The Open Source
Desert Rain Zen is part of the Open Source network of sanghas founded by Joan Sutherland Roshi. The Open Source network includes Awakened Life in Santa Fe, Springs Mountain Sangha in Colorado Springs, Wet Mountain Sangha in Pueblo Colorado, Crimson Gate in Oakland, and Tucson's Desert Rain.

These Open Source groups and teachers are now holding regular events on Zoom; everyone is welcome to join in. You can get further information here:
Here's an outline of who's doing what when. But please check the above web pages to confirm the latest schedules for each group and teacher. Some times, and probably most of the event URLs, are outdated.

ZOOM MEDITATIONS AND MEETINGS

Sundays

3:30-5 PM (PDT); 5-6 PM (MDT) (DR)
Meditation and conversation
Link: for link information please contact desertrainzen@gmail.com 


6:30-8 PM (PDT); 7:30-9 PM (MDT) (CG)
Meditation and Conversation
Link: https://zoom.us/j/187516124


Mondays

4:15-5 PM (PDT); 5:15-6:00 PM (MDT) (SMS) 
Discussion group, taking up questions relating to our Zen practice as we are living it, day by day.  Everyone is welcome.
Link:  https://zoom.us/j/455350335

5:10-7 PM (PTD); 6:10-8 PM (MDT) (SMS)
  • First Monday: Sutra Service
  • Second Monday: Vows and Community Night
  • Third Monday: Dharma Talk by Sarah Bender, Roshi
  • Fourth Monday: Dharma Talk by Andrew Palmer, Sensei
  • Fifth Monday: Wayfaring Mind talk by member of SMS
Link: https://zoom.us/j/159636718


Tuesdays

6:30-7:30 PM (PDT); 7:30-8:30 PM (MDT) (DR)
Tuesday Evening Study Group
(meets first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of each month)
We’re currently working with Joan Sutherland’s Vimalakirti and the Awakened Heart
Link: for link information please contact desertrainzen@gmail.com


Wednesdays

5:30-6:30 AM (PDT); 6:30-7:30 AM (MDT) (SMS)  
Meditation led by sangha members.  Conversation open until 8 AM MDT
Link: https://zoom.us/j/255039257


Saturdays

5:30-7:30 AM (PDT); 6:30-8:30 AM (MDT) (SMS)
You can join during the 5 min. before any period.
Link:  https://zoom.us/j/560994450


9-11 AM (PDT); 10 AM-noon (MDT) (SMS)
Koan Inquiry in community, led by Sarah Bender, Roshi
It’s fine to just join in to any session, but please come at the beginning or a few minutes early. If you want to receive koans ahead of time, email Sarah at sembender@gmail.com
Link: https://zoom.us/j/803574869


More on the Open Source:

Together with the Pacific Zen Institute, directed by John Tarrant Roshi, the Open Source is part of the Pacific Zen School, an innovative koan school focusing on both individual and group koan practice, with a particular appreciation for the longstanding relationship between Zen and the arts. The Open Source also highlights the crucial role of women in the koan tradition and in Zen.

Before becoming an independent entity (co-founded by John and Joan), Pacific Zen Institute (then known as the California Diamond Sangha) was part of the Diamond Sangha founded by Robert Aitken Roshi. The Diamond Sangha, in turn, emerged from the Japanese Sanbo Kyodan lineage. Here's a page of "lineage charts" for Sanbo Kyodan, including Desert Rain Zen and other Open Source teachers.

You can go to our "other groups" page to find more Open Source websites as well as links to other dharma groups.
photo: Tenney Nathanson
this page last modified May 9, 2020