April 10, 2009
After six years of work, Juniper officially launched Sunday, April 5, 2009. Before a gathering of family and friends, Juniper’s five founders ceremoniously pushed the button to launch this Web site. Before the celebration, each of Juniper’s founders said a few words: Hillary picked two words to describe Juniper’s years of development: joyful and dynamic. She described how much joy she had experienced in working with the Juniper team and how they each inspired and challenged her with their wisdom, love and support. And she related how dynamic Juniper’s process had been, always questioning, challenging, and dealing with the unexpected. Hillary emphasized how she wants to make sure all those who come in contact with Juniper experience the same joyful and dynamic qualities.
Christina described how she had started this path at a young age and how this was the culmination of her life’s work to date. She explained that it had taken us so long to launch Juniper because the process of discerning the essence of the path was delicate and could not be rushed. She thanked each of the Juniper founders for all they meant to her and shared her hopes that others would help us carry the flame that we had ignited.
Lawrence talked about teachers. He said how, in the traditions of training the mind, teachers are not yogis in caves dispensing wisdom, nor are they professors in classrooms teaching philosophy, but individuals who are catalysts for your growth, who know how to touch your heart and push you at just the right time. He described how each of the Juniper founders had become his teachers. He also thanked Juniper’s amazing design and web development team for their work on Juniper’s look and Web site.
Pam thanked her husband, Terry, for his incredible support at a time when he thought they would be retired and traveling. She described how remarkably consistent Rinpoche was in his compassion and generosity no matter what the circumstance; how Hillary’s quiet strength provided insight at just the right time; how she was inspired by Christina’s dedication, strength and confidence; and how Lawrence had become, in her eyes, a philosopher and inspiring writer who challenged her and made her laugh.
Rinpoche went last and, at first, was speechless at the depth of what this event represented. He said that for him this was the fruition of a life’s work and many challenges, and that now he felt a new freedom knowing that the lineage he had worked so hard to preserve was born in the West. With that, he gave everyone a hug, and the celebration began.
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