Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center

Welcome to Yokoji

We are an internationally renowned Zen Center located in the beautiful mountains of Southern California.

Yokoji provides a place for people from all walks of life to practice Zen Buddhism. There are many ways you can do this.

Every Sunday we run introductory classes in zazen (Zen meditation). Throughout the year there are events, often on weekends, which focus on various aspects of Zen practice. We hold sesshin (silent meditation retreats) almost every month of the year, ranging from 2-7 days.

It is possible to stay at Yokoji for any period of time. You can join our residential training program and follow the schedule for a number of days, months or years. Overnight and weekend stays are also an option if you would like to join in with the programs that we offer. Check the events page for details.

A short film about life and practice at Yokoji. See more videos on our video page.

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Yokoji Zen Blog

Recent posts from the Yokoji Zen Blog

  • Zen International

    Zen International

    We pride ourselves on being an internationally-minded Zen Center, but even we were surprised when we realized that of our 8 current residents, there were 7 different nationalities...

    May 04, 2013 | Comments: 1

  • A Day of Zen Practice

    Spring is in full flow here at the Center. It’s quite an easy transition to say goodbye - at least for now - to the snow and its attendant...

    April 21, 2013 | Comments: 1

Yokoji Podcast

Latest from the monthly Yokoji Podcast

Upcoming Events

Visit our events page for the full Yokoji calendar

  • Sunday Schedule

    Every Sunday (call to check during holidays and bad weather)

    Join us every Sunday morning at 9:30am for meditation, dharma talk and lunch. Meditation instruction classes offered for beginners. More details on events page.

  • Spring Training Period

    March 3, 2013 - May 19, 2013

    The Spring Training Period at Yokoji is a time of intensified practice for the whole community. It is a perfect time to spend a few days, weeks or...

  • Sesshin

    May 12, 2013 - May 19, 2013

    Sesshin literally means "to unify the mind." Sesshin is at the heart of Zen Practice - a chance to give full attention to one's life without...

  • Day of Zen Practice

    June 1, 2013

    Join us for this full day of zazen, work practice and discussion. This event is open to all and is...

  • Day of Reflection

    June 15, 2013

    Take this opportunity to examine your life through the lens of the precepts. During dawn zazen, the precepts are recited in a short service and...

  • Beginner's Mind Sesshin

    June 21, 2013 - June 23, 2013

    Sesshin literally means "to unify the mind." Sesshin is at the heart of Zen Practice - a chance to give full attention to one's life without...

  • Day of Reflection

    July 13, 2013

    Take this opportunity to examine your life through the lens of the precepts. During dawn zazen, the precepts are recited in a short service and...