I sent an email and received a timely response, confirming the time and location, and someone was there to greet me and show me around. The teaching began promptly, and there were copies available for everyone of the reading material. I learned some things my first visit, and felt welcome.

Gar Drolma is, without a doubt, one of the most joyous environments in the entire galaxy. Many beautiful beings.....love....love....love, and excellent teachings. Pure. May all beings be blessed to find the same...Naaseh

I have attended services and events here sporadically for several years, and I could not speak more highly of the people here and the positive demeanor of everyone who attends, in part due to the ornate, serene atmosphere. I highly recommend attending the early morning book meeting/beginners orientation. It is the best conversation to start off the week.

I came here for a couple of weeks and so far I love it. You'll feel welcome and the people there are nice. Even if you don't know about Buddhism they'll teach you the basics on what to do and they have a class on Wednesdays. I love how the worship room is set up and it feels comfy inside. Plus they got a store in the basement area filled with books and other etc...That and plus the meditations are what really got me attractive to it. I recommend it.

My spiritual home. A warm welcoming place that transforms my state of mind upon entering. Meditation practices/teaching available. Retreats, book discussion groups, special guest teachers, etc available. Parking can be challenging at times.

Very friendly, relaxed atmosphere and people run and attend this place. You feel no pressure for coming in or leaving at a certain time. You have the sense that no matter what you do, you will not be judged. The meditation hour every hour before the service is my favorite part. It is an hour of complete silence in a pleasant-smelling, quiet, large room with beautiful glass-stained windows and candles. You have a choice to sit on the benches or on the floor or small stools. My wife and I usually just come in for that part, give a small donation, and leave after the meditation. It could be intense for newcomers, however, to be silent and still for a whole hour. If you are new, consider coming in about 30 minutes into it. Afterward, you have the option to stay for the service in which they read scripture. Though I'm a Buddhist, I am not polytheistic, and most of their readings talk about plural gods. However, if you are interested in that part, you can learn a lot and enjoy some beautiful singing/chanting. They also often hold classes/lectures/discussions on different aspects of Buddhism. Those are for a fee, so I could only afford to attend one time. However, if you can spare $15, it's really worth it. Bottom line is, I am new to Buddhism, I only know the basic history and none of the terminology. But to me, it's about centering yourself in order to be a better person to others. Gar Drolma is excellent at that task. I thought I'd have to look around and try multiple places, but after the first visit I realized that I can get everything I came for at Gar Drolma.

Gar Drolma is an authentic source for Tibetan Buddhist teachings in the Miami Valley. The center was founded by the renowned contemporary master Garchen Rinpoche, who visits each year to give truly incredible teachings. There is a traditionally trained khenpo (abbot) in residence one weekend each month, and there is always plenty of time for interaction and having one's questions answered. Additionally, each year the center hosts visits from authentic teachers from various Tibetan Dharma traditions. There is an ongoing schedule of programing for newcomers and more experienced students. The community of students at the center go out of their way to be welcoming and help folks get acclimated. Check it out!!

My husband and I drove down from Canada to Gar Drolma Centre to attend Garchen Rinpoche's teachings on Mahamudra and Tara. I love Gar Drolma. The sangha have been unfailingly kind and hospitable and the atmosphere is both respectful and relaxed. If I lived closer to Dayton, I would come here often. Highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about Vajrayana Buddhist practice.