Join the
Inner Circle
The Practice Community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen
Zen practice often begins with curiosity — a Dharma talk, a meditation class, or a moment of insight.
But practice deepens through community, consistency, and shared experience.
The Inner Circle is the practice community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen — a place to stay connected to the teachings, deepen meditation practice, and participate in the life of the sangha.
The Inner Circle offers a way to continue that journey alongside others walking the path.
What Inner Circle Members Receive
A Living Sangha
Inner Circle members become part of the core community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen.
Members are invited to:
• monthly Inner Circle gatherings
• community discussions and tea gatherings
• seasonal practice events
• a private online community space
These gatherings create opportunities for practitioners to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their practice.
Opportunities for Deeper Practice
Members are invited to participate in programs that deepen their understanding of Zen practice, including:
• member Q&A sessions with teachers
• Zen reading and discussion groups
• koan exploration gatherings
• early access to retreats and workshops
These programs provide a space to explore Zen teachings more deeply and develop greater clarity in practice.
Connection to the School
Inner Circle members help sustain the living tradition of Zen within our community.
Membership supports:
• public meditation events
• Dharma talks
• community programming
• the continued growth of the school
Members may also participate in creative collaborations and volunteer opportunities that help shape the life of the community.
“This community helped me develop self-trust through how people relate to one another.”
— Ruowei
A Place to Continue the Practice
““What changed my life wasn’t one moment—it was daily practice, consistency, and support.””
Many people encounter Zen through a Dharma talk or meditation class.
But practice deepens through regular participation, shared experience, and community support.
The Inner Circle provides a simple way to remain connected to the practice and the sangha.
Members join the Inner Circle to:
• stay connected to a supportive meditation community
• deepen their understanding of Zen practice
• participate more fully in the life of the sangha
• help sustain the continuation of these teachings
For many practitioners, the Inner Circle becomes a steady place of practice, friendship, and encouragement.
The Inner Circle offers several ways for practitioners to remain connected to the community and deepen their practice.
What Inner Circle Members Receive
A Living Sangha
Inner Circle members become part of the core community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen.
Members are invited to:
• monthly Inner Circle gatherings
• community discussions and tea gatherings
• seasonal practice events
• a private online community space
These gatherings create opportunities for practitioners to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their practice.
Opportunities for Deeper Practice
Members are invited to participate in programs that deepen their understanding of Zen practice, including:
• member Q&A sessions with teachers
• Zen reading and discussion groups
• koan exploration gatherings
• early access to retreats and workshops
These programs provide a space to explore Zen teachings more deeply and develop greater clarity in practice.
Connection to the School
Inner Circle members help sustain the living tradition of Zen within our community.
Membership supports:
• public meditation events
• Dharma talks
• community programming
• the continued growth of the school
Members may also participate in creative collaborations and volunteer opportunities that help shape the life of the community.
“This community helped me develop self-trust through how people relate to one another.”
— Ruowei
What Inner Circle Members Receive
Access to the Zen Inquiry Circle
Inner Circle members are invited to participate in the Zen Inquiry Circle, a community discussion group shared with Path to Mastery students that meets two to three times each month.
The Zen Inquiry Circle is a space to explore Zen together through open inquiry and discussion. Themes may grow out of Dharma talks, the Zen History blog, ongoing writing, or questions that arise in practice.
A short passage may sometimes be shared beforehand, but no preparation is required.
It offers an ongoing way to stay connected to the teachings, deepen understanding, and explore practice in a more personal and reflective setting.
Paid Subscription to Mind Light Way on Substack
Inner Circle members receive access to the paid subscription tier of Mind Light Way on Substack.
Through the Substack, members can stay connected to Zen teachings, practice, and reflections on mind, awareness, and daily life between events.
This creates another steady point of connection with the teachings and with the broader life of the school.
A Living Sangha
Inner Circle members become part of the core community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen.
Members are invited to:
• monthly Inner Circle gatherings
• community discussions and tea gatherings
• seasonal practice events
• a private online community space
• member Q&A sessions with teachers
• Zen reading and discussion groups
• koan exploration gatherings
• early access to retreats and workshops
Together, these offerings create a steady space for practice, reflection, and connection.
Connection to the School
Inner Circle membership helps sustain:
• public meditation events
• Dharma talks
• community programming
• the continued growth of the school
Members may also take part in creative collaborations and volunteer opportunities that help shape the life of the community.
““I feel a lot more at peace when I’m here. Just being here—having you and Nadia around—brings a lot of peace””
What Inner Circle Members Receive
A Living Sangha
Inner Circle members become part of the core community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen.
Members are invited to:
• monthly Inner Circle gatherings
• community discussions and tea gatherings
• seasonal practice events
• a private online community space
These gatherings create opportunities for practitioners to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their practice.
Opportunities for Deeper Practice
Members are invited to participate in programs that deepen their understanding of Zen practice, including:
• member Q&A sessions with teachers
• Zen reading and discussion groups
• koan exploration gatherings
• early access to retreats and workshops
These programs provide a space to explore Zen teachings more deeply and develop greater clarity in practice.
Connection to the School
Inner Circle members help sustain the living tradition of Zen within our community.
Membership supports:
• public meditation events
• Dharma talks
• community programming
• the continued growth of the school
Members may also participate in creative collaborations and volunteer opportunities that help shape the life of the community.
“This community helped me develop self-trust through how people relate to one another.”
— Ruowei
Inner Circle Membership
$40 per month
Membership helps sustain the Mind Light Way School of Zen and supports the continuation of these teachings for the wider community.
Inner Circle members become part of the living sangha — a community of practitioners who support one another in meditation, practice, and everyday life.
JOIN THE
INNER CIRCLE
Zen practice is not only about individual insight. It also grows through community, encouragement, and shared experience.
If you feel drawn to continue your practice and stay connected to the teachings, we invite you to join the Inner Circle practice community.
Join the Inner Circle and become part of the living sangha.
What Inner Circle Members Receive
A Living Sangha
Inner Circle members become part of the core community of the Mind Light Way School of Zen.
Members are invited to:
• monthly Inner Circle gatherings
• community discussions and tea gatherings
• seasonal practice events
• a private online community space
These gatherings create opportunities for practitioners to connect, share experiences, and support one another in their practice.
Opportunities for Deeper Practice
Members are invited to participate in programs that deepen their understanding of Zen practice, including:
• member Q&A sessions with teachers
• Zen reading and discussion groups
• koan exploration gatherings
• early access to retreats and workshops
These programs provide a space to explore Zen teachings more deeply and develop greater clarity in practice.
Connection to the School
Inner Circle members help sustain the living tradition of Zen within our community.
Membership supports:
• public meditation events
• Dharma talks
• community programming
• the continued growth of the school
Members may also participate in creative collaborations and volunteer opportunities that help shape the life of the community.
“This community helped me develop self-trust through how people relate to one another.”
— Ruowei
For those who wish to pursue deeper practice and leadership within the school, the Path to Mastery program offers a structured path of Zen meditation, study, and community service.
Many students begin their journey within the Inner Circle community before entering the training program.
For Those Interested in Deeper Training
*Our Path To Mastery students get access to our Zen training, moving meditation classes, Zen trainee only events and workshops, more discounts on paid workshops and retreats, and one-to-one accountability partners and support by Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon and Zen Teacher Nadia Mounsif.
“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