“Though all these plants and trees grow in the same earth and drink from the same rain,
each has its own nature and form.”
— The Lotus Sutra

Mountain Rain’s mission is to be a place of refuge, inclusion and diversity for those interested in Zen practice.

Since our community first started, we’ve aimed to welcome people from all backgrounds and life experiences — including differences in ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, ability, age and beyond. And it’s a work in progress.

As the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee, we help achieve this mission by honouring diverse experiences in real, practical ways. It’s not just about being “open to everyone” — our goal is to help foster a place where people truly are (and feel) safe and supported in their practice with us.

We do this by:

  • Checking our own assumptions

  • Understanding our community members

  • Breaking down barriers so everyone can take part

Some diversity-related initiatives and resources:

Share your feedback, questions or complaints

We are always learning about the needs of our diverse community and blindspots can occur – if you’ve had an experience of feeling your accessibility needs were not met, it matters to us to receive that feedback.

  • Do you have an idea for how we can improve? (E.g. representation in content or programming, cultural accommodations)

  • Is there an accessibility need we are not meeting?

  • Have you been made to feel unwelcome or excluded?

  • Have you witnessed or experienced any hurtful words or behaviour? (E.g. slurs, inappropriate questions or jokes)

  • Any other questions, concerns or feedback involving diversity, equity, inclusion or accessibility?

The DEIA Committee encourages feedback about any experiences related to these topics, including our online programs. We’re here to listen and learn so that we can take appropriate action. Nothing is off the table (even this form).

About the feedback form:

  • Anonymous: You don’t have to give your name, but you can if you want to be contacted.

  • Safe: We are mindful of power dynamics here, and we do not tolerate retaliation against submissions. If you think you’ve been punished or targeted for your feedback or complaints, please contact a teacher or the DEIA chair/co-chair and we’ll investigate.

  • Taken seriously: Your feedback goes to the DEIA chair and co-chair (currently Caroline Embling and Angela Kayira).