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.

A Place to Continue the Practice

“What changed my life wasn’t one moment—it was daily practice, consistency, and support.”
— Ruowei

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.

Group of six people sitting around a table in an indoor space, with colorful artwork on the wall, plants, mugs, and a sign with '2022' in the background.

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.

“I feel a lot more at peace when I’m here. Just being here—having you and Nadia around—brings a lot of peace”
— Ashita

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.

For Those Interested in Deeper Training

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.

*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