It is a timely and synergistic mix of Western (Jazz) and Eastern (Zen) traditions. When combined within a single philosophy, they provide a foundation for personal meditation through the practice of improvised, freeform artistic creation ... based on music, drawing, painting, choreography, writing, acting, sculpture, architecture, photography — virtually any form of physical art.

And this inclusive practice is intended for, and works for, every level of creative — from curious beginner and amateur artisan, to part-time enthusiast and accomplished professional. But to be clear, when it comes to music (or any other art form), JazzZen does not teach you how to be an artist — you already are one, even if you don't know it yet.

Instead — it teaches you how your inherent artistic perspective, mind-set, and imagination (as well as your spirit) can be enriched by blending meditation and a progressive Zen discipline — into the routine of your creative pursuits.

Ultimately, JazzZen (in its broadest context) nurtures a process that brings us a clear break from the common, everyday challenges of our modern lives, while linking us — as enlightened artists — with the very real world around us.

Let me start by wishing you peace, joy and happiness wherever and whoever you are at this moment in time. Speaking of time — all of us struggle at one time or another to attain harmony with our ever-changing, often-demanding, and increasingly-artificial world.

If you're a creative spirit (and I believe we all are), please join us at one of our Global Retreats or Jazz Festival Seminars where you'll be inspired by fellow creatives — who wish to struggle a little less, and treasure life a great deal more — through the practice of JazzZen.

Daniel Dante
Zen Arts Master

JazzZen Retreats are held four times a year between October and March. Venues change from year to year. Dates and locations for coming Retreats are listed below in the Dates & Locations section. Options for Retreat accommodations — either at the Retreat venue or in the surrounding vacinity — are offered when registering.

Each Retreat is held over a period of 7 days. The first and last days are used primarily for an orientation on the first day (usually on a Sunday) and a farewell wrap-up on the final day (usually on a Saturday). During the five days in between, there is a morning session and an afternoon session each day.

The number of participants in every Retreat is limited to 30 to allow for individual attention to be given to each participant throughout the Retreat, especially during Workshops (on Day 3) and Personal Counselling (on Day 5).

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

 DAY 1 (Sunday) — Welcome and Orientation. Participants can arrive at the venue and/or their accommodations in the local area, at any time during the day. There is a social dinner in the evening followed by a JazzZen music performance.

 DAY 2 (Monday) — An introductory presentation, to the practice of JazzZen and its foundational Zen-based philosophy, is the primary activity during this first full-time day.

 DAY 3 (Tuesday) — A review of JazzZen practices in an interactive workshop environment occupies most of the third day of the Retreat. Participants are welcome to bring instruments for playing music, drawing and/or painting, photography or sculpting, or any other resources that they have that may be used in their JazzZen-based meditation and artistic creativity.

 DAY 4 (Wednesday) — The primary purpose of Day 4 is to introduce all participants to various Zen-Art forms that may be used in future JazzZen practice — for example through the art of music, drawing, painting, sculpting, photography or writing.

 DAY 5 (Thursday) — The fifth day provides private time for individual JazzZen practice, supported by personal counselling and guidance from Daniel Dante, the Retreat Host.

 DAY 6 (Friday) — A final review of various approaches to JazzZen practice with a short review of related philosophies, followed by an informal graduation ceremony during which all participants will receive the ''double tigers eye'', which commemorates their partcipation in the Retreat and their lifetime membership in the JazzZen Foundation. In the evening, anyone, who so wishes, may perform at the graduation concert.

 DAY 7 (Saturday) — The morning starts with a half-hour Zazen-style meditation to background music played on a ''Shakuhachi'' (Japanese flute). This is followed by a farewell breakfast. Participants, who are staying at the Retreat venue are welcome to retain access to their accommodations until early afternoon.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Registration for each Retreat opens 3 months before the first day of the Retreat. To register, go to the Dates & Locations section below. To start the registration process, press the green button below the Retreat description. Red buttons indicate that the retreat on that particular date is full, however a waitlist is available for those that are interested.

The admission fee for each Retreat is US$200, which can be paid online during registration. Accommodation and food costs vary depending on the venue and can be arranged personally or through The JazzZen Foundation when registering.


JAZZZEN FESTIVAL SEMINARS

In addition to the 4 Global Retreats that are offered each year, The JazzZen Foundation also holds half-day Seminars at 7 internationally-recognized jazz festivals — in Asia, North Africa, Europe, and North America — between April and September each year.

For more information visit www.jazzzen.live

Your seminar host, Daniel Dante says that ''Teaching should be centered on the belief that every student is different and follows a unique pathway to enlightened learning''. This is the core, fundamental premise of Dante's philosophy — used for more than four decades, while living (and mentoring his students) in virtually every corner of the world. And this approach applies just as much to his Zen Arts teaching as it applies to the guidance he offers at each JazzZen Festival Seminar.

Dante's personal artistic path has been dedicated to jazz guitar, writing, photography and craftsmanship enhanced by a long-time, devout following of Zen-influenced artists like Frederick Franck (drawing), Masatoshi Izumi (sculpture), David Ulrich (photography), Victor Wooten (music), and Tōta Kaneko (writing).

OCTOBER 8 - 14

Kamogawa, Chiba, Japan   map
Kamogawa is a city on the Bōsō Peninsula, southeast of Tokyo. Kamogawa Sea World has huge aquariums, with dolphin and sea lion shows. Maebara Beach is backed by a palm-lined promenade. Rowboats link the fishing village of Futomi with tiny Niemon Island, home to haiku-inscribed tablets. To the east, a mountain trail leads to 8th-century Seicho-ji Temple.

Registration Status:  FULL  

NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India   map
Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s set in an area of granite cliffs, forested valleys, lakes, waterfalls and grassy hills. At 2,000 meters above sea level, the town centers around man-made, star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake, bordered by evergreen forest. Rowing boats can be hired, and hikers and cyclists follow the 5k Lake Road path around the shore.

Registration Status:  OPEN  

FEBRUARY 1 - 6

Marrakesh, Morocco   map
Marrakesh, a former imperial city in western Morocco, is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery and jewelry. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque.

Registration Status:  NOT CONFIRMED  

MARCH 27 - APRIL 3

Salt Spring Island, BC, Canada   map
Salt Spring Island is the largest and most populous of the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia. Known for its vibrant arts community, organic farms, and relaxed atmosphere, the 180-square-kilometer island has a year-round population of roughly 11,000 residents between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

Registration Status:  OPEN  

Contact us by using the e-mail address: efil.nezzzaj@ofni or use the following e-mail form for General Inquiries, Seminar Registration, and Global Retreat Enrollment.