By: Natasia 

History

The origins of this community is in the Tampa area of Florida. This group was initially a meditation group that eventually wanted to focus on Buddhist beliefs and practices.  They identified the eightfold path as the primary practice but believed Ariya Magga which means noble path sounded better and they also completed outreach services to local schools and communities so added the term missionary to their name. In 2010 the primary member of the community, Bhante Dhammapala moved from Florida to Iowa. 

Distinctive Qualities

The community practices half-day meditations four times a year and a whole-day meditation two times a year.

Practices/ Services

One of the core beliefs of this community is diversity. The members of the board of this community are of various races and sex. Bhante leads a Dhamma group on Wednesdays at Pure Land of Iowa in Clive, Iowa, and on Thursdays at Wat Phothisomphan in Des Moines, Iowa. These meetings consist of guided meditation, discussion of a topic, and 25 minutes of silent meditation. There is also a study group that meets every 1st and 3rd Saturday at Pure Land of Iowa. There are about 15-20 members that come on Wednesday nights and 3-30 members that come on Thursday nights. The community does not currently have a temple. The future goal for this community is to have a temple where they can do ordination and host up to 200 guests. This community also plans to study the book What Buddhist Believe by K.Sri Dhammananda in April of 2024. 

Branch

This community practices Theravada Buddhism.

Demographics

This community consists of a collective group composed primarily of Euro-Americans. 

Contact Information: 

Bhante Dhammapala ambmsiowa@gmail.com

Website- https://www.ambms.org/

Address- Pure Land of Iowa{8364 Hickman Rd Clive, Iowa 50325} Wat Phothisomphan {2560 SE 14th St Des Moines, Iowa 50320}