The Heart of Zen (source: The Heart of Zen)
Frederick Marx, the Academy and Emmy-nominated filmmaker and founder of Warrior Films, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, has launched his new weekly meditation program, The Heart of Zen, extending his lifelong mission of helping people reduce suffering. Held every Monday at 6:00 PM at the historic Carnegie Library in Auburn, California. With guided meditations, Buddhist teachings, and open dialogue, The Heart of Zen is free and now welcomes all.
Marx, an independent filmmaker and author for over four decades, has been publicly known for his humanist approach to storytelling. His body of work, spanning documentaries, features, and books, including Rites to a Good Life and At Death Do Us Part, reflects a deep concern for human connection and resilience. From Hoop Dreams to Journey from Zanskar, which is a story of monks working with young children to preserve Tibetan culture, his films have long carried the spirit of Buddhism. Even before The Heart of Zen, Marx’s beliefs and teachings have always been encoded within his projects, making The Heart of Zen the natural evolution of that same pursuit.
Ordained as a Rinzai Zen priest in 2017, the idea for The Heart of Zen first took shape decades earlier, not long after Marx began Buddhist practice and study. “Thirty-seven years ago, while chanting one morning, I envisioned myself in my later years, teaching dharma,” Marx recalls. “Lately, as I’ve noticed how many people were struggling with increased anxiety and stress, I thought, ‘Now is the time to do it.’”
During the sessions, participants meditate together before Marx delivers a public discourse and personal reflections that resonate with daily life. Members then share their own experiences and explore the offerings of the practice. He shares, “I always lead with my personal experience; what has helped me reduce suffering. I’m not lecturing but sharing my own life and learnings.”
The program’s foundation is rooted in what the Buddha called the three marks of existence: there’s no escape from suffering (dukkha), everything perpetually changes (anicca), and our sense of separate ego-self is an illusion (anatta). These fundamental ideas have informed his undogmatic and non-sectarian approach to evoke relief, healing, and awakening.
Marx envisions The Heart of Zen as a place where he can walk alongside others on a shared path of restoration and healing. “I’m not a guru or some enlightened being,” he says. “I’m just someone who has used this path to reduce my own suffering. It’s been helpful for me, and I want to share what I’ve learned, in the hope it will help others.”
As distraction, burnout, and stress become ubiquitous, The Heart of Zen offers a quiet space to slow down, reflect, and connect. This launch marks the continuation of Marx's professional work, helping people see themselves and the world with greater understanding. The program holds space for anyone seeking solace from the burdens of everyday life. He says, “As the Dalai Lama himself has said, ‘The world doesn’t need more Buddhists. What the world needs is kindness.’”
To further accelerate Marx's mission of uplifting underserved communities and supporting Warrior Films’ ongoing work, donations are always gratefully accepted.
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