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Welcome to

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.




What’s Happening

Buddhist Study Group

2nd and 4th Sundays, 4:30–6pm Central, hybrid in-person and Zoom.  We are starting a series on five different schools of thought about reality and how they can each provide insight to liberate us from suffering.  The main book we will be following will be Andy Karr's excellent book, Contemplating Reality: A Practitioner's Guide to the View in Indo-TIbetan Buddhism

  • April 13: Vaibhāṣika school
  • April 27: Sautrāntika school
  • May 11: Yogacara (Mind-Only) school
  • May 24: Madhyamaka (Emptiness-Only) school
  • June 15: Compass of Zen

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 reading and discussing the book Ordinary Wonder, by Charlotte Joko Beck.

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 in our mission by making a tax-deductible donation!




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