The Mind Light Way School of Zen and the Zen Art Center are a continuation of this enduring tradition, using this path to illuminate the truth inherent in nature. In our school, we use these techniques to harness our creativity and draw wisdom directly from the unfolding nature of every moment.

The purpose of our school is to transmit the insight of the Dharma to others by teaching in our communities and reflecting our shared human experience through our creative endeavors. By empowering individuals with the tools to unleash their inner wisdom, our goal is to spark a cultural shift that uplifts humanity, inspiring a wave of compassion that ripples throughout the world.

While our mission aspires to reach well beyond the boundaries of our school, it is grounded in every individual taking on an active role in their own development. By honing your skills to effectively pass on these lessons as a teacher, you can be ready to serve as an agent of harmony in an ever-changing world.

We invite you to walk this path with us — as an ambassador of our mission.

By training your mind, embodying the teachings, and serving the community, you can help carry the living tradition of Zen into the world.

The Path to Mastery is about mastering yourself and your mind. It empowers you to  lead with clarity and compassion, stepping forward to guide others by example.

What is the Path to Mastery?

The Path to Mastery is the formal Zen Master training program within the Mind Light Way School of Zen. It is a way of deepening your understanding, your presence, and your ability to serve others.

The path unfolds through a progression of ranks, each representing a deepening of understanding, commitment, and service. It begins with the commitment to support the community as a Community Ambassador, and progresses through stages of increasing responsibility, understanding, and teaching capacity. 

Zen training is deeply personal. Each student will face unique challenges and koans given directly by Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon. The rank requirements serve as orientation points—not checklists. The real tests arise in each moment, calling you to respond with clarity, presence, and compassion.

THE OFFICIAL RANKS WITHIN THE MIND LIGHT WAY SCHOOL OF ZEN

1. Community Ambassador: Entry point into the Path to Mastery.

2. Associate Dharma/Zen Instructor: The first formal teaching-level position. Associate Instructors are in training to become Dharma Teachers and may take on limited teaching responsibilities under supervision.

3. Dharma/Zen Instructor: An official teaching position within the MLWSOZ. Dharma Instructors may teach within branches of the Mind Light Way School of Zen and support the training of Associate Instructors.

4. Zen Master: An authorized Zen Master recognized by the Mind Light Way School of Zen. This person holds full transmission and may teach independently, train instructors, and establish affiliated Zen Centers.

At each stage, you will be asked to take on greater teaching responsibilities, help nurture the community, and embody the spirit of Zen through your daily actions.
Advancement through the ranks of Associate Instructor, Instructor, and Zen Master requires formal testing at each level. It also requires a demonstrated ability to live and share the Dharma in alignment with the Zen tradition and the standards exemplified by Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon.

ENROLL IN The Path to Mastery

Step 1: Becoming a Community Ambassador

Community Ambassador is the entry point into the Path to Mastery.

Commitment at this level signifies your intention to become a Zen teacher and marks the beginning of formal training under Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon. This includes active participation in the Mind Light Way community, including its primary location—The Zen Art Center in Somerville, MA—as well as any affiliated in-person or online locations.

This is a voluntary path. You may choose to pause or end your participation at any time. However, continued progression requires demonstrated commitment, consistent presence, and a willingness to support the school and its mission in tangible ways.

To enroll as a Community Ambassador, you must agree to and sign the Code of Conduct.

Step 2: Please prepare to make a monthly donation of $120/month.

There is a $120/month donation for The Path To Mastery Zen training.

Membership donations provide access to Path to Mastery training and community gatherings. The Path to Mastery training—including the Mind Light Way belt system—is offered as a component of Zen training and as such is tax deductible.

Additional optional programs and testing opportunities may have associated fees that are not tax-deductible.

You can make the monthly payment through the donation form below. But our preferred method is Zelle! You can avoid all fees AND make a recurrent monthly payment! If you do decide to do so, our email for our Zelle account is MindLightWay@gmail.com.

AVOID ALL FEES. OUR PREFERRED METHOD IS ZELLE
EMAIL: MINDLIGHTWAY@GMAIL.COM