Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center

Upcoming Events

  • 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.

  • January

    Beginner's Mind Sesshin

    Friday January 25th, 3:30pm  -  Sunday January 27th, 12:30pm

    Led by Tom Chigen Bartholomew, Sensei

    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. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.

    PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED TO NON-MEMBERS

    **Members: $120

    Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page.

  • February

    Yoga at Yokoji

    Sunday February 3rd, 2:00pm - 3:15pm

    Led by Heather Kōren Graff

    On the first Sunday of every month, following our regular Sunday meditation program, Heather Kōren Graff will lead a public donation-based yoga asana class. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is open to everyone and is a wonderful compliment to our seated meditation practice. Yoga mats are provided.

    Feel free to come early and join us for our Sunday morning meditation program starting at 9:30am. If you’re brand new to Zen, we’ll offer a Zen meditation instruction class, which will be followed by a dharma talk, then a wholesome vegetarian lunch. You’ll have an hour break to enjoy the mountain setting before the start of the yoga class.

  • Day of Reflection

    Saturday February 16th, 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.

  • March

    Spring Training Period

    Sunday March 3rd  -  Sunday May 12th

    The Spring 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.

  • Spring Training Period Entrance

    Sunday March 3rd, 9:30am - 12:30pm

    Sign a petition of intent for the Spring 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.

  • Yoga at Yokoji

    Sunday March 3rd, 2:00pm - 3:15pm

    Led by Heather Kōren Graff

    On the first Sunday of every month, following our regular Sunday meditation program, Heather Kōren Graff will lead a public donation-based yoga asana class. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is open to everyone and is a wonderful compliment to our seated meditation practice. Yoga mats are provided.

    Feel free to come early and join us for our Sunday morning meditation program starting at 9:30am. If you’re brand new to Zen, we’ll offer a Zen meditation instruction class, which will be followed by a dharma talk, then a wholesome vegetarian lunch. You’ll have an hour break to enjoy the mountain setting before the start of the yoga class.

  • Sesshin

    Sunday March 3rd, 3:30pm  -  Sunday March 10th, 12:30pm

    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 weekend sesshin first. If you cannot attend one 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: $500.00

    Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.

  • Day of Reflection

    Saturday March 16th, 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.

  • April

    Yoga at Yokoji

    Sunday April 7th, 2:00pm - 3:15pm

    Led by Heather Kōren Graff

    On the first Sunday of every month, following our regular Sunday meditation program, Heather Kōren Graff will lead a public donation-based yoga asana class. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is open to everyone and is a wonderful compliment to our seated meditation practice. Yoga mats are provided.

    Feel free to come early and join us for our Sunday morning meditation program starting at 9:30am. If you’re brand new to Zen, we’ll offer a Zen meditation instruction class, which will be followed by a dharma talk, then a wholesome vegetarian lunch. You’ll have an hour break to enjoy the mountain setting before the start of the yoga class.

  • Sesshin

    Sunday April 7th, 3:30pm  -  Sunday April 14th, 12:30pm

    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 Jokai Sensei will offer face-to face interview (daisan) 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.

    Please note that as we will be hosting another zen sangha’s sesshin in tandem, this particular sesshin is open only to Yokoji members.

    For those with prior sesshin experience, part-time participation is acceptable if you cannot make the whole event.

    Members: $350.00

    Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.

  • Day of Reflection

    Saturday April 20th, 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.

  • May

    Yoga at Yokoji

    Sunday May 5th, 2:00pm - 3:15pm

    Led by Heather Kōren Graff

    On the first Sunday of every month, following our regular Sunday meditation program, Heather Kōren Graff will lead a public donation-based yoga asana class. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is open to everyone and is a wonderful compliment to our seated meditation practice. Yoga mats are provided.

    Feel free to come early and join us for our Sunday morning meditation program starting at 9:30am. If you’re brand new to Zen, we’ll offer a Zen meditation instruction class, which will be followed by a dharma talk, then a wholesome vegetarian lunch. You’ll have an hour break to enjoy the mountain setting before the start of the yoga class.

  • Beginner's Mind Sesshin

    Friday May 10th, 3:30pm  -  Sunday May 12th, 12:30pm

    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. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.

    Members: $120
    Non-members: $180

    Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page.

  • Day of Reflection

    Saturday May 25th, 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.

  • June

    Yoga at Yokoji

    Sunday June 2nd, 2:00pm - 3:15pm

    Led by On the first Sunday of every month, following our regular Sunday meditation program, Heather Kōren Graff will lead a public donation-based yoga asana class. Whether you're brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is open to everyone and is a wonderful compliment to our seated meditation practice. Yoga mats are provided. Feel free to come early and join us for our Sunday morning meditation program starting at 9:30am. If you're brand new to Zen, we'll offer a Zen meditation instruction class, which will be followed by a dharma talk, then a wholesome vegetarian lunch. You'll have an hour break to enjoy the mountain setting before the start of the yoga class.

    On the first Sunday of every month, following our regular Sunday meditation program, Heather Kōren Graff will lead a public donation-based yoga asana class. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this class is open to everyone and is a wonderful compliment to our seated meditation practice. Yoga mats are provided.

    Feel free to come early and join us for our Sunday morning meditation program starting at 9:30am. If you’re brand new to Zen, we’ll offer a Zen meditation instruction class, which will be followed by a dharma talk, then a wholesome vegetarian lunch. You’ll have an hour break to enjoy the mountain setting before the start of the yoga class.

  • Day of Reflection

    Saturday June 15th, 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.

  • July

    Day of Reflection

    Saturday July 20th, 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.

  • Beginner's Mind Sesshin

    Friday July 26th, 3:30pm  -  Sunday July 28th, 12:30pm

    Led by Jokai Blackwell, Sensei

    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. Please look over the schedule for sesshin before signing up.

    Members: $150
    Non-members: $250

    Registration required. Part-time rates are listed on the sesshin page.