Marzena Ryonen Rey Roshi founded the Zen Sangha Mainz in 1990. She startetd her Zen training in 1987 with Hakuyu Taizan Maezumi Roshi, at that time Abbot of the Zen Center of Los Angeles and founder of the White Plum Asangha. She continued her dharma practice with Nicolee Jikyo McMahon Roshi, founder of the Three Treasure Zen Community in San Diego. Marzena Ryonen Rey Roshi was ordained by Nicolee Jikyo McMahon in 1999. In 2014 she recieved dharma transmissionfrom Jikyo Roshi, and Inka (the Final Seal of Approval) in 2022.
Since Maezumi Roshis died in 1995 she studied with various Zen Masters of the White Plum Asangha, such as Catherine Genno Pagès Roshi, Genpo Merzel Roshi and Bernhard Tetsugen Glassman Roshi.
She is also a Member of the Zen Peacemaker Order, foudned by Bernhard Tetsugen Glassman Roshi.