we go from the source of happiness, because, as the Buddha discovered through his own experience, the mind is already enlightened.

We simply need ways to cut through the confusion which blocks our experience of that enlightenment.

The word Buddha means awakened one, and the mind's true, awakened nature is sometimes called Buddha nature. All beings, without exception, possess this Buddha nature.

The Buddha gave the world three types of meditation practice, known as vehicles (in Sanskrit, yanas), for seeing mind's true nature and experiencing its enlightened qualities.

The Hinayana, or Smaller Vehicle meditations on self-awareness and tranquility promote peace of mind. Formal sitting meditation, called shamata (literally, calm abiding), is a method through which we can experience the mind resting in its original clear and calm state.

The Mahayana or Larger Vehicle, meditation practices, motivated by the wish for all beings to attain enlightenment, allow us to realize the compassionate nature of the mind.

The Vajrayana or Indestructible Vehicle practices enable one to experience all phenomena as manifestations of the mind's basic wisdom. Through this experience, everyday thoughts and emotions, pleasant or unpleasant, provide opportunities for seeing the mind's inherent Buddha nature.

Through the experience of clarity, compassion, and wisdom we discover the limitless possibilities for relating to ourselves and our world with a sense of gentleness and inner strength.

The Kagyu tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism has been passed from teacher to pupil in an unbroken line since the time of the 11th century meditation master Tilopa.

Its teachings, emphasizing the practice of meditation, were passed from Tilopa to his student Naropa, to the Tibetan translator Marpa, and his student, Tibet's most famous poet, Milarepa.

The lineage passed from Milarepa to the Tibetan monk and physician Gampopa, who lived until the middle of the 12th century. Gampopa created the Kagyu monastic tradition, which continues to this day.

The Karma Kagyu lineage is headed by His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who represents the lineage and is believed to embody its accumulated spiritual energy.

The Ames Karma Kagyu Study Group (or KKSG) offers a weekly schedule of meditation practice and classes open to the general public. Meditation instruction is open to anyone.

Throughout the year, KKSG hosts lamas and monks who give teachings and instructions on practice, and who offer the refuge ceremony for those who wish to formally practice as Buddhists.

For formal practitioners, the center also provides a schedule for special practices each week.

The Ames KKSG was founded in 1997.

Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD) Monastery, located in the Catskill Mountains above the town of Woodstock, New York is the seat in North America of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, and is the permanent residence of Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche. KTD offers special programs and teachings to visitors throughout the year.

An hour of sitting meditation commences every week at 10 AM in Iowa State University's Memorial Union. Study group begins at 11 AM. Meditation instruction is available. All programs are free, but donations are welcomed and help defer our costs.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a comfortable cushion to sit on.

For further information contact Tim Mullaney at 515-233-3522.