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

“Join us in the intimate and creative study of calligraphy in an unspeakably beautiful and spiritual setting.” - Kaz

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 activitist and a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science.

Artist, calligrapher and peace activist Kazuaki Tanahashi responds to the seemingly continuous threat of war and environmental devastation by daring to envision that a Great Peace can still sweep across the world as a brushstroke that expresses humanity’s true heart.

— Peter Levitt

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.

Click on Video Below (arrow) >

Participants of the 2022 Intensive

Christine Renden Haggarty is a Zen practitioner, artist and instructor who lives in Northern California. For over 20 years she has been practicing East Asian calligraphy and has studied with several Asian masters. For more information about Christine go to www.zenbrush.net

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.


Comments from participants

Putting the book together

Putting the book together

Room

Room

Daily Qigong

Daily Qigong

 “This experience shall remain with me all my life likely in ways I can’t yet predict or expect.”

“The best part was the generosity of knowledge, assistance and community”

“Kaz seems to be able to address all levels.  Nice balance of formal instruction and creative exploration.”

“The wet mounting is an important help in completing the creative process.”

“Lunch or dinner with Kaz was a very special feature.”

“I really liked all the films that were shown, which enriched the experience and brought in another mode of related subject matter”

“The best part was when Kaz Sensei took my hand to do the calligraphy.  For me it was the best way to understand, considering I’m a right side of the brain person.”

“This retreat included special events and perks not included in other ones I’ve attended.  Loved the wet mounting and making a book of my artwork”

“Overall it was an extraordinary experience.  Being cared for in the instruction and a wonderful blend of activities that kept the energy alive and the creativity flowing.”

 Learn how to wet mount

 Learn how to wet mount

The Grounds

The Grounds

Walk the Labyrinth

Walk the Labyrinth

Field Trip to Kaz’s Studio

Field Trip to Kaz’s Studio

Zendo

Zendo

Studio

Studio