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 | August 2019

    News & Events | August 2019

    As we move into August, approaching the midway point of Summer Interim Period, the mountain is bathed in warmth and light. We have had an eventful and fulfilling summer so far, recently hosting a retreat during which our affiliate groups came together in early July.

    August 09, 2019 | Comments: 0

  • News & Events | July 2019

    News & Events | July 2019

    Recently, numerous maintenance and repair projects have predominated work practice, allowing students ample opportunity to actualize zazen off the cushion through ordinary, day-to-day activity, while continuing the precious work of maintaining the grounds and buildings of Yokoji. Whether you join us for Sunday program and cleanup, or spend a few days at Yokoji, life at the Center is a wonderful opportunity to embrace the fact that Zen practice has no boundaries. When we open ourselves to life itself, we are enriched and transformed.

    July 05, 2019 | 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.

  • August 17, 2019

    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...

  • August 18, 2019

    The head trainee for the Spring Training Period, David Jindo Butler, will face questions from the assembly in dharma combat. Come along to support...

  • September 8, 2019

    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 8, 2019 - November 17, 2019

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

  • September 8, 2019 - September 15, 2019

    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...

  • September 21, 2019

    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...