Mountain Rain Zen Community
About
Mountain Rain Zen Community offers a serene space for Soto Zen practice in Vancouver, BC, emphasizing mindfulness and community engagement. They provide meditation sessions, retreats, and dharma study, welcoming both new and experienced practitioners.
Our Story
Mountain Rain Zen Community was founded to create a peaceful sanctuary amidst the urban environment of Vancouver. Inspired by the lush landscapes, it offers a space for individuals to reconnect with their true selves through Soto Zen practices. The community is guided by Myoshin Kate McCandless and Shinmon Michael Newton, who have been practicing Zen since the 1980s and received ordination from Zoketsu Norman Fischer. The community values diversity and inclusivity, practicing both in-person and online.
Services
Guided Mindfulness Meditation
Breathwork Sessions
Intuitive Yoga Meditation
Stress Reduction Workshops
Nature Immersion Retreats
Personalized Meditation Coaching
Creative Visualization Techniques
Weekly Sound Bath Ceremonies
Specialties
Events
Dogen's Dharma Blossoms: 2026 Genzo-e
Jan 31, 2026 – Mar 8, 2026A 5-week practice intensive focusing on the teachings of Dogen Zenji. Open to all. No registration required.
Closing Day Retreat for Genzo-e Intensive
Mar 7, 2026Closing weekend with MRZC guiding teachers. Day retreat by registration. Sunday morning practice and afternoon jukai ceremony open to all.
Jukai Ceremony
Mar 8, 2026A ceremony of receiving the bodhisattva precepts.
Two-day Residential Sesshin with Dai-i Flo Rublee
Apr 10, 2026 – Apr 11, 2026Open to those staying at Bright Stream Temple, and commute-from-home participants. Also online.
Our Team
Myoshin Kate McCandless
Guiding Teacher
Kate began Zen practice in 1983 and has worked as an organic farmer, ESL teacher, and clinical counselor. She received priest ordination in 2003 and dharma transmission in 2011.
Shinmon Michael Newton
Guiding Teacher
Michael started Zen practice in 1983, taught Asian studies and religious studies, and received priest ordination in 2003 and dharma transmission in 2011.
Zoketsu Norman Fischer
Founding Teacher
Norman is a Zen priest, poet, and teacher who founded the Everyday Zen Foundation. He has been leading Zen retreats in Vancouver since 1987.
Dai-i Flo Rublee
Zen Teacher
Flo received lay ordination in 1998, priest ordination in 2010, and dharma transmission in 2023.
Photo Gallery
Find Us
Vancouver
2016 Wall St
Vancouver, BC V5L 1B1
Parking
Free street parking available on nearby side streets.
Transit
Just a 5-minute walk from the closest bus stop.
Walk-in Policy
Walk-ins accepted on weekdays.
Contact Information
Additional Information
Languages Spoken
Payment Methods
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Accessible washrooms
Parking
Free street parking available on nearby side streets.
Transit Access
Just a 5-minute walk from the closest bus stop.
Walk-in Policy
Walk-ins accepted on weekdays.
Safety Protocols
Enhanced cleaning protocols
Air filtration systems