BECOME
A ZEN MASTER
Study Zen. Deepen your practice. Learn to guide others.
The Path to Mastery is our structured Zen training program under Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon. Through meditation, study, creative practice, and teaching experience, you develop your understanding of Zen and your ability to share it with others.
Path to Mastery · $120/month
Who is this path for?
This program is for people who want to:
Deepen their practice through consistent study, meditation, and guidance.
Bring Zen into everyday life through greater awareness, clarity, and compassion.
Learn to guide others and work toward becoming a Zen instructor and eventually a Zen Master.
You begin where you are and develop through practice, participation, and increasing responsibility.
What will you learn?
Sitting and moving meditation: Develop attention and presence through stillness, walking, and mindful movement.
Zen teachings and contemplation: Explore the Dharma and examine how its teachings apply to your own experience.
Koan practice: Work with questions that challenge familiar assumptions and deepen your inquiry.
Creative practice: Explore writing, poetry, and art as ways to practice awareness and express understanding.
Teaching and community service: Learn to explain practices, guide others, and support a community through supervised teaching experience
A deeper understanding of yourself. A different way of meeting life.
Explore the beliefs, habits, and narratives that shape your experience. Develop the clarity to see yourself more honestly, the steadiness to meet challenges, and the openness to discover new possibilities.
Through sustained practice, guidance, and community, you learn to bring Zen into your relationships, your decisions, and the very way you live—and develop the ability to help others do the same.
“A year ago, i don’t know what I was looking for. But now, not only do I have a purpose, the quality of my life is so much better.”
Nadia M.“The confidence that this training builds in you is like no other. Even my Pilates instructor noticed how strong I’ve become.”
Ghazy V.“What changed my life wasn’t one moment—it was daily practice, consistency, and support.”
RuoweiYour path through the ranks
1. Junior Instructor
Build your foundations, assist classes, and lead brief practices under supervision.
2. Associate Instructor
Develop your teaching skills and guide portions of classes with supervision.
3. Instructor
Lead classes within the school and support students in their practice.
4. Senior Instructor
Mentor instructors, develop programs, and help maintain the quality of teaching.
5. Zen Master
Receive formal recognition within the school to transmit the teachings, train instructors, and guide a community.
Progression reflects your practice, understanding, teaching ability, and readiness for greater responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Our approach to Zen is secular—a philosophy and a way of life centered on understanding yourself, experiencing life directly, and putting that understanding into practice.
Although Zen has historical connections to Buddhism, studying with us does not require adopting a religion. You can practice Zen alongside any faith or without a religious affiliation. Come with curiosity and a willingness to explore.
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It supports your participation in the Path to Mastery: ongoing Zen study, meditation, creative practice, and the development of teaching skills under Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon and the faculty of teachers. Optional programs and testing carry additional fees, such as moving meditation test fees (belt system) as well as testing to move from one level to the next. Ask us for the fee schedule.
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You can begin by developing your own practice and understanding. Teaching responsibilities increase as you demonstrate readiness, starting with assisting and guiding brief practices under supervision. You don’t have to arrive already knowing how to lead others.
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Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon’s own training took seven years. Your path will unfold according to your commitment, practice, and readiness.
This process asks you to examine your beliefs, question the narratives you live by, and grow through the challenges you encounter. It requires commitment, resilience, discipline, and time. Embodying Zen in everyday life takes patience and sustained practice. There is no shortcut.
The purpose reaches beyond earning a certification: it is the ongoing work of becoming the best version of yourself—developing clarity of mind, a deeper connection with your body, and a heart open to life’s possibilities.
You don’t have to wait until you become a Zen Master to contribute. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to assist, teach as you become ready, and grow within a community of fellow practitioners.
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Yes. Submit the introduction form and tell us what interests you about the path. We’ll discuss your goals, explain the current schedule and training expectations, and answer your questions so you can decide whether the program is right for you.
You can also speak with our students or join one of our moving or sitting meditation classes, or paid programming for free.
What does training look like?
Zen develops through consistent practice, guidance, and participation in community. The Path to Mastery brings these together, helping you carry what you learn into everyday life.
Where we practice
Our school is based at 86 Joy Street, Studio 5R, Somerville, Massachusetts.
Ways to participate
Check our calendar. Section coming soon.
Training schedule
[State the regular class days, times, and frequency.]
Practice between classes
[Describe the expected personal practice and approximate time commitment.]
Guidance and progress
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Monthly contribution: $120
Your contribution supports ongoing Zen study, practice, and the development of teaching skills within the school.
Moving meditation belt tests, rank assessments, and optional programs have separate fees.
[View the full fee schedule]
Experience the school. Begin your path.
The best way to understand the Path to Mastery is to experience our practice and meet the people who make up our community.
You’re welcome to speak with us, ask questions, and arrange an introductory class at no cost before deciding whether to join.
Tell us what interests you about the path. We’ll help you choose an appropriate class and explain the schedule, training expectations, and next steps.
What draws you to this path?
Optional. Share any questions, your experience with Zen, or whether you’d like to try a class.
