Michael Callahan, a.k.a. Sansen Jikiraku, is a wayward practitioner of Soto Zen, once again coming face-to-face with the zafu (no, not using his cushion as a pillow during zazen). He is co-editor of The Abolitionist, a prisoner/community newspaper published by Critical Resistance, and organizes locally to transform the root causes of state and interpersonal violence. He believes a radically different world—one without prisons and oppression—is possible, and that no one is free unless we’re all free. He believes that we can transform one another, become whole, and create communities where people are safe, self-determined, and able to realize their true nature.

Michael was born in Hartford, Connecticut, has traveled extensively, and currently lives in a collective house in East Oakland. He is a student of the beautiful game (futbol) and loves to read, write, study, cook, walk amongst mountains and rivers, listen to music, and spend time with friends and family. 

michael@bpf.org

510-655-6169 ext. 307

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