Event descriptions
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Sesshin
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.
If you would like to participate in a 7-day sesshin for the first time, we recommend that you attend an Introduction to Zen Practice (IZP) class or a weekend sesshin first.
- 2 nights - Members: $120.00 | Non-members: $180.00
- 3 nights - Members: $165.00 | Non-members: $250.00
- 7 nights - Members: $350.00 | Non-members: $500.00
For those with prior sesshin experience, part time participation is acceptable if you cannot make the whole event. Work scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the sesshin fees. Please contact the office for details.
Download registration form and information sheet.
Download sample schedule PDF.
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Day of Reflection
The Buddhist precepts are a clarifying lens with which we can examine our lives. Starting at dawn zazen with a recitation of the precepts, we maintain awareness of how we keep and break these vows during our day. During the day, usually in the afternoon, we have a council where participants will share their experience of trying to maintain a certain precept. In the evening, everyone participates in Fusatsu or "Renewal of Vows", an ancient Buddhist ceremony. This event is open to all.
There is no cost for the Day of Reflection, but if you would like to join us for any meals, we ask for $10.00 per meal.
Download registration form and information sheet.
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Introduction to Zen Practice
This one-day workshop introduces the important aspects of Zen training as practiced at YZMC. The day includes instruction in zazen, form and ceremony procedures, work practice, talks on Zen and Buddhist history and philosophy, and a discussion on ways to incorporate practice into one's life. This workshop is designed for those keen to know more about Zen and who want to develop a meditation practice. Led by senior students of YZMC, this training is encouraged for those who wish to attend sesshin or to become members of the Center. There is an opportunity to have a private interview with Tenshin Roshi if he is available. Come for the day or stay for the whole weekend and attend the Sunday schedule as well.
- Workshop (9:30-5:00): $100.00
- Workshop and overnight stay: $180.00
Download registration form and information sheet.
Upcoming Events
For all events (apart from the Sunday schedule), please download the registration form to fill out. This includes information about the Center, what to bring and driving instructions. We must receive the last page of this form in order for you to register for an event. We also require a non-refundable deposit of $50.00 for all events apart from the Sunday schedule and Day of Reflection. Please refer to the registration form for instructions.
Download our sample schedule PDF for all listed events. Actual schedules may vary slightly.
Work scholarships are available for sesshin and workshops for those who cannot meet the costs or would prefer to exchange their time for training. Contact the YZMC office for details.
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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 will then join 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. -
Long Beach Sitting Group
Every Saturday
Meditation Instruction: 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Meditation / Zazen: 9:20 AM – 10:20 AM
Talk / Discussion: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Please visit the Long Beach Zen Group page for more information -
September
Fall Training Period Entrance
9:30am Sunday September 5th
The opening ceremony for the Fall Training Period - sign a petition of intent for your participation, whether residential or non-residential.
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Fall Training Period
Sunday September 5th - Sunday November 21st
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 life. Non-residents can also participate both at home and at the Center.
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7-Day Sesshin
Sunday September 5th - Sunday September 12th
The first sesshin of the Fall Training Period. Join us for this time honored tradition of unifying the mind.
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Day of Mindfulness
9:30am Sunday September 19th
A one day retreat led by Mindful Way (Beth Joshi Mulligan, Hugh O'Neill and Jessa Tarbert) combining Zen meditation, yoga and other mindfulness practices. Sign up at the Mindful Way website.
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Day of Reflection
All Day Saturday September 25th
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. We hold a council to discuss the precepts and then finish in the evening with Fusatsu, or renewal of vows, an ancient ceremony of atonement and renewal.
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October
7-Day Sesshin
Sunday October 10th - Sunday October 17th
The second sesshin of the Fall Training Period. Take this week to focus your energies together in one place, a truly valuable opportunity.
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Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Zen
Friday October 22nd - Sunday October 24th
Sifu Lana Spraker and Rev. Wayu Kennedy lead a weekend of Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Zen. Ideal for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. For more info visit Lana's website.
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November
7-Day Sesshin
Sunday November 14th - Sunday November 21st
The final sesshin of the Fall Training Period. This is the last opportunity for 2010 to join us for a week long sesshin.
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Beginning of Winter Interim Period
Wednesday November 24th
The beginning of the Winter Interim Period where the schedule is a little more relaxed, but we still maintain a weekly schedule with zazen, Sunday service, sesshin and other events.