Voice of Clear Light

Volume 14, Number 6 / December 2014

The Latin American Academy Graduates!

Participants Share Their Experiences

The 3 Doors family is proud to report the completion of another big step toward Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche's vision for our international community. The first Latin American Academy graduated in September 2014! We are pleased to introduce our new sisters and brothers and welcome them into our ongoing programs and activities.

Please celebrate with the graduates as they express their boundless enthusiasm for their community, their teachers and The 3 Doors practices.

Laura Calderon writes, "Under a deep blue sky and the magical mountains of Tepoztlán, the 26th of September, 2014, arrived. The 30 students from the Latin American 3 Doors Academy gathered to celebrate one of the most important events of our lives, our graduation ceremony and the end of a journey. During this journey we shared our joys and pains, revealed our vulnerability and discarded everything we did not need. In this way we overcame our fear and deepened our confidence to be who we really are. All of this was possible because of the strength of our inner refuge, developed through the wonderful practices of this training program.

"As the time of our graduation approached, we found ourselves breathing the joy that filled the air. From the beginning of this final retreat we felt a strengthened bond within our group, and this allowed a profound connection among us. In the words of Patricia Vigil, 'a collective space was generated that allowed us to see into each other's eyes and embrace one another from the heart, healing us individually as well as collectively.' "

The ceremony reflected our inner state of spontaneous joy, and our shared respect and cooperation. From here, we received our dear root teacher, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, who offered this beautiful invitation to take our hearts into the world: 'This is just the beginning of a commitment that takes us to the liberation of ourselves for the benefit of others.' During the two-and-a half-year journey, we were guided by our beloved mentors, Laura Shekerjian and Alejandro Chauol, who listened and supported us with warm hearts through all difficult moments, and our ever- present warrior, Kallon Basquin, who with his clear vision was a sustaining force."

Comments from the Graduates:

"The luminous ceremony of 'The Candles' and the liberation of butterflies as a symbol of transformation, were very significant to me and lie deep in my heart as a commitment to honor all The 3 Doors practitioners." – Efrain Diaz

"The celebration was unforgettable. There were incredible flowers and pre-Hispanic music that brought together the vibration of the elements to surround and purify us. The chanting touched the fibers of our hearts, and we all vibrated in unison. Afterwards came the delicious meal, Cuban music and butterflies." – Laura Calderon

"It was a festivity that came from the refuge, full of warmth, love and joy. We lived wonderful, magical moments. I will remember it as one of the most beautiful days in my life." – Marisol Bernal

"The loving company of everyone present made our graduation day an unforgettable one in which each of us could honor the fruits of these incredible two-and-a-half years. I experienced a refuge of peace that extends to all my brothers and sisters. I have a feeling of openness in my heart and an enthusiasm to continue in The 3 Doors. I am forever thankful." – Rosario Arellano

Next Steps

Now that 3 Doors Academies have graduated in the United States, Europe and Latin America—with a second United States group to graduate next spring—we are happy to announce new academies in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Please apply! Transform your life through these simple and powerful meditation methods of body, speech and mind that facilitate inner transformation and ripen the authentic expression of your unique gifts.

Applications are now open for the next U.S. Academy, which will begin in April 2015, and for the next European Academy, which will begin in June 2015.

The next Latin American Academy has just been announced for 2016; the application process will begin in 2015.