Shakyamuni Buddha’s teachings provide the foundation for all lineages of Buddhism. Zen Buddhism is an amalgamation of teachings from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism that took place in China around the Sixth Century C.E. It is widely believed that Buddhism was introduced to China during the Han period (206 BC-220 AD), by a South Indian monk named Bodhidharma who is considered the First Zen Ancestor. Bodhidharma also is the 28th Dharma successor of Shakyamuni Buddha. Zen places particular emphasis on zazen, or meditation, working with a recognized teacher, and belonging to a sangha, or community, of people following the Buddha’s teachings.

The lineage of Zen teachers begins with Mahakasyapa, the first successor of Buddha and continues to the present time with Jiyu Sensei at the Vista Zen Center. Jiyu Sensei studied with a Japanese teacher, Taizan Maezumi Roshi, who received transmission from both the Soto and Rinzai lineages in Japan. Jiyu Sensei begain his studies with Maezumi Roshi in 1985 and continued working with him until his passing in 1995. At that time Jiyu Sensei became a student of Nicolee Jikyo McMahon Roshi. Jikyo Roshi had already finished her studies with Maezumi Roshi and had received Dharma Transmission from him. At this point Jikyo Roshi was recognized as a fully qualified teacher with the right to have students of her own.

Jiyu Sensei took Tokudo and was ordained as a Zen Priest as part of his studies with Jikyo Roshi. He completed his studies with her to become a teacher (Sensei) and full priest in 2003 when he went through the Denbo and Denkai ceremonies.

Maezumi Roshi has twelve Dharma Successors who live and teach throughout the United States, Europe, and Mexico. Jikyo Roshi currently has four Dharma successors who live in New Jersey, Illinois, and California.Those who have received transmission from Maezumi Roshi and his successors are known collectively as the White Plum Asanga.