Brian Callahan

Brian began studying Buddhism in 1972 while also studying for ordination as a Catholic priest. Ordained in 1981, Brian resigned from ministry in 1985 when he became a Buddhist. He joined the Shambhala community in 1986, received transmission from the Vajra Regent in 1988, and received Vajrayogini Abhisheka from Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche in 1994.

Brian completed the Söpa Choling 3-year retreat in 2003. Pema Chodron and the monastic council invited him to stay on at Gampo Abbey and serve as the Abbey’s executive director. Brian held that post until March of 2005. Since then he has taught Vajrayana and Shambhala training programs in both the United States and Canada.

Brian retired in 2016 from a career in management consulting and non-profit leadership. Since then he has published several books focused on bringing the lives and biographies of spiritual heroes alive in today’s language. He is currently working on a 3-volume biography of Padmasambhava.