Kazuaki Tanahashi

Kazuaki Tanahashi, born in Japan and active in the United States since 1977, is an artist, writer, Zen teacher and worker for peace and the environment. He is a Fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science.

As a painter, Tanahashi is the pioneer of the genre of "one stroke painting" as well as the creator of multi-color Ensos (Zen circles). As a calligrapher, he creates large single-ideograph pieces. His brushwork has been shown in solo exhibitions in galleries, museums, and universities all over the world.

Published works by Tanahashi include Brush Mind, Penetrating Laughter: Hakuin’s Zen and Art, and Lotus. Since 1960, he has dedicated much of his life to translating Zen master Dōgen’s writings, in such books as Moon in a Dewdrop and Treasury of the True Dharma Eye (June,2011). The Shambhala Publications review of this book states that “this monumental work, considered one of the most profound expressions of Zen wisdom ever put on paper, and also the most outstanding literary and philosophical work of Japan, is a collection of essays by Eihei Dōgen, founder of Zen’s Soto school. Kazuaki Tanahashi and a team of translators have produced a translation of this great work that combines accuracy with a deep understanding of Dogen’s voice and literary gifts.” His book Sky Above, Great Wind: Poems and Calligraphy by Zen Master Ryōkan is in progress.