Several times a month, typically on a Thursday evening or a Saturday afternoon, Dharma Rain Zen Center offers introductory workshops on Zen practice.
- Intro to Zen Meditation covers the essentials of zazen (sitting meditation).
- Starting A Practice describes how to bring zazen practice into daily life with an explanation of the forms used in the zendo and during services.
- Basic Buddhist Teachings introduces the basic teachings of Buddhism.
These workshops are open to all and offered free of charge (donations are gratefully accepted). You do not need to register. Our address is 8500 NE Siskiyou. The workshops are held in the Sodo (the large temple building at the end of the driveway on the left).
See the calendar below to find out when an introductory workshop you are interested in is scheduled.
More about Workshops and Classes …
Classes and Workshops Calendar


Mental Health First Aid Training - June 10th
Is life a little much sometimes? Do you find yourself saying things you wish you wouldn’t? Want to recover your sense of ease and joy? This 2-hr workshop teaches a variety of simple but effective techniques that reduce stress and emotional reactivity. The focus is on internal mindfulness practices that we can make use of in any situation. As proficiency grows, many find increased happiness, adaptability and confidence. A mix of explanation, meditation, experiential exercises, and facilitated discussion are used to ensure that the workshop is practical and translates to your life. No experience or affiliation necessary.
This is an in-person only event. Advance registration is not required.
The Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop is designed for complete beginners, but it is also recommended for anyone who has not received instruction in the Soto Zen style of zazen. No previous experience is necessary.
This meeting is available both in person and online. Advance registration for attendance, whether in person or on Zoom is not required. Clicking the link for Zoom attendance will bring up a form to provide your first name and email before joining the meeting.
The Starting a Practice workshop offers a way to cultivate insight by looking at our own actions in the light of the Buddhist Precepts. We also look at the forms used at Dharma Rain, including an explanation of the altar and other items found in the zendo (meditation hall), chanting, bowing, and other practices. Advance registration is not required.
For Zoom attendance, clicking the link brings up a form to provide your first name and email before joining the meeting.
Feel caught by a sense of isolation or anxiety? Want to develop your ability to relate to others and your own self with more warmth and authenticity? This 2-hr workshop will help you access compassion in challenging times, leading to greater connection and satisfaction. A mix of explanation, meditation, experiential exercises, and facilitated discussion will be used to ensure that the workshop is practical and translates to your life. No experience or affiliation necessary.
Advance registration is not required.
This all-day workshop (plus pre- and post-assignments) covers ethics; team leadership skills; dynamics of power; diversity, equity, inclusion issues; mentoring and apprenticeship methods, and more. Students must have either completed the five core Seminary classes or have been enrolled in Seminary since 2017 or before. See the Syllabus.
The workshop will be held in person on campus (strongly preferred – the workshop will likely be small), with a Zoom option for those who are unable to attend otherwise. Lunch is provided.
The Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop is designed for complete beginners, but it is also recommended for anyone who has not received instruction in the Soto Zen style of zazen. No previous experience is necessary.
This meeting is available both in person and online. Advance registration for attendance, whether in person or on Zoom is not required. Clicking the link for Zoom attendance will bring up a form to provide your first name and email before joining the meeting.
Is life a little much sometimes? Do you find yourself saying things you wish you wouldn’t? Want to recover your sense of ease and joy? This 2-hr workshop teaches a variety of simple but effective techniques that reduce stress and emotional reactivity. The focus is on internal mindfulness practices that we can make use of in any situation. As proficiency grows, many find increased happiness, adaptability and confidence. A mix of explanation, meditation, experiential exercises, and facilitated discussion are used to ensure that the workshop is practical and translates to your life. No experience or affiliation necessary.
This is an in-person only event. Advance registration is not required.
The Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop is designed for complete beginners, but it is also recommended for anyone who has not received instruction in the Soto Zen style of zazen. No previous experience is necessary.
This meeting is available both in person and online. Advance registration for attendance, whether in person or on Zoom is not required. Clicking the link for Zoom attendance will bring up a form to provide your first name and email before joining the meeting.