Yokoji Zen Mountain Center - Mountain Center, California

Yokoji Zen Mountain Center

Located at 58900 Apple Canyon Rd, Mountain Center, CA 92561, United States, the Yokoji Zen Mountain Center is a renowned retreat center and Buddhist temple. With a phone number of 9516595272, the center can be easily contacted for any inquiries. Their website, zmc.org, provides comprehensive information about the center's activities and teachings.

The Yokoji Zen Mountain Center specializes in offering a serene and tranquil environment for those seeking spiritual growth and mindfulness. The center is open to people of all backgrounds and offers various retreats, workshops, and classes for individuals to explore their inner selves and connect with their spiritual roots. With a strong focus on Buddhist teachings, the center aims to provide a space for personal transformation and self-discovery.

The center is easily accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible car park available for visitors. Additionally, the center accepts debit cards, NFC mobile payments, and credit cards, making it convenient for people to participate in the various programs offered.

With an impressive average opinion rating of 4.5/5 based on 16 reviews on Google My Business, the Yokoji Zen Mountain Center has gained a reputation for providing a top-notch experience for its visitors. Many guests have praised the center for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional teaching, and practice, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper connection with their spiritual self.

Features and Amenities

• Retreat center with a focus on spiritual growth and mindfulness
• Buddhist temple offering teachings and spiritual guidance
• Non-profit and religious organization dedicated to promoting self-discovery and personal transformation
• Wheelchair-accessible car park for convenient access
• Accepts debit cards, NFC mobile payments, and credit cards

👍 Reviews of Yokoji Zen Mountain Center

Michael L.

5/5

Amazing experience. It can be a little difficult to get there for your first time, so check the schedule online or give the office a call. I have gone there multiple times and the teaching and practice are great. Go take the trip.

Ben B.

5/5

My wife and I joined for a Sunday meditation class and highly enjoyed it. We had some great conversations and learned a lot. It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday. We will certainly be back.

Victor L.

5/5

I have spent two 7 day retreats here. It is a beautiful valley. The teachers are friendly and great. The food is fabulous. If you are looking for deep zen practice you will find it here.
I noticed that another reviewer suggested that all Buddhist practice should be free. This is only possible if the community supports its local Buddhist center (a practice that used to be common in the East but is dying out there now, and a practice which is almost non existent in the west).
Having said that if you are having financial difficulties most centers give scholarships. I myself received a full scholarship at Yokoji for one of the retreats. I later paid back the money. I considered it a loan.

Maria D.

5/5

Yokoji is a beautiful place. It's a good place to visit whether you want to do yoga and meditate in the mountains, deepen your spiritual practice, be a part of a community, eat delicious and healthy vegetarian food, or to contribute your own time and effort to keeping this place going. If you plan to visit, be sure to check their website to see the schedule and other important info. It’s always a good idea to contact them ahead of time even if just going for the Sunday program (see website). But if you are going overnight or visiting on any other day of the week, it is very important to contact the staff and read the rules. It is a remote location in the mountains with limited to no cell service and no WiFi; if this is a problem then consider going somewhere else. Regarding monetary donations - it is important to contribute in some way as running this place takes an enormous amount of work and money; BUT they do have a flexible volunteer program if your finances are limited, and the staff is very grateful to volunteers.

Kenneth E.

5/5

Great teachers, solid Sangha, Sōtō Zen style practice. One reviewer noted that "currency" is not traditional. I dunno. You can come sit for free. If you want instruction, you will be asked for a donation cuz you have to keep the roof repaired and solar power needs some maintenance, too. Great veggy lunches every Sunday; come for meditation at 9 or 9:30--check the website--and dharma talks by a Zen Master who is the real deal. Plus, mountains.

sam S.

1/5

I fear I am the only one who will say this. I will avoid practice at a place that deals with currency. Currency is not traditional buddhism. Teachings should always be free no matter what. Im not saying this place is not good at teaching or bad at anything. You can find many traditional places that don't ask for money. Its sad to see buddhism portrayed and taught without true traditional and genuine teachings. To all their own. I hope someone finds this helpful. If you want to learn about buddhism look for places and teachers that are traditional.

Isobel G. L.

5/5

Have been coming here since 2015 and enjoyed every moment. It’s beautiful, serene and a sacred place for growth and insight. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to evolve and find inner peace.

Zach B.

5/5

Yokoji's rich history and dedicated practitioners make this an oasis in hard times. I highly recommend Yokoji to anyone looking to cultivate mindfulness and peace.