By Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon
ZEN HISTORY
Why is Zen so often misunderstood?
Zen points directly to the mind-heart—beyond words, beyond concepts. For this reason, it can be difficult to understand when taken out of context. Zen has always been passed from teacher to student, with each lesson tailored to the specific moment and understanding thoroughly tested by a living Zen Master. Having undergone this training on my own path to becoming a Zen Master, I now aim to bring the original intent of these classical teachings to light for contemporary readers.
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PART 1 | A Bird’s-Eye View of Zen History
Where did Zen begin—and how did it evolve into the powerful lineage-based practice we know today?
This post offers a concise yet richly detailed overview of Zen’s historical journey—from its Indian roots in dhyāna, through the radical teachings of Bodhidharma and Huineng in China, to its transmission through Korean Seon and into the modern world. Tracing the Linji lineage across cultures and centuries, I follow the thread that leads directly into my own training and the living tradition I now share.
INTRO | Why I Started This Zen History BlOG
Zen is often misunderstood—not because it lacks meaning, but because it points beyond words. In this opening post, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon traces the roots of Zen through classical texts and living lineage, offering a fresh perspective on how these ancient teachings continue to speak to the present moment.