Empty Field Farm Zendo

Retreat Facility Usage  |  Private Retreats  |  Newsletter  |  Scheduled Events

The Empty Field Farm Zendo is a rustic meditation hall affiliated with Dharma Rain Zen Center through Seido Martin under the guidance of her teacher, Kyogen Carlson. It is a work in progress, located in the Oregon Coast range on a working organic farm, Horton Road Organics, which includes a seasonal residential community. Its purpose is to serve Zen practice and other supportive activities amidst the rhythms of nature, and an awareness of ecology that rests on profound interconnectedness of all beings.

Buddhist practice is open to all. Its focus, intended to cultivate the uni-versal qualities of wisdom and compassion, is characterized by the deepest human inquiry into meaning of life and death. Our intention is to nourish the exploration and deepen understanding of Buddhist teachings tested amidst the ambiguities of our everyday lives. Your participation, support and suggestions are very welcome.

Some facility notes

PARKING

You may park along the road by the fence line for short stays or in the designated field on the far side of the barn for longer visits. You can use a garden cart to bring your things to the back zendo field. If you are camping in your vehicle, please check with someone before driving it back to the zendo field.

CAMPING

Camping is available in the zendo field along the tree line past the zendo. It might be pitch black when you’re coming to the zendo in the morning and after evenings closing, so don’t forget your flashlights to find your tent or the portable toilet. If you’re sleeping in the zendo, please find a space outside to tuck your personal items out of the way during the day. Be prepared for very cold mornings & evenings in the mountains.

BATHROOMS

There’s a portable toilet available in the zendo field near the trees and the main house has a half bath in the mudroom and main bathroom in the center of the house. You may also “water” the plants along the borders of the farm and discreet bushes.

SHOWERS

You may use the main house shower on breaks, but not before sitting or after evening closing. Please try to be brief, as others may wish to use the restroom or shower.

DEER FENCE GATES

Please keep the gates to the farm closed at all times to keep the deer out of our vegetable fields with the exception of the zendo field whose gate may remain opened during bright daylight hours as long as someone’s in the field.

WATER

All the water from spigots and hoses on the farm is from a well or spring and is tasty and potable. The exception is the high pressure overhead irrigation which is from the creek across the street. For both drinking and washing purposes, there is an available hose outlet in the zendo field, one by the side of the barn, several in the packout area, two outside the house and three sink areas inside the house as well.

FIRST AID

There are first aid supplies in a tub near the portable toilet and in the mudroom of the main house.

BREAKS; OPEN and CLOSED AREAS

Feel free to wander the farm during breaks. The farm residents quarters are located in the barn and should be given respectful space. Their facilities are not available for retreats. The living room, kitchen and bedrooms of the main household are also private. There is no cell phone service in this area. Please ask if you need to use a phone – one is located in the tool shed, another in the main house kitchen.

More info:

Seido Martin
93851 Horton Rd.
Blachly, OR 97412 (541) 925-3019
debraseido@gmail.com
Dharma Rain Zen Center: www.dharma-rain.org