Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center is a Zen Buddhist Training Center located in the mountains of southern California. Since being founded in 1982 by Maezumi Roshi, one of the pioneers of American Zen, it has changed the course of countless lives. Many of Maezumi Roshi's successors trained here at one point, including Genpo Roshi and Charlotte Joko Beck, as well as the current abbot of Yokoji, Tenshin Fletcher Roshi. Our remote mountain setting echoes the monasteries of Japan and China where the great masters lived and trained, but our blend of traditional and modern creates a training center that is truly American.

We believe that Zen training can change people's lives for the better. Meditation is practiced both on and off the mat. During seated meditation, we can fully experience our lives and see into our true nature. It develops the natural sense of compassion and connectedness we have with all beings. Meditation off the mat is the wisdom, mindfulness and compassion cultivated on the cushion put into action. We learn to be functional human beings by opening up to the world; hearing its sounds, seeing its shapes and feeling it deeply - then we respond. We work by taking care of the land, the buildings, the community and each other. Those who train here leave with an invaluable treasure - a way of appreciating and taking care of this life that together we share.

BE PART OF THE LEGACY

We want to ensure Zen training at Yokoji is available for the current and future generations. If you are one of the many people whose life has been touched by being at Yokoji, please help.

We need help mainly in the following areas:

• Buildings and Grounds - maintaining 160 acres of woodland in a high fire-risk area, numerous buildings, vehicles and equipment as well as the mile long dirt road that leads to the Center.
• Ecology - We use solar and wind power with a backup generator and draw water from on-site wells. These systems need almost constant maintenance and upgrades. We promote living lightly on the land and provide a model for a functioning off-grid community, and want to continue to do so by investing in green technologies that will make Yokoji even more sustainable.
• Outreach - Following on the success of our Long Beach outreach program, we aim to find ways to bring Zen practice to more people through awarding scholarships for training at Yokoji and by taking meditation off the mountain and engaging with local communities through classes and workshops.

Twice a year we launch a fundraising drive targeted at one particular area that needs serious attention. You can help by becoming a fundraiser on our behalf. Be a torchbearer for Yokoji and keep the flame alive.

HOW TO HELP

1. Click on the green button labeled 'Start Fundraising' in the top right of this page.
2. Choose a way to raise money
3. Create your own personal fundraising page - complete with photo and video
4. Email your fundraising page link to all of your family and friends
5. Raise some money!

Thank you for your efforts and good luck.