We are an internationally renowned, fully accredited Zen Center located in the beautiful mountains of Southern California.
Founded in 1991 by teachers Manfred Steger and Perle Besserman, the Princeton Area Zen Group is a community-based, non-residential unaffiliated Zen center designed to introduce anyone with a sincere desire for self-realization to the formal practice of zazen (sitting meditation). The CZC is a Zen Buddhist meditation center affiliated with Furnace Mountain Zen Center. The Cincinnati Zen Center was founded in 1994 and is part of the Furnace Mountain Sangha, a Zen community under the direction of Guiding Teacher Zen Master Dae Gak.
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.
Yokoji Podcast
Latest from the monthly Yokoji Podcast
Who's in Charge
Tenshin Roshi talks on Case 12 of the Gateless Gate, Zuigan Calls Himself 'Master'.Posted on 6 April 2021 | 1:42 pm Place to write a letter.Realization Embodied
Tenshin Roshi touches on the koan, 'Nansen Kills the Cat' and talks about the essence of practice.Posted on 21 March 2021 | 12:07 pm
Yokoji Zen Blog
Recent posts from the Yokoji Zen Blog
Gratitude
Reflections on my first few days of my week at Yokoji for Dharma Transmission.February 03, 2021 | Comments: 2Henrike Jishin Reef
It’s with a heavy heart that we share the news that Henrike Jishin Reef died on December 7, 2020. Jishin was a resident at Yokoji from 2009-2011 and served as Head Trainee in the spring of 2011.January 29, 2021 | Comments: 3
Nc Zen Center Pittsboro
Upcoming Events
Visit our events page for the full Yokoji calendar
Zen Center Near Me
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.Spring Training Period
April 4, 2021 - May 23, 2021CLOSED TO NON-RESIDENTSThe Spring Training Period at Yokoji is a time of intensified practice for the whole..Online Sesshin
April 21, 2021 - April 25, 2021Join us for four days of zazen, service, dharma talks and training designed to strengthen and enrich your Zen practice and your life.In..Online Sesshin
May 6, 2021 - May 9, 2021Join us for an online sesshin, an opportunity to drop deeply into practice while remaining in the safety of our own homes. Sesshin can be..Sesshin
May 16, 2021 - May 23, 2021CLOSED TO NON-RESIDENTS My citrix workspace.Sesshin can be translated as “to unify the mind.” Sesshin is at the heart of Zen..Fall Training Period
September 5, 2021 - November 14, 2021The Fall Training Period at Yokoji is a time of intensified practice for the whole community—where we have the wonderful opportunity to recommit..Sesshin
September 5, 2021 - September 12, 2021Sesshin 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..