Regular Events

Sunday Program

Participate in a morning of traditional Zen practice, with chanting, zazen and a Dharma talk by the teacher or a senior YZMC student, followed by a delicious vegetarian lunch. We also provide meditation instruction and orientation for first-time visitors. The program starts at 9:30am. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. All are welcome!

This program is held every weekend. See the Sunday Morning Schedule for times.

Women's Service and Circle

On the first Sunday of each month, we honor women in Buddhism with a Women's Service. On the first Saturday of each month at 2 pm, the YZMC women's group meets for a circle to celebrate and support women in practice at YZMC. All women are invited to attend the circle. See the calendar for dates.

Day of Reflection

Precepts are a clarifying lens with which we can examine our lives. Starting at dawn with a recitation of the Buddhist precepts, we maintain awareness of how we keep and break these vows during our day. In the evening we participate in a Fusatsu or "Renewal of Vows" ceremony.  Following the ceremony is a council or short talk given by the teacher. See the calendar for dates.

Zen Meditation Instruction

Learn the basics of zazen in this morning-long class designed for those who are new to Zen Mountain Center and Zen practice and would like to begin their own meditation practice and/or would like to participate in our regular Sunday program and daily sitting. 

Offered every Sunday at 9:30. $12 includes instruction, Dharma talk, and vegetarian lunch.

Introduction to Zen Practice

This one-day retreat introduces the important aspects of Zen training as practiced at YZMC. The day includes instruction in zazen, form and ceremony procedures, work practice, body practice, talks on Zen and Buddhist history and philosophy, and a discussion on ways to incorporate practice into one's life. This retreat is designed for those wanting to know more about Zen or those wanting to incorporate a sitting practice into daily life. Led by ordained and lay students of YZMC, this training is encouraged for those who wish to attend sesshin. Come for the day or stay the weekend and extend your understanding into practice with the Sangha.

March 4, May 20, July 15, September 2, and November 4 2006: $100/day, $180/weekend.

 See the calendar.

Click here to contact YZMC to register for Introduction to Zen Practice

Beginner's Mind Sesshin

"In the mind of the beginner there are many possibilities. In the mind of the expert there are few." writes Suzuki Roshi.

Join us as we explore the many possibilities of the beginner's practice in a sesshin format. A less rigorous schedule designed for beginners gives you the basics of a sesshin plus a Dharma talk, interviews with a teacher, yoga, hiking in the beauty of the San Jacinto mountains, and the company of other beginners and experienced leaders. Sesshin is the best way to deepen practice and to make real the benefits it offers. Highly recommended by Tenshin, Roshi for new members at YZMC. 

$100/day, $180/weekend, includes meals and lodging. See the calendar for the schedule. (Minimum of 5 participants)

Click here to contact YZMC to register for the Beginner's Mind Sesshin

Intensive Training Period: September 9th - November 18th, 2007

The autumn and spring training periods are three months each of concentrated Zen practice. Live at the Center and follow a daily schedule that includes six to nine hours of zazen, formal meals, private interviews with the teacher, work and body practice, and daily services. One day off the formal training program is scheduled in per week allowing opportunities for hiking, relaxing, and taking time for personal needs. Join us and trainees from around the United States and abroad for a few days, a few weeks, or for the entire three months.

Meals and lodging are included. Contact us for daily and weekly rates. Partial scholarships may be available depending on need, motivation, and length of stay.

Intensive Zen Retreat: Sesshin

Sesshin literally means "to unify the mind." It is a silent meditation retreat designed for those ready to do concentrated practice. Participants live at the Center for two to seven days devoting every aspect of the day to the realization of the Way. The daily schedule is full: pre-dawn wakeup, nine hours of zazen, chanting services, formal meals, work practice, body practice, and rest periods. Dharma talks are given daily and Tenshin Sensei offers face-to face instruction to all students. 

Registration begins at 4:00pm and retreat activities begin promptly at 7:30pm.
See the calendar for dates and the daily schedule.

3 day-member $165, non-member $250
5 day-member $250, non-member $375
7day-member $350, non-member $500

We strongly recommend that you have completed an Introduction to Zen Practice or have practiced sesshin at another Zen center prior to participating in sesshin at YZMC. If this is your first sesshin at YZMC you may only join at either the beginning of sesshin or on the Friday evening when instruction in formal zendo procedures will be given.