The Zen Art Center

07/28/2025

What was Bodhidharma really teaching?

�Long before the legends, the Lidai Fabao Ji gave us the first full account of his journey to China, his silent transmission of mind, and a mysterious koan involving a hand and a fist.

�Explore the original text, translation, and historical commentary:�

👉 https://www.mindlightway.org/zen-history-blog/zen-history-part-2-who-was-bodhidharma-ncx4y-h7lj8�

Discover the earliest full narrative of Bodhidharma in the Lidai Fabao Ji, an 8th-century Chan text that portrays him as a silent transmitter of awakening beyond words. Explore rare translations, historical context, and a surprising gesture that bridges ancient and modern Zen teachings.

07/19/2025

What is the mind before thought?
Dive into this question in this month’s Dharma Talk on Zen, mind and consciousness!
There were some livestream issues—but the clean, uninterrupted version is now up:
📺 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYQMtCq9kcg

What is the nature of mind in Zen? Is it thought, personality, memory—or something deeper?In this Dharma Talk, Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon explores the ancie...

07/17/2025

🌱 Everything begins with a seed in your mind.

Each thought, intention, or question you hold has the power to take root and grow.

What are you planting today?

🧘 Dharma Talk tonight at 7 PM ET
Join us live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0Uvk9MVCU

07/16/2025

🪷 Livestream + In-Person Dharma Talk 🪷�
Thursday, July 18 @ 7 PM ET�
Join Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon for a powerful new talk:
“Zen and the Nature of Mind: Awareness, Energy, and the One Mind”
We’ll explore the ancient Zen teaching that “Mind is Buddha,” drawn from the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra, Mazu Daoyi, and Bodhidharma’s Four Statements—with meditation practices to clear the mind and open the heart.

🌐 Watch Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp0Uvk9MVCU
📍 In-Person: 86 Joy Street, Studio 5R, Somerville, MA
Discover how your mind is not just thought—but a prism of universal awareness.�All are welcome.

What is the true nature of mind in Zen?Is it your thoughts, your identity, your personality—or something deeper?Join Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon, founder of ...

07/15/2025

🌿 Where did Zen really begin?
Before Zen spread through China and Japan, it took root in the forests, caves, and oral traditions of ancient India. Discover how the Buddha’s awakening, Bodhidharma’s journey, and centuries of transmission shaped the heart of Zen.

🔗 Read the full post:

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.

07/06/2025

🪷Who really was Bodhidharma—the legendary founder of Zen?
Was he a mystical sage, a wandering monk, or something else entirely?

In this new installment of the Zen History Blog, we dive into the earliest sources, translate the original texts, and unpack what terms like Mahāyāna, samādhi, and Dharma meant in his time.

✨ Read the truth behind the legend:
👉 https://www.mindlightway.org/zen-history-blog/zen-history-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 Dh...

07/02/2025

Monkey mind juggles distractions.🐵
�Clear mind moves with purpose. 🪷
A mantra helps you cut through the noise.� 🕉️
Use mantra.
Silence the monkey.�🙊
Clear mind = Clear thinking = Clear action. ✨
Join us tonight at 7 PM ET, for a guided meditation to clear your mind!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2AMfcqWMho

07/01/2025

Join me for a guided Zen meditation this Wed, July 2 at 7PM ET — in person at The Zen Art Center (86 Joy St, Studio 5R, Somerville, MA) or livestreamed on YouTube.�

🧘‍♂️ Clear your mind, focus your energy, and connect with your true nature.
�✨ Live Q&A to follow!�
🔗

Join Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon for a live guided meditation to clear your mind, reduce stress, and connect with your true nature.In this session, you’ll le...

06/29/2025

📜 Just Launched: The Zen History Blog

Why I Started this Zen History Blog
What makes Zen so hard to explain? In this opening post, I share why I created this blog—to clear up common misconceptions and bring Zen's true meaning to light, one moment at a time.

Part 1: A Bird’s Eye View of Zen History
From India to China, Korea to Japan—this post offers a sweeping look at how Zen transformed across cultures while remaining rooted in direct experience.

This blog is for anyone who wants to understand Zen more deeply—from its origins to its living tradition.

🧘‍♂️ Dive in here:
👉 https://www.mindlightway.org/zen-history-blog

Uncover the true history of Zen—from its Indian roots in early Buddhism to its flowering in China and Japan. Explore Zen masters, koans, women in Zen, and the evolution of Chan, Seon, and Rinzai traditions. Based on primary sources and deep insight into Zen’s living transmission.

06/18/2025

🌀 Does the Universe Have Your Back?�
🧘 A Zen Talk on Karma, Focus & Intuition�
🗓️ Tomorrow! Thursday, June 19 | 7–8 PM ET�
📍 Livestream + in-person at 86 Joy St, Somerville�
🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJnGhWY4MNo

We all want to believe the universe is looking out for us—but is it?

Join Zen Master Sebastian Rizzon for a guided meditation, mantra practice, and an honest exploration of karma, suffering, and the search for clarity in a chaotic world.

Does the universe care what you do?Is karma real, or is it just a story we tell ourselves to make sense of life’s chaos?In this Dharma talk, Zen Master Sebas...

06/09/2025

What if your body, your thoughts, and your identity were nothing more than swirling waves in a vast ocean of energy?

What if your body, your thoughts, and your identity were nothing more than swirling waves in a vast ocean of energy?In this Dharma talk, Zen Master Sebastian...