On an unassuming New York night, a young Hector Marcel walked into the wrong party — or perhaps the right one, depending on how you look at it. Dressed and ready to join a friend’s housewarming, he stumbled into a different celebration just a few floors below. That was Three Jewels, a gathering that was to steer his life’s course in ways he never imagined. Born in Argentina amidst poverty, Hector moved continents to Australia at the age of 10, and then to New York City where he met his Teacher, international best selling author and buddhist scholar Geshe Michael Roach.
“Even though I was quite jaded in my mid twenties, once I understood the implications of the concepts of Karma and Emptiness, my mind was hooked, “Marcel recollects his first insights; “these ideas are so radical and applicable to the human condition that I felt compelled to dedicate my life to understanding and sharing these teachings.”
Fast forward 27 years, Hector is now the President of Three Jewels, a non-profit organization born out of these ancient teachings. The center finds its roots in the Gelug lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the same lineage as the Dalai Lamas, offering ancient practices that cut to the core of human suffering. “The main problem we all face is never being satisfied,” Hector says, echoing Buddhist philosophies as well as modern psychology. “Three Jewels offers authentic, time-tested practices like meditation, yoga philosophy, and community connection to help anyone, no matter their background.”
Situated in the heart of the East Village, Three Jewels isn’t just a yoga and meditation studio; it’s a sanctuary where authenticity and community thrive. Hector and his team operate from their base in New York, delivering compelling workshops, trainings, classes, and courses aimed at maximizing untapped human potential. “Our work utilizes proven techniques to hack the code of the human mind to enable excellence for individuals and teams,” he adds. Each year, the organization generously awards over $100,000 in scholarships with the aim to equalize access to wellness, with the support of large brands donating to their scholarship programs.
A staggering 61% of the operations at Three Jewels are managed by volunteers, fostering a nurturing community that extends its reach globally. “We have an international community that reaches places like Germany and Romania,” Hector shares. Targeting a wide audience ranging from pragmatic Gen Z to corporate executives, Three Jewels seeks to invoke “extraordinary realizations” in everyone.
So why should you care? Because Three Jewels isn’t about profits; it’s about people. “We are interested in making yoga and meditation accessible, digestible, and applicable,” Hector elucidates. “At Three Jewels, you’ll find a unique and special quality of teachings and a stunning community.”
With 60% of its services accessible free or by donation, the organization welcomes all to experience the transformation Hector himself underwent in the 1990’s. It’s not merely a place but a movement, inviting anyone interested in learning how to feel better, how to be happy, and love unconditionally.
In a world chasing ephemeral highs, Hector Marcel and Three Jewels offer a refuge for those seeking something more profound. Whether you stumble upon it by accident, like Hector, or arrive there through intentional search, you’ll find that Three Jewels illuminates not just minds but hearts, inviting you to see your limitless potential.
For more information on Three Jewels and their initiatives, you can visit their website.
