A new campus and new leadership
In 2012, Dharma Rain purchased the property at the base of Rocky Butte in Northeast Portland and began construction on the Sodo, or meditation hall to be followed by residential and other buildings. But before the new facilities could be finished, the sangha was shocked and saddened by Kyogen Carlson’s sudden passing in 2014. Kakumyo Lowe-Charde, who began practicing at Dharma Rain in 1998 and received Dhama Transmission in 2012 was appointed co-abbot with Gyokuko Carlson. Following Gyokuko’s retirement in 2019, Kakumyo became the sole abbot.
Situated on nearly 14-acres of land in an otherwise urban setting, Dharma Rain’s current campus offers the sangha and residents of the neighborhood an opportunity to connect with nature through mindfulness. A former construction waste landfill, the site has been restored to an urban greenspace with habitat for native plants and animals and walking trails that are open to the community. The sangha has established partnerships with a variety of community organizations and youth programs.
Today, Dharma Rain’s clergy are active in the Soto Zen Buddhist Association, the American Zen Teachers Association and the Lay Teachers Association. We offer rigorous practice through a full schedule of daily meditation periods and weekly classes, along with an extended seminary program and prison outreach programs, and several sangha cohort groups. Our children’s program encourages and supports young people’s inherent Buddha nature, and includes programs for babies, their parents, and kids of all ages.