Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center

Welcome to Yokoji

We are an internationally renowned, fully accredited 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.

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Yokoji Podcast

Latest from the monthly Yokoji Podcast

Yokoji Zen Blog

Recent posts from the Yokoji Zen Blog

  • News & Events | March 2020

    News & Events | March 2020

    In the Shobogenzo or Treasury of the True Dharma Eye, Master Dogen expresses a timeless understanding. He writes, “Mountains and waters right now are the actualization of the ancient Buddha-Way.’

    March 04, 2020 | Comments: 0

  • News & Events | February 2020

    News & Events | February 2020

    As we enter the month of February, we remember the extensive impact of the storms of last winter season and the resulting work. So far, 2020 has blessed us with manageable weather.Winter Interim Period continues and our unique wilderness environment serves as a constant reminder of the impermanent nature of all things; no two days, two hours, or even two minutes are the same, and the confluence of our exposure to the natural world and immersion in a formal practice setting makes this particularly salient.

    February 14, 2020 | Comments: 0

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.

  • June 20, 2020

    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...

  • July 18, 2020

    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...

  • July 24, 2020 - July 26, 2020

    Sesshin can be translated as “to unify the mind.” Sesshin is at the heart of Zen Practice - a chance to give full attention to one’s life without...

  • August 15, 2020

    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...

  • September 6, 2020

    Join us for a special ceremony marking the beginning of our Fall Training Period. Training Period is a time of intensified practice for the whole...

  • September 6, 2020 - November 22, 2020

    The Fall Training Period at Yokoji is a time of intensified practice for the whole community—where we have the wonderful opportunity to recommit...