Zen Fields is a Soto Zen Buddhist community based in Ames, Iowa, with additional practice locations in Clive, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. Led by teachers Daishin McCabe and Jisho Sara Siebert, we offer meditation practice, retreats, and Zen teachings for beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Zen Fields is an open inclusive space for exploration of the body, mind, spirit, and world in the tradition of Soto Zen. We strive to address the suffering that exists in multiple layers:
Personal · Familial · Societal · Ecological
Zen practice works like concentric circles, beginning with the self at the center, and spreading outward to family, community, society and ecology.
Whether you're new to Zen entirely or simply new to our community, you're welcome here!
Zen Fields offers a range of ways to begin — from guided introductions and beginner-friendly meditation sessions to our family program, a gentle gathering of short meditation, group singing, and hands-on art that lets you experience practice together, as a family, with children of all ages welcome.
“In zazen, leave your front door and your back door open.
Let thoughts come and go. Just don’t serve them tea.”
—Shunryu suzuki roshi
Winter closing dates.
Zen Fields will be closed from December 23rd - January 3rd.
Practice schedule for 2027
We are pleased to announce we will be continuing to offer our regular weekly and monthly programs at our Ames location and Online.
Please see our Practice page for more information and to sign up.
Join us for all or a portion of Rohatsu Sesshin.
We will be celebrating Buddha's enlightenment through sitting meditation.
You are welcome to come for all or part of this retreat. Contact us for more information.
Want to keep up with what's happening at Zen Fields? Sign up for our newsletter to receive Dharma teachings, reflections from our teachers, and updates on upcoming sits, retreats, and events — delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you practice with us regularly or are just getting started, it's an easy way to stay connected to the community between visits.
