Welcome to the Yokoji - Zen Mountain Center website!

We're a Zen Buddhist training and retreat center located on 160 acres of sacred Native American land and wilderness in the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. We welcome people from all spiritual traditions and walks of life who would like to experience the life changing practice of meditation and awareness. 

Please check out our website, and if you have questions, give us an email or a call or come to visit us for our Sunday activities. 

You Tube update

A few weeks back we posted a video of Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Roshi giving a dharma talk on Eihei Dogen's Genjokoan, titled "Moon in a Dewdrop."

We've posted a second video where Roshi discusses sutras .  

Are you new to Zen practice?

Sunday programs 

Come to see us for our Sunday morning programs. We provide Zen Meditation Instruction class for new comers to Zen, a traditional Soto Zen Buddhist service, complete with bells and smells, a dharma talk by our Abbot, Charles Tenshin Fletcher, Roshi, or a senior student, and a vegetarian meal. Programs start at 9:30 am, but come 15 minutes early. We always start on time! More here .

Other programs for newcomers

Sept 20, Nov 8: Introduction to Zen Practice is the best way to learn about YZMC. This one-day program includes an introduction to Zen Buddhist practice at YZMC with much discussion and opportunities to ask questions. You also have an opportunity to meet with Tenshin, Roshi. More here .

Fall Training Period - September 7 - November 23

The autumn training period is three months of concentrated Zen practice. Live at the Center and follow a daily schedule that includes six to nine hours of Zazen, formal meals, private interviews with the teacher, work and body practice, and daily services. One day off the formal training program is scheduled in per week allowing opportunities for hiking, relaxing, and taking time for personal needs. Join us and trainees from around the United States and abroad for a few days, a few weeks, or for the entire three months. Call or email YZMC for rmore information  at 951.659.5272 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Here's an interview with Alex Shinru Capdeville who lived at YZMC for six year. Listen Now!

Dharma Sesshin: August 21-24: 

Sesshin literally means "to unify the mind." It is a silent meditation retreat designed for those ready to do concentrated practice. Participants live at the Center for two to four days devoting every aspect of the day to the realization of the Way. The daily schedule is full: pre-dawn wakeup, nine hours of Zazen, chanting services, work practice, body practice, and rest periods. Talks are given daily by a senior Student or Monk with offers face-to face interviews with all students.  More here .

Day of Reflection August 16,

Sept 20, Oct 25, Nov 15: Each Day of Reflection starts with our morning Zazen period at 5:45 with the reading of the 16 Precepts and then choosing one to maintain awareness of during our daily activities. More here