01
THE FILM
Zen Is Now reveals the global connectedness of a community bound by having a single question:
"What am I?"
In the modern era of technology, political tension, and dwindling humanness, this documentary delves into how people find Zen practice in the first place and what keeps them motivated to continue practicing. It explores how people from all backgrounds resonate with this ancient tradition and why Zen Master Seung Sahn's teaching stands out. With a practice that is embedded in monastic roots and a long history of strict rituals, the film reveals the modern day Zen practitioner that embodies a diverse demographic, including both Monastics and lay people, and all the excitement and struggles involved.
02
KWAN UM
Despite people's native language, background, religious beliefs, sex, or orientation, the practice is the same.
When people met Zen Master Seung Sahn, they were surprised by what they learned – not only about his embodiment of the practice, but about his intent on bringing world peace. There's the generation that met Zen Master Seung Sahn and became his students. Many of them are older and have become teachers themselves, and they will be passing along the teaching that was handed down directly from him. This raises the importance of finishing this project NOW as a means to preserve the 1st generation of teaching from Zen Master Seung Sahn's students.
03
THE MISSION
Help this world, help all beings.
The film is driven by the intent to benefit those interested in learning more, and those that are already steeped in the practice. With the mixture of intimate interviews alongside how the practice plays out in people's lives, we see that people are using Zen to explore and connect, which can ultimately help themselves, help this world and help all beings.
With your support, we can get to these locations, document these projects and capture the international connectedness of Kwan Um. With your contribution, the film can be edited and completed and shared throughout the global community.