East Asian Calligraphy Workshop with Kazuaki Tanahashi

Sensei Kazuaki Tanahashi Visits Philadelphia and Soji Zen Center

Heart of the Brush Workshop, Dharma Talk and Book Signing

Friday, November 15 | Heart of the Brush Demonstration (7:30-9 pm)

Saturday, November 16th | Workshop on East Asian Calligraphy (10 am-6 pm, with lunch break 12-2)

Sunday, November 17 | Meditation with Dharma Talk by Kaz Tanahashi (10 am-12 noon)

All three programs in Doyle Hall on the City Avenue campus of St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA

We invite you to an evening demonstration of East Asian calligraphy, a day-long calligraphy workshop, and a morning of meditation and a talk with author, scholar and peace worker Kaz Tanahashi. Please consider attending all three programs, or register individually for one or two of the components. The Saturday day-long calligraphy workshop is $85 and limited in size. Registration for the Saturday program will be closed when capacity is reached. Please use the following link to register: https://sojizencenter.com/project/weekend-with-kazuaki-tanahashi/

The Saturday workshop will be a chance to engage directly with brush practice. 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 to mindful healing in everyday life. We will also experiment with artistic interpretation and expressionistic improvisation. No previous experience is needed. Brushes, ink, color, and paper will be provided.

Participants will receive directions for parking and suggestions for nearby lunch options after registering.

Kazuaki Tanahashi, born and trained in Japan, and active in the United States, is an artist, writer, and peace worker. He is an esteemed author and translator of important texts and brings a treasured voice and scholarship to the writings of Eihei Dogen. As a painter and calligrapher, and the author of Heart of the Brush: Splendor of East Asian Calligraphy, Kaz has had solo exhibitions of his brushwork, performed, and taught worldwide.