Welcome to Yokoji


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


We offer year round training, ranging from one day events to long-term residential programs.

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

Every Sunday we run introductory classes in zazen (seated meditation). Throughout the year there are events, often on weekends, which focus on various aspects of Zen Buddhist training. 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.

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Announcements

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May 12th, 2012

There will be no service or Zen Meditation Instruction on Sunday morning (May 13th) as we will be preparing for the Dharma Combat ceremony at 11am. Please arrive for 10:30am if you would like to attend.


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 9:30 for meditation, dharma talk and lunch. Meditation classes available every week for first-timers. No need to reserve a place, just show up! Click above link for more information.

  • Spring Training Period

    Sunday March 4th - Sunday May 20th

    A three month period for residents and non-residents alike to intensify their practice and deepen understanding. Bryan Kokai Mestman will be the head trainee for the three month period.

  • Dharma Combat ceremony

    11:00am Sunday May 13th

    Bryan Kokai Mestman, head trainee for the Spring 2012 Training Period, will present his chosen koan and then answer questions from the audience in this important rites-of-passage ceremony. Please come along to support Kokai.

  • 7-Day Sesshin

    Sunday May 13th - Sunday May 20th

    The final sesshin of the Spring Training Period. This is the last opportunity of the season to put all your effort in to a period of intensive practice and realize who you are.