Event descriptions
Overnight Stay
It is possible to stay overnight at Yokoji if you would like to join in with the training schedule and attend any scheduled events. The cost to stay overnight is $80.00 or $40.00 for members. Members get one night a month free. This rate gives you the option to take the afternoon work practice period off during the interim period and the 2:00-3:30pm work period off during training period.
If you would rather work the full day during interim, or the afternoon period during training period, you can volunteer for the day. Members can stay for free if they volunteer and non-members have the reduced rate of $40.00. For stays longer than a few nights, please check out our residential training program.
We do not currently offer rooms for individual retreats.
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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. 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 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.
Visit the Event Application page to register.
Visit the schedules page for sesshin schedules.
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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.
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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
Visit the Event Application page to register.
Upcoming Events
For all events (apart from the Sunday schedule and Day of Reflection), please visit the event application page in order to download an application form. 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 event application page for instructions.
Visit our schedules page to see the schedules for all listed events.
Check out the volunteer page for ways in which you can exchange your time and efforts for credits which can be put towards sesshin and workshops, reducing or eliminating the cost.
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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 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. -
Long Beach Sitting Group
Every Saturday morning and Thursday night
Please visit the Long Beach Zen Group page for more information -
March
Spring Training Period
Thursday February 23rd - Thursday February 23rd
A three month period for residents and non-residents alike to intensify their practice and deepen understanding. Bryan Kokai Mestman will be the head trainee for the three month period.
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Spring Training Period Entrance
9:15am Sunday March 4th
Sign a petition of intent for the Fall Training Period, for residential and non-residential trainees. Make a commitment to train and support others who are also doing so.
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7-Day Sesshin
Sunday March 4th - Sunday May 20th
The first sesshin of the Spring Training Period. Sign up to start this intensive period with good intention and strong effort.
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Introduction to Zen Practice
Sunday March 4th
Join one of the Yokoji senior students for a day of Zen - learn about the history of Zen Buddhism, the nuts and bolts of formal meditation and find out how you can bring this practice in to your life.
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Day of Reflection
Saturday March 24th
Our monthly event which allows participants to examine their lives through the lens of the precepts. A ceremony of renewal and atonement (fusatsu) in the evening followed by the chance to share our experience in a round-circle council.
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April
7-Day Sesshin
Saturday March 24th - Thursday December 1st
The middle sesshin of the Training Period. Join us for as much of this important sesshin as you can.
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Day of Reflection
Sunday April 8th
Our monthly event which allows participants to examine their lives through the lens of the precepts. A ceremony of renewal and atonement (fusatsu) in the evening followed by the chance to share our experience in a round-circle council.
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May
Introduction to Zen Practice
Saturday April 21st
Join one of the Yokoji senior students for a day of Zen - learn about the history of Zen Buddhism, the nuts and bolts of formal meditation and find out how you can bring this practice in to your life.
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Day of Reflection
Saturday May 5th
Our monthly event which allows participants to examine their lives through the lens of the precepts. A ceremony of renewal and atonement (fusatsu) in the evening followed by the chance to share our experience in a round-circle council.
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7-Day Sesshin
Saturday May 5th - Thursday December 22nd
The final sesshin of the Spring Training Period. This is the last opportunity of the season to put all your effort in to a period of intensive practice and realize who you are.
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June
Day of Reflection
Sunday May 13th
Our monthly event which allows participants to examine their lives through the lens of the precepts. A ceremony of renewal and atonement (fusatsu) in the evening followed by the chance to share our experience in a round-circle council.
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Precept Class
9:00am Saturday June 16th
This class is held once every year for those interested in taking the precepts in the Jukai ceremony. Learn about the precepts and the details and meaning of the ceremony. The class costs $40 for members and $80 for non-members, which includes a book containing further reading. The class lasts all day and includes lunch.
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July
Beginner's Mind Sesshin
Saturday June 16th - Wednesday February 22nd
Designed for those new to Zen who want to attend a sesshin and strengthen their practice. The schedule is lighter than usual to give newcomers more space in which to experience their first sesshin. Open to all.
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Introduction to Zen Practice
9:00am Friday July 13th
Join one of the Yokoji senior students for a day of Zen - learn about the history of Zen Buddhism, the nuts and bolts of formal meditation and find out how you can bring this practice in to your life.
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August
Evolution of Zen Sesshin
Saturday July 21st - Wednesday February 22nd
This unique Yokoji sesshin will be co-led by two leading contemporary Zen Masters, Genpo Roshi and Tenshin Roshi. The schedule will start at with a 6am wakeup and finish at 9:15pm each day. We will follow a traditional sesshin schedule with afternoons dedicated to Genpo Roshi's 'Big Mind' teachings.
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September
Fall Training Period
Sunday August 5th - Friday August 10th
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 living. Non-residents can participate both at home and at the Center.
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7-Day Sesshin
Sunday September 2nd - Sunday November 18th
The first sesshin of the Fall Training Period.
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Introduction to Zen Practice
9:00am Sunday September 2nd
Join one of the Yokoji senior students for a day of Zen - learn about the history of Zen Buddhism, the nuts and bolts of formal meditation and find out how you can bring this practice in to your life.
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October
7-Day Sesshin
Saturday September 15th - Wednesday February 22nd
The second sesshin of the Fall training Period. Part time participation is welcome.
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November
Introduction to Zen Practice
9:00am Sunday October 7th
Join one of the Yokoji senior students for a day of Zen - learn about the history of Zen Buddhism, the nuts and bolts of formal meditation and find out how you can bring this practice in to your life.
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7-Day Sesshin (Rohatsu)
Saturday November 3rd - Wednesday February 22nd
The final sesshin of the Fall Training Period. Rohatsu means 'December 8th' in Japanese, the date that Shakyamuni Buddha's enlightenment is celebrated in Japan. We bring the sesshin forward to November to tie it in with the end of training period. If Shakyamuni did it, you can too!
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December
New Year's Sesshin
Sunday November 11th - Sunday November 18th
The annual end of year sesshin. A regular sesshin schedule builds up to new year's eve, when we join together for different ceremonies and periods of zazen up until midnight. The ceremonies include a fire ritual, where we gather around a small fire and burn bits of paper with our hindrances from the past year. In the morning on January 1st, we gather again around the fire and burn papers with our resolutions for the new year, acknowledging the transition between 2012 and 2013 by letting go of the past and embracing the future.
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December
New Year's Sesshin
Friday December 28th - Tuesday January 1st
The annual end of year sesshin. A regular sesshin schedule builds up to new year's eve, when we join together for different ceremonies and periods of zazen up until midnight. The ceremonies include a fire ritual, where we gather around a small fire and burn bits of paper with our hindrances from the past year. In the morning on January 1st, we gather again around the fire and burn papers with our resolutions for the new year, acknowledging the transition between 2012 and 2013 by letting go of the past and embracing the future.