Abuelas at Opening Ceremony (Elena Flores photo)

Last weekend Teopantli Kalpulli held the first in what promises to be an ongoing series of alternative living festivals aimed at inspiring a movement in human consciousness. This tiny community of just 22 families has had an influence far beyond its size since it was founded as an ashram outside of Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1983. Since that time, its mission has evolved and expanded, but it has always remained true to its goal: Elevating the human spirit in a quest for a greater connection with the Divine.

Thirty-one years is a long time for an intentional community to survive, and this one has had its struggles. But this past weekend, founders and newcomers alike seemed to agree: It’s been well worth the sacrifice.

The program was an ambitious one: nearly 60 different activities, including panel discussions, presentations, workshops, ceremonies and walks. They included a full track of yoga classes led by Eymos Rivera and Veronica del Alba, including innovative approaches such as acro-yoga and Mayan yoga; a full track of ecological workshops and presentations led by Beatriz Cardenas and Erandi Dias Cevallos; another track for children, featuring the lively and creative crew of Alejandro Vela, a Guadalajara-based mental health professional and artist; and still another track focused on spiritual development, the heart and soul of Teopantli Kalpulli’s work.


Acro-yoga on the telas (Tracy Barnett photo)

Temazcals, or native sweat-lodge ceremonies, for youth and for adults were filled to bursting. Vegan and vegetarian cuisine was provided by the community’s own hard-working vegetarian chefs, and music, dance and song filled the air.

Best attended were the activities surrounding the visit of Abuelo Suaga Gua Ingativa, an elder of the Muisca people in the highlands of Colombia. Abuelo Suaga shared the Third Fire Full Moon Ceremony of his people.

Third Fire Ceremony with Abuelo Suaga, Abuela Esperanza, Abuela Maria de Jesus, Ananda and Claudia. (Ignigo Chante Candela photo)

On Sunday, Abuelo Suaga presented the Pachamama Alliance’s “Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream” symposium, a powerful presentation aimed at motivating listeners to organize for a new, regenerative global culture.

Just before sunset, the Krishnas paid a surprise visit with an offering of a vegan dessert and a music performance. Soon a big circle dance was weaving its way back and forth under the brilliant skies, the rhythms of Aztec drums blending with the ones from East India. Then, under a brilliant full moon, the Kalpulli’s Tipi was filled with more participants for Abuelo Suaga’s presentation, “The World of Relationships,” a heart-opening series of emotional exercises that didn’t end until the wee hours of the morning.

Attendees were loathe to leave, and many stayed around to enjoy a vegan gourmet meal prepared by Ignigo Chante Candela, one of the presenters who also happens to be a freelance chef. The serendipity didn’t stop until long after the last guest had left, and a New Humanity contemplated its next move.

alternative culture environment featured social change spirituality Suaga Ingativa Teopantli Kalpulli