By Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon
ZEN HISTORY
“If you can realize this directly, only then can you participate with the masters.”
—Wumen Huikai, The Gateless Gate (無門關), Case 1 Commentary
Why is Zen so often misunderstood?
Zen points directly to the mind-heart—beyond words, beyond concepts. For this reason, Zen’s history, stories, and koans can be difficult to understand when taken out of context. The teaching 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 3 | The Roots of Zen in India
Discover the Indian roots of Zen—tracing its journey from the Buddha’s awakening under the Bodhi tree to the teachings of Bodhidharma and the rich oral traditions that shaped Chán. Explore key sutras, philosophical lineages, and how Zen’s essence was transmitted mind-to-mind across cultures.
PART 2 | Who Was Bodhidharma?
Who was Bodhidharma—the shadowy monk credited with bringing Zen to China? Uncover what early sources really say about him. This post dives into the oldest historical records, offers original translations from classical Chinese and Sanskrit, and clarifies key terms like Mahāyāna, samādhi, and Dharma—cutting through myth to reveal the mind behind the legend.
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.