Join the
Inner Circle

A place to explore Zen, ask questions, and practice with others.

Continue the conversations that begin in our Dharma talks, meditations, art, and writing groups.. The Inner Circle offers regular opportunities to explore how the teachings relate to your own life and stay connected with fellow practitioners.

Inner Circle Membership
$40.00 every month

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

Meet online two to three times each month for open discussion about Zen teachings and practice. Bring questions from a Dharma talk, something you’ve read, or your own experience.

No preparation is required.

View the Calendar & Schedule

Explore Your Questions in the Zen Inquiry Circle

Stay Connected Through Our Member Discord

Continue the conversation between gatherings. Our members’ space on Discord gives you a place to share reflections, discuss practice, and connect with others in the community.

Read More With Included Substack Access

Your membership includes a paid subscription to Mind Light Way on Substack, with Zen teachings and reflections on mind, awareness, and everyday life.

Receive early registration opportunities and member discounts on select retreats and workshops, giving you more ways to deepen your practice.

Early Access & Member Discounts

support the teachings you value

Your membership also helps sustain our school, maintain our practice space, and keep public Dharma talks and meditations free and accessible.

become part of the inner circle

Inner Circle Membership
$40.00 every month

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 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