Thirteenth Annual International
Zen Calligraphy Intensive
April 1-7, 2024
Kazuaki Tanahashi
with Christine Renden Haggarty 

Please join with a community of calligraphers in the transformative practice combining brushwork, meditation and the creative process, near one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Daily activities will include meditation, readings of Zen texts, presentations on the history of East Asian calligraphy and Qigong. You will practice with formal, semi-cursive, and cursive characters as well as their artistic interpretations during studio time.  You will learn how to paint your favorite phrases, then mount your calligraphy for display. You will experiment with brushes and paper of different sizes, painting with black ink and watercolors. Kaz Sensei will work with participants to develop their own artistic names.

The intensive will be held at Mercy Center, an internationally known conference and retreat center near San Francisco Airport. A former convent on 40 acres, Mercy Center is an oasis of quiet, contemplative living.

Kazuaki Tanahashi is a world renowned calligrapher, painter, Zen scholar, author, and translator of Buddhist texts including
works by Zen Master Dogen. Also a peace activist and a Fellow of the World
Academy of Art and Science. 

To register contact Christine  at zenbrush@yahoo.com to be placed on the list of participants.  to be placed on the list of participants.  Prior to Dec. 1, 2023 (early registration) the cost is $1800 for a single room, fully inclusive of lodging, meals, tuition, and materials. After Dec. 1, 2023, the cost is $1900 fully inclusive. Deposits (half of the total fee - $900) should be received by December 1, 2023. For more information and a tentative schedule, zenbrush.net. The workshop is limited to 25 participants.

For a detailed listing of daily activities go to zenbrush.net.

Upaya Zen Center on campus Santa Fe, NM

Instructor(s): Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Roshi Enkyo O'Hara, PhD; Sensei Kaz Tanahashi

Description: Rohatsu Sesshin is an intensive, concentrated, and joyous retreat to celebrate the spiritual breakthrough of Shakyamuni Buddha along with other meditators worldwide. It is a powerful gathering of practitioners and friends who are dedicated to realizing the way. Breakthrough is a sudden and overwhelming unfolding of freedom from long-held limitations. Awakening can be a breakthrough but also an experience of each moment. We explore this paradox together.

We are grateful that Upaya’s Abbot, Roshi Joan Halifax, and Village Zendo’s Abbot, Roshi Enkyo O’Hara, along with esteemed Dogen scholar Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi will join us in exploring this spiritual breakthrough in our lives today, during this powerful annual time of intensive practice. Interviews will be offered by Sensei Shinzan Palma, Sensei Monshin Overley, Sensei Kozan Palevsky, and Sensei Noah Kodo Roen.

The retreat is in silence, with sitting and walking meditation, eating formally as a community (oryoki), daily dharma talks, private interviews with teachers, liturgy and work practice (samu). Sesshin provides a powerful container supporting the unification of body and mind, and our individuality with the community and the world.

*Special note about oryoki — in this tradition, all meals are vegan and gluten-free. We are unable to accommodate further dietary sensitivities. If your dietary sensitivities are outside of vegan and gluten-free, we suggest you consider another retreat option as we are unable to meet all dietary needs.  Thank you.

All applications are reviewed. This is the only sesshin that Roshi leads during the year. In general, she prioritizes attendance for her students and those of Roshi Enkyo, as well as people who have experience with sitting longer sesshins. We also ask that you are able to commit to sitting the entire sesshin with the community. We are not able to accommodate late comers or those who wish to leave early.

Thoughtfully consider before applying. We ask that you graciously understand if we are unable to accommodate your request to attend. If we cannot accept you at this time, please consider signing up for one of the other programs and sesshins that are offered at Upaya throughout the year.

Interviews will be offered by Sensei Kozan Palevsky, Sensei Noah Kodo Roen, Sensei Shinzan Palma, Sensei Monshin Overley, and Hoshi Fushin James Bristol. Roshi Joan will be offering Dokusan during Rohatsu. We will share how to sign up just before Rohatsu begins.

Acceptance into Rohatsu is based on an application.

Click here to complete on-line Rohatsu application.

Additionally, click here for a downloadable PDF of Guidelines of Conduct for a Practice Period/Sesshin/Rohatsu.  At the end of the Rohatsu questionnaire, you will be asked to affirm that you have read the Guidelines. Thank you.Additionally, click here for a downloadable PDF of Guidelines of Conduct for a Practice Period/Sesshin/Rohatsu.  At the end of the Rohatsu questionnaire, you will be asked to affirm that you have read the Guidelines. Thank you.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY

Should you need to cancel, please consider donating your previously made payment to Upaya.

• Balances are due October 2, for this retreat.

• Upaya retains a $50 processing fee for all cancellations prior to September 15th.

• If you cancel from September 16-October 2, Upaya retains the $100 deposit.

• If you cancel anytime from October 3-31,  50% of all fees (the tuition and housing upgrade, if applicable) is non-refundable.

• If you cancel anytime from November 1 – December 1, 100% of your tuition and housing upgrade (if applicable) is non-refundable.

We encourage trip insurance in the event a last minute situation out of your control prevents your attendance.

Tuition (Members): $675.00
Tuition (Non-Members): $750.00

For more information or help with technical questions, please email us at onlineprograms@upaya.org or call 505-986-8518 ext. 111.

Location: Biblioteca Museo Correr, Piazza San Marco, Venezia VE, Italy
Masterclass conducted by Kazuaki Tanahashi
Registrations to our masterclasses will open on April 7.

COST
The cost of each module is 350 euros per participant. Maximum 18 students. The price includes: - Invitation to the opening of the East West Calligraphy exhibition, Friday 17 November 2023. - Museum Pass to visit all the permanent collections of Civic Museums of Venice (Palazzo Ducale, Museo Correr, Ca' Rezzonico, House of Carlo Goldoni, Palazzo Mocenigo, International Gallery of Modern Art of Ca' Pesaro, Glass Museum - Murano, Lace Museum – Burano, Natural History Museum). - discount at the cafeteria of the Correr Museum and the International Gallery of Modern Art at Ca' Pesaro, from 17 to 26 November.

MATERIALS
The stationery material to be used during the workshops will be brought by the participants, who will receive in time the list of necessary materials.

CONTACT
biblioteca.correr@fmcvenezia.it
+39 041 2405211

For more information go to: https://correr.visitmuve.it/en/eventi-en/eventi-in-corso-en/events-east-west-calligraphy/2023/03/22224/events-east-west-calligraphy/

Monica Dengo, Master Western Calligrapher
Kazuaki Tanahashi, Master East Asian Calligrapher

This workshop returns to the iconic city of Venice for the last time.  The workshop is a fusion of these two calligraphic traditions in the city where Marco Polo ventured forth to explore the east.  Monica and Kaz come together again to create this life-altering inspirational workshop. Practitioners of either or both traditions are welcome, but no previous experience in those traditions is necessary to attend. All materials are included in the price of the workshop. Instruction will be given in English.

Participants will be instructed from Kaz’s book Heart of the Brush in the art form of East Asian calligraphy. Also, he will work with participants that have individual projects.

Monica using the Roman alphabet will take participants from the meaning of the letters to an asemic structure of line and form.

The workshop will take place at Palazzo Minotto in the Gaffaro section of Dorsoduro and is limited to 15 participants.

The cost of the workshop is 1050 Euros or $1120 USD based on the currency exchange in January 2023. This will be adjusted in September 2023 for a more recent conversion. This fee does not include airfare or accommodations. Early registration ends June  1, 2023 and a deposit of 1/2 of the workshop fee should be made by then. After June 1 the workshop fee is 1200 Euros.

For more detailed information and to sign up go to zenbrush.net. To ensure accurate communication send your inquiries in English.

November is the start of low season in Venice, when the weather can still be very good and accommodations are more affordable.  On the website zenbrush.net there is a listing of accommodations near the workshop site. Please check to find the current rates.

Location: Upaya Zen Center Santa Fe, NM
Instructor(s): Sensei Kaz Tanahashi

We will begin by exploring the 1700 year old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy as we look at ancient Chinese masterpieces. Then we will engage the heart of the learning and creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs in different styles. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice our own imperfections and inner criticisms that usually keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we will find ways to increase the degree of our enjoyment and serene excitement, which can be applied in everyday life. Using a variety of paper and brushes of different sizes, we will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed.

Kaz will bring brushes and paper. Kaz Tanahashi, born and trained in Japan, is an artist, writer, and peace worker, active in the U.S.A. since 1977. As a painter and calligrapher, Kaz has had solo exhibitions of his brushwork, performed, and taught worldwide. He has created a genre of one-stroke paintings and multi-color Zen circles. As a calligrapher in East Asian style, he creates works of large single ideographs.

Upaya is grateful to welcome a small number of guests for our onsite programs. We realize many wish to be here. Yet, because of our Covid policy and the delay in our building project, we must limit our numbers. If you wish to participate in an onsite program, please carefully review our Covid policy as well as our Cancellation policy.

As well, we advise early registration and your commitment to full participation in the retreat or program you will be part of.

Maximum Participants: 15
Tuition (Members): $405.00
Tuition (Non-Members): $450.00
Please check for availability by calling 505-986-8518 ext. 111 or email registrar@upaya.org.

Join Billy Collins, Natalie Goldberg, Sensei Kaz Tanahashi, Roshi Joan Halifax, Dorotea Mendoza, MH Rubin, and Lorraine A. Padden and experience the full range of haiku. Be prepared to write haiku yourself and share your work with others.

With winter at our back and the edge of spring revealing itself, we come together to explore The Way of Haiku: haiku as a practice, haiku as a teaching on the truth of impermanence, haiku as a precious vehicle guiding our attention to the present moment, haiku as a way to be time, haiku as awakening, and haiku as play. Our sessions will explore our experience of writing haiku. We will also open ourselves to the great haiku writers from the past and the present. And we will experience haiku as a gateway into the deep natural rhythms of life, death, awakening, and the great beauty and play of becoming and disappearing. We will relax, not compete, but be at ease for our time together, as we step out of the vortex of our speedy lives and meet the intimacy of connectedness that haiku can open for us. Writer Natalie Goldberg loves haiku and will share the writing and understanding of them. Sensei Kaz Tanahashi will bring us his special translations of haiku of the great masters. Roshi Joan will offer haiku from her own collection and also of women haiku poets. And special guests; Dorotea Mendoza, fiction writer, who will show us how short-short stories mirror the mind of haiku. Photographer MH Rubin will show how haiku is infused into the greatest picture taking, poet and US Poet Laureate (2001-2003), Billy Collins, joins this renowned faculty and will share his haiku and much more. Award winning haiku poet and author Lorraine A Padden will open a dialogue on how short form poetry can be an inspirational force for compassionate social action.

They will join us throughout our time to share their perspectives on haiku and its gifts to the modern world. Whether you have written haiku your whole life or are totally new to this wonderful practice, join us. In the Way of Haiku, we are all beginners, and we all need to play more!

Covid Policy

Upaya’s Covid Policy depends on the conditions of the moment. Please note that if there is a surge, we will change the policy.

Upaya is grateful to welcome a small number of guests for our onsite programs. We realize many wish to be here. Yet, because of our Covid policy and the delay in our building project, we must limit our numbers. If you wish to participate in an onsite program, please carefully review our Covid policy as well as our Cancellation policy.

As well, we advise early registration and your commitment to full participation in the retreat or program you will be part of.

We recommend that everyone get trip insurance in the event that we must cancel – we would refund fees paid to Upaya, but not other expenses. Please complete the COVID questionnaire which you may fill out here. Please see our In Person COVID Protocol here. If there are specific instructions for your program, that will be in your enrollment notice.

NOTE: Every person attending programs, residing, or sitting zazen at Upaya must be fully vaccinated and boosted within the last 6 months before arrival. We are strongly recommending the bivalent booster.

We are so grateful that Billy, Natalie, Sensei Kaz, Roshi Joan, Dorotea, Rubin, and Lorraine are enthusiastic to do this program online. At Upaya, we are deeply committed to serving you responsibly and with great care.

Maximum Participants: 17
Tuition (Members): $405.00
Tuition (Non-Members): $450.00

For more information or help with technical questions, please email us at onlineprograms@upaya.org or call 505-986-8518 ext. 111.

Location: Shambhala Mountain Center · 151 Shambhala Way, Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545

Instructor: Sensei Kaz Tanahashi

Tuition: $250 + 3 nights

Description:

Become a brush and, step by step, we will find ways to foster joy and serene excitement, both in our art and in everyday life. Experiment with artistic interpretation and spontaneous improvisation using a variety of papers and brushes.

During this contemplative retreat, we will explore the 1,700-year-old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy and engage our hearts in learning and creativity. We will faithfully copy selected ideographs in the different styles of ancient Chinese masterpieces. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice how our inner criticism keeps us from fully enjoying each moment.

Schedule:
Registration takes place from 2– 5 pm on your program start date. All participants and volunteer staff must check in at our Guest Registration house. Please arrive before 5 pm to check-in and settle into your accommodations. Your program begins with dinner, followed by an orientation. The Guest Registration house closes at 5 pm after which no one is available to provide information or orient you to your accommodations. All programs usually end at 12:30 pm on the program's departure date, followed by lunch. Further specifics regarding your program's schedule will be available upon arrival. If applicable, you will receive an email from the program coordinator in the week prior to your program with any additional information you may need.

For more information go to https://www.shambhalamountain.org
email: frontdesk@shambhalamountain.org or call 970-881-2184

Location: Upaya Zen Center Santa Fe, NM

Instructor(s): Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Roshi Enkyo O'Hara; Sensei Kaz Tanahashi

Dear friends,

We are hoping to open Upaya’s temple doors for Rohatsu Sesshin 2021. Of course, this is contingent on causes and conditions. We thank you so much for your interest in attending onsite Rohatsu. 

Since registration is limited for our onsite programs, we suggest you make an early deposit to reserve your space. In the event that we are not able to open, your deposit will be refunded or you can make it as a donation. 

We are accepting deposits from those who have previously submitted an application and have attended a prior sesshin. The deposit to cover your food and lodging is $100 (full price forthcoming). Please email or call our registrar, Roberta, to secure your spot. She can be reached at registrar@upaya.org or by calling 505-986-8518 ext 112.

If you wish to participate in Rohatsu and have not attended a prior sesshin, we ask you to fill out an application; click here. 

When we know if Rohatsu will be onsite, we will be in touch with you, after we review your application.

Because of the pandemic, plans are very fluid. We thank you for your patience, and truly hope we can welcome you onsite in 2021. And no matter what happens we will offer Rohatsu online, which you can register for separately (link forthcoming).

Rev. Joan Jiko Halifax

Abbot, Upaya Zen Center

Santa Fe, NM

www.upaya.org

Rohatsu Sesshin marks the enlightenment of the Buddha. It is a powerful gathering of practitioners and friends who are dedicated to realizing the way. Roshis Joan Halifax and Enkyo O’Hara, and Sensei Kaz Tanahashi explore the enlightenment of the Buddha, the story and its meaning in our lives today, during this powerful annual retreat.

The retreat is in silence, with sitting and walking meditation, eating formally as a community, daily dharma talks, private interviews with teachers, liturgy and samu. Sesshin provides a powerful container supporting the unification of body and mind, and our individuality with the community and the world. Roshi Joan Halifax is Abbot of Upaya Zen Center. Roshi Enkyo O’Hara is Abbot of Village Zendo, and Sensei Kaz Tanahashi is a Dogen Scholar.

Roshi Joan reviews applications. This is the only sesshin that Roshi leads during the year. In general, she prioritizes attendance for her students and those of Roshi Enkyo, as well as people who have experience with sitting longer sesshin in the past. We also ask that you are able to commit to sitting the entire sesshin with the community. We are not be able to accommodate late comers or those who wish to leave early.

*Special note about oryoki — in this tradition, all meals are vegan and gluten-free. We are unable to accommodate further dietary sensitivities. If your dietary sensitivities are outside of  vegan and gluten-free, we suggest you consider another retreat option.

Rohatsu sesshin is a wonderful experience, and it is also demanding in many ways. Thoughtfully consider before applying. We ask that you graciously understand if we are unable to accommodate your request to attend. If we cannot accept you at this time, please consider signing up for one of the other programs and sesshins that are offered at Upaya throughout the year.

LODGING FILLS QUICKLY. WE ENCOURAGE EARLY LODGING COMMITMENT.

Acceptance into Rohatsu is based on an application.

Click here to complete on-line Rohatsu application.

Additionally, click here for a downloadable PDF of Guidelines of Conduct for a Practice Period/Sesshin/Rohatsu.  At the end of the Rohatsu questionnaire, you will be asked to affirm that you have read the Guidelines. Thank you.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY (effective 7.8.15)

Should you need to cancel, please consider donating your previously made payment to Upaya.

• Balances are due October 2, for this retreat.

• Upaya retains a $50 processing fee for all cancellations prior to September 15th.

• If you cancel from September 16-October 2, Upaya retains the $100 deposit.

• If you cancel anytime from October 3-31, 50% of all fees (the tuition and housing upgrade, if applicable) is non-refundable.

• If you cancel anytime from November 1 – December 1, 100% of your tuition and housing upgrade (if applicable) is non-refundable.

We encourage trip insurance in the event a last minute situation out of your control prevents your attendance.

Registration for this event includes free dormitory lodging for all 7 nights. After registration, you'll have the option of upgrading your lodging at a discounted rate if you prefer.

20th ANNIVERSARY REDUX

Zen Brush Workshop
Instructors: Kazuaki Tanahashi, Sensei, Christine Renden Haggarty

Theme for 2021: Unity

Tentative Schedule for both days:

9-12   Start with meditation, then calligraphy practice and demonstrations.

12-1:30   Lunch/Break

1:30-4:30   Start with meditation, then calligraphy practice and demonstrations.

Cost for the two day workshop is $195, or if you want to only participate one day the cost is $120.

To register before August for the workshop, send a $110 deposit to, after August send the full amount to:
Zen Brush Workshop
10688 Grays Court*
Forestville, CA 95436

Make checks payable to Zen Brush Workshop.

Coronavirus Notice: Mandatory vaccination is required to attend the workshop. All county wide meeting requirements will be followed.

*PLEASE NOTE: For the 2019 workshop we were forced to make a last minute change to the workshop site, which I’m sorry to have caused some confusion.  I have found a place in downtown Windsor. Because our previous venues were in rural settings lunch was provided; now that we are in downtown Windsor there are many restaurants available for lunch. The price of the workshop has been reduced to reflect this change. If you want to bring your lunch there is a refrigerator available but no cooking facilities.

Cancellation:  For a cancellation request 30 days before the workshop, a cancellation fee of 25% of the total cost will be levied.  A cancellation less than 30 days before the workshop, a 25% cancellation fee will be changed, AS LONG AS WE HAVE A REPLACEMENT PARTICIPANT, otherwise a 75% cancellation fee will be charged.  Extreme circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Lodging

If you need lodging for Saturday night, there are several B & B’s in the area.  Farm House Inn and Raford Inn, tend to be on the expensive side, but are very close to the workshop site.  In Sebastopol (about 20 minutes away), there is the Sebastopol Inn and the Fairfield Inn with  more reasonable rates.  By the airport, which is about the same distance as Sebastopol only north, Hilton Garden Inn Sonoma County Airport. Camping is available at Mirabel Campgrounds and River Bend Campgrounds.  Both are near the workshop site.

Once a year Kazuaki Tanahashi, Sensei comes to Sonoma County to give a two day workshop, exploring all aspects of Asian calligraphy.  Tanahashi, Sensei is a painter, calligrapher, writer and peace activist, whose early training was in Japan. 

 Comments made from participants at previous workshops:

“Embracing failure, joy and mindfulness always worth renewal. Enriching in big and small ways. Kaz is truly a living treasure.”

“It’s always amazing that repetition of the same instructions registers differently each time.”

“The workshop is an opportunity to receive Kaz’s wealth of knowledge and caring instruction and to benefit from Christine’s generosity and organization.”

“Confronting perfectionism, a gift to my art deprived life; taking time for it.”

“Meditation, dancing with the brush, touching my heart”

“Reminders and practice to SLOW DOWN and breathe in the vastness…and to be attentive to detail!  Visual and visceral experience of sensei’s movements of brush and ink on paper is a delight.  I’m in awe.”

“I found it to be, as I had hoped, an opportunity to expand conceptually my own art.”

“Besides all the good teaching, a new respect for “dew drops” is mine!”

“Kaz has a wonderful way of teaching by example – slow and precise, but free and smiling.  Great sense of humor.”

Cancelled for Public Safety

Location: Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, Tassajara, Carmel Valley, California

Instructor(s): Kazuaki Tanahashi, Linda Hess

For information contact: www.sfzc.org/tassajara. tassrez@sfzc.org. (415) 865 1899.

Cancelled for Public Safety

Location: Upaya Zen Center Santa Fe, NM

Instructor(s): Roshi Enkyo O'Hara, Sensei Kaz Tanahashi, Matthew Kozan Palevsky

Inspired by Zen Master Dogen’s poetic essay “Dharma Blossoms Turn Dharma Blossoms,” we explore the profound meaning of the blossoming of dharma and the role of each one of us for flourishing dharma.

Sesshin literally means ‘gathering the heart/mind’. A sesshin is an intensive multi-day Zen meditation retreat with a consistent schedule that creates a deep, quiet container for practice. Each day consists of sitting (zazen) and walking (kinhin) meditation, service and chanting (liturgy), formal meals in the zendo (oryoki*), personal interviews with the teachers, work practice (samu) and physical practice. We observe Noble Silence throughout and support each other in quiet, whole-hearted practice. It is recommended, although certainly not mandatory, that you participate in at least one day-long retreat (Zazenkai or Bodhidharma) before you sit sesshin to prepare you for this very deep and intimate practice.

*Special note about oryoki — in this tradition, all meals are vegan and gluten-free. We are unable to accommodate further dietary sensitivities. If your dietary sensitivities are outside of  vegan and gluten-free, we suggest you consider another retreat option.

Click here to complete an on-line Sesshin questionnaire.  Additionally, click here for a downloadable PDF of Guidelines of Conduct for a Practice Period/Sesshin.  At the end of the Sesshin questionnaire, you will be asked to affirm that you have read the Guidelines. Thank you.

Cancelled for Public Safety

Please join us at Upaya Zen Center · Santa Fe, NM

July 10 - 26 for the JULY ZEN CIRCLE

Instructors: Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Roshi Enkyo O'Hara; Sensei Kaz Tanahashi; Steven Heine, PhD; Matthew Kozan Palevsky

The Zen Circle is a time of retreat, learning, meditation practice, participation with Upaya’s residential community in their daily schedule, and special programs within the Circle that are led by Zen teachers and/or Guiding Teachers. Each Zen Circle includes an opening night session that includes an orientation as well as meditation instruction in the morning of the first full day.

The schedule Wednesday through Friday includes daily meditation practice 3 times a day, samu (work practice) periods 4.5 hours, one meal clean up, interviews with Guiding Teachers, weekly dharma talks, and seminars.  Monday  and Tuesday are personal practice days where practitioners and residents take meals on their own and have the freedom to hike, study, do laundry, and take quiet time. Participants must sit zazen (meditate) once a day on Mondays and Tuesdays but are welcome to attend all three zazen periods.

Included are these special programs:

7/10 – 7/12: DOGEN SEMINAR: Dogen for the Western World and Beyond with Roshi Joan Halifax, Roshi Enkyo O’Hara, Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi and Steven Heine, PhD
7/14 – 7/19: SESSHIN: Dharma Blossoms with Roshi Enkyo O’Hara, Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi and Matthew Kozan Palevsky
7/24 – 7/26: CALLIGRAPHY: Heart of the Brush with Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi

For more information and to register:

Email:  registrar@upaya.org    Phone:  505-986-8518 ext. 112

https://www.upaya.org/program/july-zen-circle-2020/?id=2199

Cancelled for Public Safety

Location: Shamahala Mountain Center Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Instructor: Kazuaki Tanahashi

Become a brush and, step by step, we will find ways to foster joy and serene excitement, both in our art and in everyday life. Experiment with artistic interpretation and spontaneous improvisation using a variety of papers and brushes.

During this contemplative retreat, we will explore the 1,700-year-old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy and engage our hearts in learning and creativity. We will faithfully copy selected ideographs in the different styles of ancient Chinese masterpieces. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice how our inner criticism keeps us from fully enjoying each moment.

Program Details

Registration takes place from 2– 5 pm on your program start date. All participants and volunteer staff must check in at our Guest Registration house. Please arrive before 5 pm to check in and settle into your accommodations. Your program begins with dinner, followed by an orientation. The Guest Registration house closes at 5 pm after which no one is available to provide information or orient you to your accommodations. All programs usually end at 12:30 pm on the program's departure date, followed by lunch. Further specifics regarding your program's schedule will be available upon arrival. If applicable, you will receive an email from the program coordinator in the week prior to your program with any additional information you may need.

For information: www.shambhalamountain.org.  callcenter@shambhalamountain.org. (888) 788-7221.

Location: Tai Chi Center of Madison 301 S Bedford St #219 Madison, Wisconsin

Dates: Friday May 29th, 7:00-8:30 pm, Saturday May 31st 9:30-4:30 (lunch included) and Sunday May 31st 9:30-3:00 (lunch included)

Become introduced to shodō, or the Way of the Brush, with master calligrapher, teacher, and Zen scholar, Kazuaki Tanahashi.

No previous experience in meditation or brushwork is necessary to join this workshop. It is appropriate for all levels of experience.

In this workshop you will learn the basic skills of brushwork as you practice copying ideographs from ancient Chinese masterpieces (the traditional way of studying brush calligraphy). You will also interpret these works and develop awareness in the moment while exploring how presence with the brush works in our heart, our mind, and our environs.

Kazuaki Tanahashi is an artist, calligrapher, Zen scholar, and peace and environmental activist. A Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, he has had solo exhibitions of his brushwork around the world. The author of many books, he is a treasured translator of Dōgen - the founder of Soto Zen. His books include Dōgen’s Treasury of the True Dharma Eye: Zen Master Dōgen's Shobo Genzo, Moon in a Dewdrop, Heart of the Brush: The Splendor of East Asian Calligraphy, Sky Above, Great Wind: The Life and Poetry of Zen Master Ryokan, The Heart Sutra: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic of Mahayana Buddhism, and Brush Mind.

The fee is $215 for three days (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday days.) The price includes all materials and Saturday and Sunday lunch. No previous experience in meditation or brushwork is necessary.

Kaz will also offer an advanced workshop on Ryokan’s calligraphy, Thursday May 28th into the afternoon of Friday, May 29th. For this workshop you do not need to consider yourself advanced, but previous experience with the brush and the brush strokes is assumed. Students with experience with the brush are invited to register for both workshops.

Kaz’s calligraphy will be for sale at special workshop prices for students.

For further information or to register, please email kaztanahashimadison@gmail.com

Location: Tai Chi Center of Madison 301 S Bedford St #219 Madison, Wisconsin

Dates: Thursday, May 28 2020 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Friday, May 29 2020: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Kazuaki Tanahashi the calligraphy of Zen Master Ryokan an advanced workshop on the calligraphy of 18th century Zen poet monk Ryokan.

Ryokan is considered, along with Dogen and Hakuin, one of the three giants of Zen in Japan. He is
now seen as one of the greatest poets of his period and was from his time recognized as a master calligrapher. Kaz will teach from Ryokan’s calligraphy of poems in Japanese cursive hiragana - the script of classical poetry - that Kaz has translated in Sky Above, Great Wind: The Life and Poetry of Zen Master Ryokan. We will also have the opportunity to practice sutra copying, a Zen meditative practice, with Ryokan’s brushing of the Heart Sutra in Chinese ideographs as our guide. As Kaz is also the author of The Heart Sutra: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic of Mahayana Buddhism, it will be a remarkable opportunity to study closely with the beloved Zen calligrapher, artist, peace activist, and scholar, Kaz Tanahashi.

The author of many books, Kaz is a treasured translator of Dogen - the founder of Soto Zen, and a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. His other books include Dogen’s Treasury of the True Dharma Eye, Moon in a Dewdrop, Heart of the Brush, Brush Mind and Painting Peace.

The fee for the two-day class is $185. The price includes supplies for sutra copying and other art materials (though participants may bring their own), and Friday lunch. Experience with the brush and knowledge of the basic strokes is assumed.

Kaz’s calligraphy and books will be for sale at workshop prices for students.

For further information or to register, please email kaztanahashimadison@gmail.com

Would you like to extend your study?

All participants can also register for the weekend workshop, Heart of the Brush, and with Kaz’s input continue studying Ryokan, working on their own project, or simply follow Kaz’s curriculum for Heart of the Brush.

Location: Zen Mountain Monastery Mt. Tremper, New York

Instructor: Kazuaki Tanahashi

The practice of calligraphy teaches us that anyone can be creative. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced calligrapher, any one of you can expand your creativity and enjoy making artwork. You can apply your creativity in your daily activity, whether you are a student, teacher, parent, scientist, or artist.

We will begin by exploring the 1700 year old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy as we look at ancient Chinese masterpieces. Then we will engage the heart of the learning and creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs in different styles. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice our own imperfections and inner criticisms that usually keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we will find ways to increase the degree of our enjoyment and serene excitement, which can be applied in everyday life. Using a variety of paper and brushes of different sizes, we will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed. Kaz will bring brushes and paper.

• $350.00 – Program Price

• $315.00 – *Practicing Member Price

• $250.00 – **MRO Student Price

CONTACT:
ZMM Registrar
registrar@mro.org
(845) 688-2228

Please don’t let financial issues prevent you from attending a program at the Monastery. If you can’t afford the program fee, there are options. 

Location: Upaya Zen Center Santa Fe, NM
Instructor(s): Sensei Kaz Tanahashi

The practice of calligraphy teaches us that anyone can be creative. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced calligrapher, any one of you can expand your creativity and enjoy making artwork. You can apply your creativity in your daily activity, whether you are a student, teacher, parent, scientist, or artist.

We will begin by exploring the 1700 year old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy as we look at ancient Chinese masterpieces. Then we will engage the heart of the learning and creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs in different styles. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice our own imperfections and inner criticisms that usually keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we will find ways to increase the degree of our enjoyment and serene excitement, which can be applied in everyday life. Using a variety of paper and brushes of different sizes, we will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed.

Kaz will bring brushes and paper. Kaz Tanahashi, born and trained in Japan, is an artist, writer, and peace worker, active in U.S.A. since 1977. As a painter and calligrapher, Kaz has had solo exhibitions of his brushwork, performed, and taught worldwide. He has created a genre of one-stroke paintings and multi-color Zen circles. As a calligrapher in East Asian style, he creates works of large single ideographs.

Maximum Participants: 35
Tuition (Members): $295.00
Tuition (Non-Members): $325.00
More details: Plus Lodging. Dana to teacher and residents. 

Lodging: Your tuition does not include lodging. Your first choice of lodging may not be available. Please check for availability by calling 505-986-8518 ext. 112 or email registrar@upaya.org.

If you wish to stay on the Upaya campus, the following options are available:

• Dorm $70 per night

• Double $95 per night

Location: Upaya Zen Center Santa Fe, NM

Instructor(s): Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Sensei Kaz Tanahashi; Natalie Goldberg; Clark Strand

Matsuo Bashō has inspired the world of Haiku for over 300 years. In l689, Bashō walked Japan’s Northern Interior, recording the essential and transient nature of what he encountered. This path was also a metaphoric trail into the strong desire to wander and the eternal question of human and divine. Like Bashō, we will bring his practice of awareness into our present day through walking, meditation, and haiku-writing.

いざさらば雪見にころぶ所迄 iza saraba / yukimi ni korobu / tokoromade
now then, let’s go out / to enjoy the snow … until / I slip and fall! [1688]

Bashō’s view of the world has reached far and wide—from Hiroshige’s prints in the late 1800s, to the Beat poets of the 1950s, to the online Haiku journals of today. Take the journey into the deep north with poets, Zen Buddhists, and writers to guide you: Natalie Goldberg, Sensei Kaz Tanahashi, Clark Strand, and Roshi Joan Halifax.

Required Reading:

In preparation for the retreat and in order to enrich our time at Upaya, please read Basho’s, The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Other Travel Sketches, by Matsuo Bashō and translated by Nobuyuki Yuasa, (Penguin Classic), a journal in the haibun style, linking prose and poetry.

Recommended Reading:

*Basho: The Complete Haiku by Matsuo Bashō (Author), Shiro Tsujimura (Illustrator), Jane Reichhold (Translator). It’s a hardcover, but there are used copies on line for the price of a paperback).

*Basho and his Interpreters: Selected Hokku with Commentary by Bashō Matsuo (Author), Makoto Ueda (Editor/Translator). It’s a hardcover, but there are used copies on line for the price of a paperback).

Maximum Participants: 70
Tuition (Members): $370.00
Tuition (Non-Members): $410.00
More details: Plus Lodging. Dana to teachers and residents. 

Lodging: Your tuition does not include lodging. Your first choice of lodging may not be available. Please check for availability by calling 505-986-8518 ext. 112 or email registrar@upaya.org.

If you wish to stay on the Upaya campus, the following options are available:

• Dorm $70 per night

• Double $95 per night

  
  

Location: Upaya Zen Center, Santa Fe, NM

ROHATSU: Authentic Practice

Instructor(s): Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD; Roshi Enkyo O'Hara; Sensei Kaz Tanahashi

Rohatsu Sesshin marks the enlightenment of the Buddha. It is a powerful gathering of practitioners and friends who are dedicated to realizing the way. Roshis Joan Halifax and Enkyo O’Hara, and Sensei Kaz Tanahashi explore the enlightenment of the Buddha, the story and its meaning in our lives today, during this powerful annual retreat.

The retreat is in silence, with sitting and walking meditation, eating formally as a community, daily dharma talks, private interviews with teachers, liturgy and samu. Sesshin provides a powerful container supporting the unification of body and mind, and our individuality with the community and the world. Roshi Joan Halifax is Abbot of Upaya Zen Center. Roshi Enkyo O’Hara is Abbot of Village Zendo, and Sensei Kaz Tanahashi is a Dogen Scholar.

Roshi Joan reviews applications. This is the only sesshin that Roshi leads during the year. In general, she prioritizes attendance for her students and those of Roshi Enkyo, as well as people who have experience with sitting longer sesshin in the past. We also ask that you are able to commit to sitting the entire sesshin with the community. We are not be able to accommodate late comers or those who wish to leave early.

*Special note about oryoki — in this tradition, all meals are vegan and gluten-free. We are unable to accommodate further dietary sensitivities. If your dietary sensitivities are outside of  vegan and gluten-free, we suggest you consider another retreat option.

Rohatsu sesshin is a wonderful experience, and it is also demanding in many ways. Thoughtfully consider before applying. We ask that you graciously understand if we are unable to accommodate your request to attend. If we cannot accept you at this time, please consider signing up for one of the other programs and sesshins that are offered at Upaya throughout the year.

LODGING FILLS QUICKLY. WE ENCOURAGE EARLY LODGING COMMITMENT.

Acceptance into Rohatsu is based on an application.

Click here to complete on-line Rohatsu application.

For information: www.upaya.org. upaya@upaya.org. (505) 986-8518.

The practice of calligraphy teaches us that anyone can be creative. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced calligrapher, any one of you can expand your creativity and enjoy making artwork. You can apply your creativity in your daily activity, whether you are a student, teacher, parent, scientist, or artist.

We will begin by exploring the 1700 year old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy as we look at ancient Chinese masterpieces. Then we will engage the heart of the learning and creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs in different styles. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice our own imperfections and inner criticisms that usually keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we will find ways to increase the degree of our enjoyment and serene excitement, which can be applied in everyday life. Using a variety of paper and brushes of different sizes, we will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed.

For information: +43 699 14791212

The practice of calligraphy teaches us that anyone can be creative. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced calligrapher, any one of you can expand your creativity and enjoy making artwork. You can apply your creativity in your daily activity, whether you are a student, teacher, parent, scientist, or artist.

We will begin by exploring the 1700 year old wisdom of East Asian calligraphy as we look at ancient Chinese masterpieces. Then we will engage the heart of the learning and creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs in different styles. While practicing basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork, we will notice our own imperfections and inner criticisms that usually keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we will find ways to increase the degree of our enjoyment and serene excitement, which can be applied in everyday life. Using a variety of paper and brushes of different sizes, we will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed.

Location: Ho Sen Dojo, Antwerp, Belgium

https://zenantwerpen.be/event/brush-mind-2/

For information: Luc De Winter, info@zenantwerpen.be  Telephone: +32 487 644 282

Clarifying the mind through exploring the foundations of Zen calligraphy and creative brushwork

In the first part of the workshop, we will explore the wisdom of 1,700-year-old East Asian calligraphy by examining ancient Chinese masterpieces, learning the ancient creative process by faithfully copying selected ideographs of different styles. In second part, participants will experiment with artistic interpretations and expressionistic improvisations, using a variety of paper, ink, watercolor, and brushes of different sizes. No previous experience is needed. Brushes, paint, and paper are provided.

 Learning the basic aesthetics and techniques of brushwork gives students the opportunity to observe the mind, noticing how inner criticisms can keep us from fully enjoying each moment. Step by step, we learn to set aside our judging mind while increasing our enjoyment and serenity, a practice which can be applied in everyday life.

 Kazuaki Tanahashi (b. 1933) is a renowned Japanese artist, writer, and peace worker who work is acclaimed internationally in exhibitions, performances, retreats, and workshops. He is the author and translator of eighteen books on Zen Buddhism and Calligraphy, most recently Painting Peace: Art in a Time of Global Crisis and Heart of the Brush: The Splendor of East Asian Calligraphy, both published by Shambhala Publications. (www.brushmind.net)

 To register, email Antje Mac Lean at antje.maclean@t-online.de.

For more information in English, contact Petra Rheinwalt at rheinwalt@gmx.net.

Workshop Details:

 Please bring a paper weight (like a heavy stone) to keep paper from moving during calligraphy.

 Location: Seminarhaus S1516, Schönholzer Str. 16, 10115 Berlin-Mitte, www.s1516.de

 
Schedule:

Friday 2-6 pm Introduction and first exercises

Saturday 10 am – 6 pm Presentations and exercises

Sunday 10 am - 2 pm working with bigger brushes and final round

 
Cost: 190,00 EUR (reduction in special cases possible).

Languages: English, with translation into German on request.

According to legend, Emperor Wu wanted a calligraphy text for his son to study and asked Zhou Xing (470-521 CE), to cre. ate a 1000-character verse - with no character repeating - from the brushwork of Wang Xizhi, the Master of Chinese calligraphy. Zhi Yong (~580 CE), known as the Calligraphy Monk, later brushed 800 copies of Zhou’s 1000 Character text in side-by-side formal and cursive script and donated them to monasteries in his region. For centuries 1000 Characters was the basic literacy text in China, and Zhi Yong’s version was the most studied.

In this workshop Kaz will take us deeper into formal and cursive script through the study of Zhi Yong’s style. Workshop participants will have the option of closely studying Zhi Yong’s calligraphy, bringing their own calligraphy project to work on, or combining the two.

For information: www.petra-hinterthuer.de; qigong@petra-hinterhuer.de. Telephone: +49 40 856564

For information: www.petra-hinterthuer.de; qigong@petra-hinterhuer.de. Telephone: +49 40 856564

For information: www.petra-hinterthuer.de; qigong@petra-hinterhuer.de. Telephone: +49 40 856564