Jesus "Xuy" Leyba
1939-2002
Jesus "Xuy" Leyba was a visionary, leader, mentor, teacher, guide and Shaman. His kindness, humor, and unconditionality were healing for the many people he helped. Xuy was an exceptional human being who inspired and touched the lives of thousands of people.Born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Xuy (pronounced "Chuy") grew up in a poor mining town of Starkville, near Trinidad, with two siblings. His father, who was born in Mexico and who came to Colorado after being exiled for being one of Pancho Villa's bodyguards (known as Los Dorados or "The Golden Ones") during the Mexican Revolution, died at an early age of "black lung disease" from working in the coal mines. His mother was born in Saudi Arabia and moved to Mexico at an early age where she met Xuy's father.
Xuy left home at a young age and landed in the heart of California. He began working for California growers in the fields. He quickly learned about the plight of the farm workers and began to work with Cesar Chavez and others to gain rights for the Mexican Workers. Xuy quickly gained a reputation for his abilities to inspire and organize others.
Xuy was drafted into the Vietnam war and was recruited by the CIA into Army Intelligence. Upon his return he got involved in the anti-war movement and worked with many celebrities and musicians to help end the war.
Xuy began working at UC Davis in the 1960's. He founded the first Chicano Studies in the United States. He taught students about Mexican culture, history and music. His program became the standard for all other universities across the country. As part of his program of promoting Mexican culture, he introduced a new band called Los Lobos and became their manager for many years.
Both of Xuy's parents were well versed in the indigenous Toltec and Mayan culture and traditions and as a result passed on to him many of their sacred ways. Xuy made several pilgrimages to Mexico during his life and studied with indigenous elders. He learned the native indigenous tongue of Nahuatl as well as their ancient teachings and spiritual ceremonies, and he was introduced to Carlos Casteneda and his apprentices.
Xuy founded an organization in the 1970's in California known as "The Machetes." They have worked hard over the years in many arenas to promote awareness and gain rights for Mexican-Americans.
Xuy retired from that scene in the late 1980's and left California to travel around the Southwest. I met Xuy in 1997 on the Winter Solstice. He was living and working in Prescott, Arizona. He was living a quiet life as a gifted carpenter and furniture maker. Xuy continued his spiritual practices through the years, and on the Solstices and Equinoxes performed ceremonies from his native culture, passing on the ancient wisdom and knowledge to others who would be in attendance.
There is so much to say about Xuy. He taught and influenced many, many people over the years. He lived a full and rich life. The thing that stands out most in my mind about him was his appreciation and passion for life. He had a great sense of humor and was a gifted story teller. He loved life deeply and I am grateful for the privilege to have known this great human being!
"Que su sol sea brilliante"
Xuy (center), in 2001, at his home on Bald Mountain in Paso Robles, California, with his sister, Esther (left) and niece, Priscilla (right).
