After the passing of his teacher in 2021, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon established the Zen Art Center in Somerville, MA, the seed school that eventually grew into the Mind Light Way School of Zen. Through his teachings, creative pursuits, and leadership of the Mind Light Way School of Zen, he works to illuminate the inseparable connection between compassionate action, artistic expression, and the awakening of our shared humanity.

Carrying on the living tradition of the Zen lineage, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon adapts the teachings to each moment, free from reliance on rigid doctrines. He embodies the spirit of Zen, pointing directly to the mind and actualizing the teachings beyond words and concepts.

Using traditional methods such as koans and sitting meditation, along with an emphasis on focus and concentration through moving meditation, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon guides students toward direct realization. In his approach, art serves as a means of demonstrating the Zen practice of being fully present and aware—each stroke, word, or action becoming a living expression of the teachings.

Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon is also a practicing visual artist and writer, with his artistic endeavors serving as an extension of his Zen teachings. He is always seeking innovative collaborations to expand the reach and impact of Zen principles. Currently, he is completing his debut book, Into the Mind, a personal narrative of his formative years studying under Great Zen Master Chang Sik Kim. The book offers a poetic and inspirational exploration of Zen principles, as well as a practical guide to Zen practice. 

Balancing structure with intuition, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon continuously challenges students to move beyond conceptual understanding, dissolving the boundary between practice and life. Through his unwavering dedication to Zen practice and his compassionate leadership, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon continues to inspire individuals to awaken to their true nature, cultivating a world where mindfulness, compassion, and creativity flourish for the benefit of all.

DHARMA LINEAGE

India

The Buddha Shakyamuni

1. Mahakasyapa

2. Ananda

3. Sanakavasa

4. Upagupta

5. Dhrtaka

6. Miccaka

7. Vasumitra

8. Buddhanandi

9. Buddhamitra

10. Parsva

11. Punyayasas

12. Asvaghosa

13. Kapimala

14. Nagarjuna

15. Kanadeva

16. Rahulata

17. Sanghanandi

18. Gayasata

19. Kumarata

20. Jayata

21. Vasubandhu

22. Manorhita

23. Haklena

24. Aryasimha

25. Basiasita

26. Punyamitra

27. Prajnatata

28. Bodhidharma

China

29. Hui K’o

30. Seng Ts’an

31. Tao Hsin

32. Hung Jen

33. Hui Neng

34. Huai Jang

35. Ma-tsu Tao-i

36. Pai-chang Huai-hai

37. Huang-po Hsi-yun

38. Lin-chi I-hsuan

39. Hsing-hua Tzun-chiang

40. Nan-yuan Hui-yu