Upcoming Events
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Sunday Schedule
Every Sunday (please call to check during holidays and bad weather)
Come and join us for our regular Sunday schedule. Coffee and tea are available from 8:30am onwards, and we start at 9:30am with a service, followed by zazen until 11:00am. A short break is followed by a dharma talk by Tenshin Roshi or one of his senior students, and then we share a delicious vegetarian lunch.
For first-timers, we run a Zen Meditation Instruction class which also starts at 9:30am. This is a great time to come along for your first time and learn the basics of zen practice and how you can do it. The class joins the regular schedule at 11:20am for the dharma talk and then lunch. There is a recommended donation of $15.00 for those who wish to take the class.
We have a number of instructional videos that you may find helpful either before or after visiting Yokoji for the first time. If you would like to know more about how we do things here, please refer to our videos on meditation, or zazen, and the basic forms we use.
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June
Day of Zen Practice
June 1, 2013 9:00am - 5:30pm
Led by Tom Chigen Bartholomew
Join us for this full day of zazen, work practice and discussion. This event is open to all and is perfect for new practitioners who want to learn more about Zen practice and gain some experience before attending a sesshin. The day includes all the elements of a sesshin—silence, zazen, work practice, dharma talk—but in a shorter format. The schedule is perfect for anyone that wants to spend a day with like-minded people practicing Zen, whether new to the practice or not. One of the Yokoji senior students will lead the class and give a short talk before lunch, which will conclude with time for questions and discussion. There will also be time in the afternoon for private interviews with one of the senior students.
No prior experience of Zen practice is necessary to attend this event. Instruction will be given.
Please arrive by 9:00am to register in the office. The first period of zazen starts at 9:30am. The morning is in silence and consists of seated and walking meditation, a short break and a dharma talk with time for questions and discussion. Lunch is then eaten in silence. In the afternoon, there is a period of work practice followed by a short break, and then zazen and practice interviews.
We encourage anyone who would like to stay overnight and follow the remainder of the schedule to do so and be here to take part in the Sunday program the next day.
Non-members: $50 (class + overnight stay: $100)
Members: $25.00 (class + overnight stay: $65) ** Members are welcome to use their free monthly overnight stay and just pay for the class
Registration and full payment ($50 for non-members; $25 for members) are required prior to the event. If you choose to stay overnight, please pay the $50 deposit during Registration and the balance is payable upon arrival. For members paying the $25 rate, please pay here.
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Day of Reflection
June 15, 2013 5:30am - 8:20pm
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 each of us chooses a precept to work with during the day. The day then follows the regular schedule, of either interim or training period, depending on the time of year. Work, meals, zazen and other activities provide the ground on which to experiment with, and reflect upon, the chosen precept. We finish the day with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal followed by a council where each participant has the chance to share their experience.
If you can't make it for dawn zazen, you can come for work practice at 9am in the office and join the day then. The 10 grave precepts are listed as part of the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which you will need to look at if you are not present for dawn zazen.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for a donation of approximately $10.00 per meal. Registration is not required if you do not plan on staying overnight, but please inform the office if you plan on attending.
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Beginner's Mind Sesshin
June 21, 2013 5:30pm - June 23, 2013 8:00am
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 distraction.
This sesshin is designed for those who are new to Zen practice. There will be orientation given regarding the basic formal procedures that will be used over the weekend, so no prior experience is required. The schedule will be lighter than the regular sesshin that we run at Yokoji. We all have the 'beginner's mind', that which sees the world afresh in each moment. Sesshin is the perfect vehicle to realize this. This sesshin is also open to experienced practitioners.
Members: $120
Non-members: $180Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.
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July
Day of Reflection
July 13, 2013 5:30am - 8:20pm
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 each of us chooses a precept to work with during the day. The day then follows the regular schedule, of either interim or training period, depending on the time of year. Work, meals, zazen and other activities provide the ground on which to experiment with, and reflect upon, the chosen precept. We finish the day with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal followed by a council where each participant has the chance to share their experience.
If you can't make it for dawn zazen, you can come for work practice at 9am in the office and join the day then. The 10 grave precepts are listed as part of the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which you will need to look at if you are not present for dawn zazen.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for a donation of approximately $10.00 per meal. Registration is not required if you do not plan on staying overnight, but please inform the office if you plan on attending.
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Precept Class
July 13, 2013 9:00am - 5:00pm
Led by Arthur Wayu Kenedy
This class is held once every year for those interested in taking the precepts in the Jukai ceremony. Learn about the precepts and the details and meaning of the ceremony. Taking the precepts is something that is agreed upon between teacher and student, so please speak with Tenshin Roshi if you are interested in taking the precepts. In order to become a student and meet with Tenshin Roshi for private interview, membership is required. The class lasts all day and includes lunch.
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Care for your Temple Day
July 20, 2013 9:00am - 5:00pm
"Care For Your Temple" is a day of work to take care of Yokoji and to develop a sense of sangha. We will start at 9:00am and work until 5:00pm, stopping for lunch at 12:30pm. We will then have a BBQ in the evening for all those who participated in the day. Please email or call the office if you would like to attend.
Join us for a day of care taking. This day brings the community together as we all get to know one another better. There will be work for all abilities, with a lot of outdoors work for those willing and able. We work 9:00am - 5:00 breaking for lunch and then in the evening we'll all relax with a potluck. Please come along and bring a dish! Call or email the office if you can make it.
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August
Sesshin
August 4, 2013 5:30pm - August 9, 2013 8:00am
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 distraction. Participants live at the Center for the duration, following a simple yet challenging schedule of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice and rest periods. Dharma talks are given daily and Tenshin Roshi, if present, offers face-to face interview (dokusan) to all students. There are sometimes visiting teachers who will also give dharma talks and interviews. Please visit the sesshin page for more information about sesshin.
If you would like to participate in a 7-day sesshin for the first time, we recommend that you attend a Day of Zen Practice or a weekend sesshin first. If you cannot attend either of these first, you must at least be present for the first evening of sesshin to receive instruction.
For most sesshins we eat formally for lunch in the meditation hall, which is known as oryoki. If you do not have your own set of bowls, you can rent them from us for $10, or buy a set in our gift store.
For those with prior sesshin experience, part-time participation is acceptable if you cannot make the whole event.
Members: $250
Non-members: $375Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.
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Jizo Day
August 11, 2013 9:15am - 1:30pm
Join us for the annual celebration of Jizo Bodhisattva—the protector of children, animals and travelers. We will hold a service at 9:30am in the grove by the front of the Buddha Hall, where the Jizo statue presides. This ceremony is specifically designed for children to join in, so please come along as a family to celebrate that aspect in all of us that cares for, nurtures and protects other beings.
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Day of Reflection
August 17, 2013 5:30am - 8:20pm
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 each of us chooses a precept to work with during the day. The day then follows the regular schedule, of either interim or training period, depending on the time of year. Work, meals, zazen and other activities provide the ground on which to experiment with, and reflect upon, the chosen precept. We finish the day with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal followed by a council where each participant has the chance to share their experience.
If you can't make it for dawn zazen, you can come for work practice at 9am in the office and join the day then. The 10 grave precepts are listed as part of the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which you will need to look at if you are not present for dawn zazen.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for a donation of approximately $10.00 per meal. Registration is not required if you do not plan on staying overnight, but please inform the office if you plan on attending.
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Day of Zen Practice
August 17, 2013 9:00am - 5:30pm
Led by Jim Yugen Lakey
Join us for this full day of zazen, work practice and discussion. This event is open to all and is perfect for new practitioners who want to learn more about Zen practice and gain some experience before attending a sesshin. The day includes all the elements of a sesshin—silence, zazen, work practice, dharma talk—but in a shorter format. The schedule is perfect for anyone that wants to spend a day with like-minded people practicing Zen, whether new to the practice or not. One of the Yokoji senior students will lead the class and give a short talk before lunch, which will conclude with time for questions and discussion. There will also be time in the afternoon for private interviews with one of the senior students.
No prior experience of Zen practice is necessary to attend this event. Instruction will be given.
Please arrive by 9:00am to register in the office. The first period of zazen starts at 9:30am. The morning is in silence and consists of seated and walking meditation, a short break and a dharma talk with time for questions and discussion. Lunch is then eaten in silence. In the afternoon, there is a period of work practice followed by a short break, and then zazen and practice interviews.
We encourage anyone who would like to stay overnight and follow the remainder of the schedule to do so and be here to take part in the Sunday program the next day.
Non-members: $50 (class + overnight stay: $100)
Members: $25.00 (class + overnight stay: $65) ** Members are welcome to use their free monthly overnight stay and just pay for the class
Registration and full payment ($50 for non-members; $25 for members) are required prior to the event. If you choose to stay overnight, please pay the $50 deposit during Registration and the balance is payable upon arrival. For members paying the $25 rate, please pay here.
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September
Fall Training Period Entrance
September 8, 2013 9:15am - 10:00am
Sign a petition of intent for the Fall Training Period. The training periods at Yokoji are for both residential and non-residential trainees. The schedule is more intense with less rest time and more hours of zazen. Whether you spend the whole period at Yokoji or just one or two weekends, make a commitment to do what you can.
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Fall Training Period
September 8, 2013 - November 24, 2013
The Fall 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 months in residence at the Center to deepen your appreciation of life through zazen, service and communal living. Non-residents can participate both at home and at the Center.
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Sesshin
September 8, 2013 5:30pm - September 15, 2013 8:00am
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 distraction. Participants live at the Center for the duration, following a simple yet challenging schedule of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice and rest periods. Dharma talks are given daily and Tenshin Roshi, if present, offers face-to face interview (dokusan) to all students. There are sometimes visiting teachers who will also give dharma talks and interviews. Please visit the sesshin page for more information about sesshin.
If you would like to participate in a 7-day sesshin for the first time, we recommend that you attend a Day of Zen Practice or a weekend sesshin first. If you cannot attend either of these first, you must at least be present for the first evening of sesshin to receive instruction.
For most sesshins we eat formally for lunch in the meditation hall, which is known as oryoki. If you do not have your own set of bowls, you can rent them from us for $10, or buy a set in our gift store.
For those with prior sesshin experience, part-time participation is acceptable if you cannot make the whole event.
Members: $350.00
Non-members: $500.00Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.
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Day of Reflection
September 21, 2013 5:00am - 8:50pm
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 each of us chooses a precept to work with during the day. The day then follows the regular schedule, of either interim or training period, depending on the time of year. Work, meals, zazen and other activities provide the ground on which to experiment with, and reflect upon, the chosen precept. We finish the day with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal followed by a council where each participant has the chance to share their experience.
If you can't make it for dawn zazen, you can come for work practice at 9am in the office and join the day then. The 10 grave precepts are listed as part of the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which you will need to look at if you are not present for dawn zazen.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for a donation of approximately $10.00 per meal. Registration is not required if you do not plan on staying overnight, but please inform the office if you plan on attending.
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October
Sesshin
October 13, 2013 5:30pm - October 20, 2013 8:00am
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 distraction. Participants live at the Center for the duration, following a simple yet challenging schedule of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice and rest periods. Dharma talks are given daily and Tenshin Roshi, if present, offers face-to face interview (dokusan) to all students. There are sometimes visiting teachers who will also give dharma talks and interviews. Please visit the sesshin page for more information about sesshin.
If you would like to participate in a 7-day sesshin for the first time, we recommend that you attend a Day of Zen Practice or a weekend sesshin first. If you cannot attend either of these first, you must at least be present for the first evening of sesshin to receive instruction.
For most sesshins we eat formally for lunch in the meditation hall, which is known as oryoki. If you do not have your own set of bowls, you can rent them from us for $10, or buy a set in our gift store.
For those with prior sesshin experience, part-time participation is acceptable if you cannot make the whole event.
7 nights Members: $350.00
Non-members: $500.00Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.
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Day of Reflection
October 26, 2013 5:00am - 8:30pm
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 each of us chooses a precept to work with during the day. The day then follows the regular schedule, of either interim or training period, depending on the time of year. Work, meals, zazen and other activities provide the ground on which to experiment with, and reflect upon, the chosen precept. We finish the day with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal followed by a council where each participant has the chance to share their experience.
If you can't make it for dawn zazen, you can come for work practice at 9am in the office and join the day then. The 10 grave precepts are listed as part of the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which you will need to look at if you are not present for dawn zazen.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for a donation of approximately $10.00 per meal. Registration is not required if you do not plan on staying overnight, but please inform the office if you plan on attending.
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Halloween (Obon)
October 27, 2013 9:30am - 1:00pm
The annual Buddhist festival where we honor our ancestral dead and give offerings. The festival is aligned with Halloween to bring Buddhism to our own western traditions. Open for all. Please bring food offerings for your ancestors to place on the altar.
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November
Day of Reflection
November 2, 2013 5:00am - 8:50pm
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 each of us chooses a precept to work with during the day. The day then follows the regular schedule, of either interim or training period, depending on the time of year. Work, meals, zazen and other activities provide the ground on which to experiment with, and reflect upon, the chosen precept. We finish the day with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal followed by a council where each participant has the chance to share their experience.
If you can't make it for dawn zazen, you can come for work practice at 9am in the office and join the day then. The 10 grave precepts are listed as part of the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which you will need to look at if you are not present for dawn zazen.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for a donation of approximately $10.00 per meal. Registration is not required if you do not plan on staying overnight, but please inform the office if you plan on attending.
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Sesshin (Rohatsu)
November 17, 2013 5:30pm - November 24, 2013 8:00am
The final sesshin of the Fall Training Period. Rohatsu means 'December 8th' in Japanese, the date of Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment, but we bring the sesshin forward to tie it in to the end of training period. If Shakyamuni did it, you can too.
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 distraction. Participants live at the Center for the duration, following a simple yet challenging schedule of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice and rest periods. Dharma talks are given daily and Tenshin Roshi, if present, offers face-to face interview (dokusan) to all students. There are sometimes visiting teachers who will also give dharma talks and interviews. Please visit the sesshin page for more information about sesshin.
If you would like to participate in a 7-day sesshin for the first time, we recommend that you attend a Day of Zen Practice or a weekend sesshin first. If you cannot attend either of these first, you must at least be present for the first evening of sesshin to receive instruction.
For most sesshins we eat formally for lunch in the meditation hall, which is known as oryoki. If you do not have your own set of bowls, you can rent them from us for $10, or buy a set in our gift store.
For those with prior sesshin experience, part-time participation is acceptable if you cannot make the whole event.
Members: $350.00
Non-members: $500.00Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.
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December
Buddha's Enlightenment Service
December 8, 2013 9:30am - 1:00pm
Join us at the usual time on a Sunday for a special service honoring the enlightenment of Shakyamuni Buddha. This Sunday falls on December 8th, which is the traditional date celebrated in Japan.
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New Year's Sesshin
December 28, 2013 5:30pm - January 1, 2014 10:00am
The annual end of year sesshin. A regular sesshin schedule builds up to new year's eve, when we join together for different ceremonies and periods of zazen up until midnight. The ceremonies include a fire ritual, where we gather around a small fire and burn slips of paper with our hindrances from the past year written on them. In the morning on January 1st, we gather again around the fire and burn papers with our resolutions for the new year, acknowledging the transition between the old and new year by letting go of the past and embracing the future.
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 distraction. Participants live at the Center for the duration, following a simple yet challenging schedule of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice and rest periods. Dharma talks are given daily and Tenshin Roshi, if present, offers face-to face interview (dokusan) to all students. There are sometimes visiting teachers who will also give dharma talks and interviews. Please visit the sesshin page for more information about sesshin.
For most sesshins we eat formally for lunch in the meditation hall, which is known as oryoki. If you do not have your own set of bowls, you can rent them from us for $10, or buy a set in our gift store.
Members: $200
Non-members: $310Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.