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 8: 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!

Beginning in June, we are reading and discussing the book How to Train a Wild Elephant by Jan Chozen Bays.

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!