Michael has been a practicing Buddhist since 1968. He began with zen studies at that time and later under the guidance of Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, with further studies under Khenpo Tsultrim Gyatso and H.E. Khandro Rinpoche. Michael received authorization as a meditation instructor in 1986. He was a co-founder of Shambhala Publications in 1969, and presently continues as a private rare book and fine art dealer.