Expanding the vision

SE Madison Street Zendo

SE Madison Street Zendo

In 1986, the Carlsons began looking for a space to house Dharma Rain and its rapidly expanding activities, including a children’s program along with residential monastic training and a growing body of serious lay practitioners.  Kyogen and Gyokuko longed to share the gifts of their training through development of Dharma Rain’s programs, but access to more space was critical. Finally, with the support of a rapidly growing sangha, a house was purchased in the Southeast neighborhood of Portland. A former church across the street was subsequently purchased and served as the temple, where classes and services were offered, although extended retreats were held elsewhere. Two more homes in the neighborhood provided additional resident housing. For nearly 30 years, these buildings in the popular Hawthorne district of Portland became the locus of Dharma Rain and the practice home for a thriving sangha.

In addition to providing monastic training, Dharma Rain became an early leader in the authorization of lay teachers, and developed one of the strongest Buddhist children’s programs of any Zen center in the West. By the early 2000’s, with six authorized teachers – both lay and monastic – Dharma Rain had established itself as a thriving Soto Zen temple.

Dharma Rain Newsletter Signup

Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter that keeps you informed on what's going on at Dharma Rain Zen Center. You can also opt-in to receive emails about youth and family events.

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact