In Search of Happiness: The Story of Hector Marcel’s Inner Transformation

This is the second part of an exclusive interview with Hector Marcel given to Peter Moertl. Watch the first part here:

Realizing the True Source of Happiness

In his story, Hector Marcel shares a poignant and candid account of his personal and spiritual
transformation. His journey begins with the realization that the external world is not the source of
true happiness. The realities around him were merely indicators pointing to the necessity of inner
work. This understanding became the starting point for a deep dive into the practice of daily
meditation and selfless service to others.

The Discipline of Daily Practice

In Australia, Hector began a truly serious practice. He committed himself to daily meditation
without a single break, despite travels and changes in lifestyle. This discipline lasted more than
twelve years. Meditation became not just a formality for him, but a tool capable of maintaining
mental clarity in a world that “lies,” creating the illusion of happiness through external objects.

Focus on Inner Transformation

Over time, he understood that no matter what happened in the external world, the perception of
happiness or suffering originates in the mind. Focusing attention on inner transformation changes
the very quality of reality perception. This process was not easy: there were periods of losing the
practice, returning to it, disappointment, and new realizations, where every failure led to deeper
inner work.

Applying Spiritual Principles in Business

After returning to New York and starting his career in corporate Australia, Hector transferred
spiritual principles into his professional life. Working as an organizational change consultant, he
introduced the ideas of the Bodhisattva—care for others, compassion, ethical behavior—into
corporate strategies and employee training. He taught thousands of people to see themselves in their
clients and to serve others as they would like to be served themselves.

Hidden Practice and Inner Work

Hector carefully concealed his spiritual practice, not revealing his Buddhist identity. For him, it was
important that the results of his work and interactions spoke for themselves, without being tied to
religious connotations. He viewed his career as a way to accumulate spiritual merits and prepare for
a three-year meditative retreat he was striving for.

Challenges of Success and Wealth

However, success in business brought new challenges. Hector faced internal contradictions: how to
relate to material abundance, ownership, and success without losing his spiritual orientation? He
realized that generosity, sincerity, and care allow for a harmonious balance between material and
spiritual achievements.

Returning to the Roots

After ten years of intensive practice in Australia, he decided to return to the United States and see if
his ideal of the “Three Jewels” and his teacher Geshe Michael Roach still held in reality, or if it was simply
a product of his mind. This return was accompanied by excitement and emotional turmoil.

New Challenges at “Diamond Mountain”

Upon arriving in New York and then in Arizona at “Diamond Mountain,” he was struck by the
changes: instead of the familiar learning atmosphere, he encountered a community where yoga
practice began to play a larger role. However, thanks to his previous preparation, he did not judge
what was happening but perceived it as a new field for inner practice. He understood that judgment
and evaluation were merely reflections of his own limitations.

Symbolic Cleansing

Symbolic became his first task upon returning: cleaning the kitchen at the Lama’s House. This
humble task became an act of cleansing not only the space but also his own mind. Every effort,
every removal of a speck of dust, became for Hector a metaphor for removing inner obstacles.

Working with Attachments

An important part of his journey was realizing his struggle with competitiveness and attachments,
especially in relationships with other students. He saw how easily the ego and ambitions could
interfere with spiritual practice and understood the necessity of conscious self-work in these
situations.

The Outcome: Inner Growth Through Trials

Thus, Hector Marcel’s story is a profound narrative about the path of inner growth, where every
external difficulty becomes an invitation to deeper self-understanding. His journey teaches that
spiritual transformation requires not only faith and knowledge but also great courage, honesty with
oneself, and constant work on the mind.

Hector’s story inspires the realization that the true Teacher is always within us, and every action—
whether at work, in relationships, or in service—can be a step toward awakening if it is based on
compassion, wisdom, and inner honesty.

We invite you to watch the interview with Hector. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel, leave a like, and comment on what resonated with you the most!