Zen Mountain Center-Yokoji Details

Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center (YZMC)

Yokoji-Zen Mountain Center (YZMC) was purchased by Zen Center of Los Angeles (ZCLA) from a member on April 16, 1980 for a total cost of $118,000.00. ZCLA and YZMC became separate entities in 1997 after the death of the founder of these Centers. The property title was transferred to YZMC on January 7, 1997 for no cost.

After the purchase in 1980, work commenced almost immediately on thinning the forest and improving water supply. In 1982, the first building (a kitchen) was started and the deck of the future meditation hall. In 1983 the wells for water supply were drilled and a 10,000 gallon storage tank was installed. Since 1983 underground gas, water, electric and sewer have been installed to the majority of the buildings. Electricity is provided by solar, wind and propane-powered generators. Water is obtained onsite from two protected horizontal wells at the top end of the property. Gas supply is from 2-500 gallon propane tanks filled by a contracted supplier once a month.

The development of YZMC has continued over the past 17 years with numerous structures for accommodation, religious, ceremonies, dining, ablutions, and workspace have been built. In addition, much thinning of the surrounding forest has been carried out to reduce the forest fire potential. Landscaping and beautification of the grounds has also been conducted in the main building area. With the opening of the new office building, we now have high speed internet service provided by satellite dish.

The final sage of construction was completed in the winter of 2007 with the new office building and Abbott's house. The previous Abbott's house is now being utilized by the residents to centralize their living, thus maintaining a closer practice community. We are continuing to upgrade the infrastructure of the Center water and sewage lines.

YZMC has been utilized several times by the US Forestry Department for fighting fires in the surrounding forest region surrounding YZMC and other properties. YZMC is, also, the host for Earth Witness Foundation which is a non-profit environmental/educational organization which offers workshops given by the local Native Americans about the use of native vegetation which then utilized in their every day lives, the use of solar power, vegetarian cooking and composting of waste food products.