With a small core of committed residents and members at Yokoji, every year that the training continues is a real accomplishment. Our mission is to ensure that this authentic practice can continue and flourish for years to come. If this goal means as much to you as it does to us, please help. After all, each one of you is Yokoji, and each of us must play our part. If you value the center, then make that real and donate today. Without the continued financial support of each one of you, we would not be here. Let’s celebrate this landmark in training together and ensure Yokoji prospers for future generations.

The first training period at Yokoji took place in the summer of 1983. The head trainee was a young priest called Tenshin Fletcher, who had moved to Los Angeles four years earlier to study with Maezumi Roshi at the Zen Center of Los Angeles. Zen Mountain Center (as it was called back then) was set up to function as the summer retreat center for ZCLA. Initially, it was little more than a series of temporary structures and the zendo was a large army tent. Over the years, under the tireless supervision and guidance of Tenshin Fletcher Roshi and with the help of countless hearts, minds and hands, Yokoji has grown into the year-round residential Zen training center that it is today.

We work hard to make the center a success. How do we define success? Being able to provide authentic Zen training to all those who seek it. From students who move half way across the planet to accomplish the way, to the local population of these mountains who enjoy joining in with the Sunday program: Yokoji is open to all and has served the community without fail for thirty years. Accumulation of wealth is not our goal and nor is it our reality. We just about get by each year. We have debts from the final phases of construction, which took place over the past 5-7 years, which we are currently unable to repay. We are unable to pay the staff who keep Yokoji running more than a nominal amount each month. We struggle to pay for repairs when they arise.

Twice a year we ask you for your help and the money we receive plays a huge part in covering the costs of running the center. Please do not assume that we don’t really need your money. We do. We will continue to get by, but if you want to play a part in making Yokoji flourish, then please dig deep and give as much as you can afford to give. Ask yourself how important this center is to you; how much training here has helped you in your life. Then give accordingly.

Visit our donations page to give.

Thank you.