Walking the Path to Mastery

Zen points us to the foundation of our being. The practice of Zen guides us to the deepest insights of the mind that can only be understood through unwavering focus in every moment. The unbroken engagement with our everyday experiences is the path through the gateless gate that expands our awareness and reveals the deepest truths woven into the fabric of our reality.

Meditative practices open our mind while the koans demand that you question everything you think you “know,” leaving no idea untested and no assumption unexamined. Across every great spiritual and secular tradition, whenever people have sought to grasp the essence of our existence, this process has been quietly at work.

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. 

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 Junior 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.

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.

Enrollment 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 the Code of Conduct on the following page.