In a tree-lined residential neighborhood just off Southeast 25th and Hawthorne in beautiful Portland Oregon, Buddhists have gathered for Dhamma instruction and meditation for more than 25 years. Kyogen and Gyokuko Carlson moved from California to Oregon in 1982. They eventually purchased a historic church (originally built in 1926) and established The Dharma Rain Zen Center. They have since grown to be a large, vibrant Buddhist community and have secured several acres of land to build and better serve their continued growth. Their Zendo is now up for sale and the community of Portland Friends of the Dhamma wants to purchase it.
Imagine what it might feel like to walk into a space where thousands of people have contributed millions of hours of effort toward purifying their minds. Some say it’s downright palpable.
The 2,000-square-foot shrine room was built in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Heading downstairs, there is 2,500 square feet with a kitchen, a dining area, a large common room for classes, films or assemblies. It’s been a lovely space to host tea for our venerable monastics. There is an office space, an abundant storage area, two bathrooms and a separate entrance.
With the purchase of this building, we would have enough space to relaunch our full slate of programming and add new classes and gatherings, as well. The location is central, with easy transportation by foot, bike, bus or car (see map below).
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