Candle-light Vigil Held at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA in Memory of Lives Lost during Gen-Z Movement

Nepali Community in Oregon Pays Glowing Tributes to Gen-Z Martyrs

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 14 (Nepal Oregon News): A candle-light vigil was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on Saturday, Sept 13, 2025 by NRNA-USA Oregon chapter and Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) in memory of the lives lost during the recent Gen-Z movement in Nepal.

The brutal crackdown on Gen-Z's anti-corruption protests recently by the notorious UML - Nepali Congress coalition government led by KP Oli has, so far, resulted in the deaths of 72 innocent people. 

The candle-light memorial at the Newar Buddhist monastery in Portland kicked off with the playing of national anthem of Nepal. 

This was followed by a one-minute silence, a moment of reflection, respect and tributes to lives lost during the Gen-Z protests.

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and a 35th generation Vajrayana priest performed 'Durgati Parishodhana' chanting in Sanskrit in memory of the Gen-Z martyrs.

Likewise, during the candle-light service, Lama Lhotsang Sherpa ritualized 'Tong Shak', (a chanting in Tibetan and Sanskrit). 'Tong Shak' is prayers to 35 Buddhas.

The candle-light memorial was also addressed  by various Nepalese community leaders in Portland: NRNA-Oregon chapter president Shuddhodan Ranjit, Nepa Chhen president Daya Shakya, community leaders Raju Mali, Kush Shrestha, Bharat Baskota, Ek Raj Dahal, Raja Shrestha, Ganga Sharma and NAO secretary Punam Glee.

Young students like Ruja Bista and Shreya Shrestha also paid homage to the lives lost during the Gen-Z movement.

A number of Nepalese Oregonians were seen inside the temple of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara lighting the candles and then putting them on a large tray during the candle-light memorial.

The candle-light service was attended by more than 100 Nepalese Portlanders.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and Nepal Oregon News extend gratitude to all the vigil participants for such an overwhelming and emotional event.

Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) USA - Oregon Chapter Gets New Leadership under Shuddhodan Ranjit

 New NRNA - USA - Oregon Chapter Committee Announced

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 10 (Nepal Oregon News): Noted taekwondo instructor and entrepreneur Shuddhodan Ranjit has been unanimously elected as the president of Oregon Chapter of Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) - USA. Ranjit is also the former president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO).

It was disclosed at a meeting  held here in Portland on Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025. The meeting greeted Ranjit as the new president of the Oregon chapter and also formed the new executive  committee with assigned positions.

During the meeting, discussions were zeroed in on NRNA bylaws vs Oregon NRNA chapter statutes and how to align it. Deliberations were made about membership drive, about doubling membership and about reimbursement/donation support for those who are in need of financial help.

The meeting not only reviewed the president's agenda for the upcoming term, it also agreed to organize a gathering for the outgoing and incoming teams to recognize contributions and celebrate new leadership.

Speaking briefly at the meeting, newly elected president Ranjit said that the Oregon chapter needs better strategy to address community needs.

While underscoring the need of harmony and congenial atmosphere in the community, Ranjit emphasized NRNA - Oregon committee's role as important in promoting diversity, culture and traditions of the community.

Meanwhile, Raju Mali and Nileema Ojha  have been elected vice presidents of the NRNA - USA - Oregon chapter. Mali is also the founder president of NAO whereas Ms Ojha was secretary of the Oregon chapter in the previous committee.

Likewise, noted chef and author of the book "The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal" Bikram Vaidya has been elected to the General Secretary while Birendra Thapa is voted unopposed as the treasurer of the NRNA -USA - Oregon's committee.

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, who is the co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the only Newar Buddhist monastery in USA, has been elected as the cultural - spiritual director of the NRNA Oregon branch.

 

Noted taekwondo instructor Bidhan Lama has been offered the role of Sports  Director. Sanad Thapa takes charge as the youth coordinator. Similarly, Dr Rabin Man Shakya of the Nepal Oregon News will assume the role of media director at Oregon's NRNA committee.

Amod Chhetri, Padam Thapa, Dinesh Thapa and Suraj Parajuli are elected unopposed  to the board of directors.

According to Bikram Vaidya, the newly elected General Secretary, the meeting decided to create more community events and resources, such as, the information center and dashboard, domestic violence support, business support and networking opportunities, general resources for community issues, focus on cultural preservation and youth engagement, with the objective of guiding youth in Nepali values, heritage and love for our country.

Vaidya added that the meeting decided to recognize community members, newcomers, business and leaders for their contributions.

Likewise, a decision was also made to hold a candle-light vigil at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland in the evening on Saturday, Sept 13, 2025 to pay tributes to lives lost during the recent Gen Z movement in Nepal.

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Rabin Man Shakya, a Nepali journalist in Portland, USA, has recently been elected Media Director of NRNA USA Oregon chapter. Shakya is a Sangha Member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland and also a Life Member of World Newah Organization (WNO).

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Dance Mandal USA Champions Cause of Ancient Newar Buddhist Dance Tradition at Nepal Festival 2025 in Seattle

 Esoteric Charya Dances 'Annapurna' and 'Sodasha Lasya' Presented at the Event

Rabin Man Shakya

(Prajwal Vajracharya performing 'Annapurna' charya nritya at Nepal Festival 2025 in Seattle, USA)

Portland, Aug 23 (Nepal Oregon News): Dance Mandal USA (Nritya Mandala Mahavihara) team consisting of Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and his students Anastasia Roderick and Joshua Proto performed ancient and rare Chacha Pyakhan (charya dances) with live singing at Nepal Festival 2025. 

Dabuli's annual cultural event 'Nepal Festival 2025' was organized at Volunteer Park Amphitheater in Seattle on Saturday, Aug 23, 2025. 

Dabuli is a 501 (C) 3 charity organization. It aims to advance deeper understanding and strengthening of rich music, arts and cultural heritage of Nepal. 

The free event, presented by Dabuli in partnership with a number of organizations including City of Seattle, Dance Mandal USA (Nritya Mandala Mahavihara) and Newah Organization of America - Seattle Chapter, showcased traditional and contemporary Newar and Nepalese art, music, dance and more.

Prajwal Guruji - a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and a ritual master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other forms - presented an esoteric Charya dance 'Annapurna' at the Nepal  Festival 2025.

Deity Annapurna (also known as Asan Bhalu Ajima in the Kathmandu valley) is the Goddess of harvest. In Nepal, deity Annapurna is honored as Mother Earth. She is white with three eyes and has great snake as her vehicle. Her eight arms hold various implements in order to be of benefit to many different kinds of beings.

Likewise, Dance Mandal USA's another member Anastasia Roderick performed Sixteen Offering Goddess Dance on the occasion. This Charya Nritya is also known as Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit.

(Anastasia Roderick offering charya nritya 'Sodasha Lasya' at Nepal Festival 2025 in Seattle, USA)

Sixteen Offering dances are sixteen dance postures representing various musical instrument offerings as well as other sense offerings. They are personified as the sixteen Goddesses of sensual enjoyment who show honor to the central deities of the Mandala through their pure offerings.

The vocal singing for Charya dances 'Annapurna' and Sodasha Lasya was provided by Joshua Proto, a seasoned Charya giti singer.

The focus of Nepal Festival 2025 was to preserve the Nepalese culture in the community and also provide an opportunity for the broader public to experience the very rich and unique but often inaccessible culture.

Dabuli's Nepal Festival 2025 provided an artistic platform  for different indigenous and ethnic communities of Nepal to demonstrate their traditions and rich cultural apparels.

The event, which showcased the diversity and talent of Nepalese artistes, also featured culturally relevant activities and ethnic food like Momos and Chhoyela Baji etc.

All the cultural items presented at the Nepal Festival 2025 were stunning, amazing and enthralling. The program was simply wonderful filled with music, dance, food and community spirit. According to Subhash Ram Prajapati, nearly 50 students who joined Dabuli's summer dance and Madal classes from across the Seattle area and many others had given performances at Nepal Festival 2025.

"Together, we celebrated Nepal's heritage, strengthened community bonds, and shared unforgettable moments of joy," Prajapati added. 

No  doubt, the festival in Seattle was a rich 'confluence' of Nepalese music, dance, food and affluent culture.

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Deity Annapurna is Asan Bhalu Ajima for Newar Buddhists, Says Vajracharya

Portland, Aug 15 (Nepal Oregon News): 'Annapurna' is a Sanskrit word in which 'Anna' stands for food while 'Purna' for full or complete. Deity Annapurna is also known as Asan Bhalu Ajima among Newar Buddhists. Deity Annapurna is a goddess of wealth, prosperity and abundance. The deity's popularity peaks in Kathmandu where she has a strong following among the Newars of the Kathmandu valley, and is thus a prominent deity in Newar Buddhism.

Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and a Charya Nritya expert said this while conducting the second and advanced teaching on Annapurna Charya Nritya. The teaching cum presentation was organized on Friday, Aug 15, 2025.

The spiritual benefits accruable from the Annapurna mantra are immense. The result of this practice is the regular removal of obstacles as well as bringing abundance of materialistic wealth into an individual's life, said Prajwal Guruji. "There would never be any lack of food at a person's house if he or she constantly chants Annapurna mantra."

Deity Annapurna is Asan Bhalu Ajima for Newar Buddhists, said Vajracharya explaining subtle differences of Annapurna in Newar Buddhism and in Indian practice. The famous temple of Asan Bhalu Ajima is situated at Asan Tole in Kathmandu. The Guruji informed the participants of the remotely-held teaching:"The Kalash (vase) made of silver -- inside the three story artistic brass temple at Asan's southeast corner -- has been worshipped as the Asan Bhalu Ajima for centuries."

According to Newar Buddhist iconography of deity Annapurna, the Goddess possesses eight arms while, in Hinduism, she is portrayed with four or two arms, the Guruji added. Annapurna Devi who is mother of knowledge, enemy of temptation, cuts through wisdom and compassion, the Guruji reiterated. The Guruji shared that Annapurna Devi is a deity of compassion, but she can be wrathful too. During the presentation, Prajwal Guruji also threw light on the Lalitasan (posture) of deity Annapurna.

Addressing the zoom participants, Guruji Vajracharya underscored in detail the importance  of deity Annapurna in Newar Vajrayanna Buddhism. "A particular Charya giti tells us about the iconography of a particular deity, about what he or she is holding in his/her hands and what he or she is wearing etc," said Prajwal Guruji.

The Guruji continued:"This dance is named after the deity Annapurna. This is one of the ancient classical Charya dances. This dance is performed as a devotion to the deity Annapurna. The raga for the Annapurna charya dance is Kamadi and Tala is Jhapa."

During the advanced class of Charya Nritya Annapurna, Prajwal Guruji provided the zoom participants with the Sanskrit lyrics of Charya giti Annapurna. He also demonstrated movements of Annapurna charya dance for participants. He dealt with the methodology and dancing procedures of the esoteric Charya dance  and said:"In this dance, symbolic movements of legs, hands and fingers are skillfully timed with general body movements and facial expressions." The Guruji demonstrated step-by-step the mudra and hand gestures of the Charya dance.

Also, Prajwal Guruji chanted Annapurna Charya Giti and explained participants about the meaning of the Annapurna charya giti. At the end of the virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji performed the Annapurna charya nritya together with the zoom participants. Similarly, the Guruji also answered to the additional questions of the participants  about the Annapurna charya dance.

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Panjaran (Panchadan) Celebrated in Portland, USA

Portland Aug 21, (Nepal Oregon News): Newar Vajrayana Buddhist festival Panjaran (Panchadan) was observed at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Thursday, Aug 21, 2025.

Panjaran is also Panchadan, which means giving away different kinds of alms, such as, grains and fruits like rice, paddy, salt, peas, bananas, radish etc to people from Vajracharya and Shakya communities.

The Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara - Newar Vajrayana Buddhists as well as American Buddhists - were given auspicious alms by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, Teya Vajracharya and Anjali Bajracharya on the occasion of Panjaran. Daan Gatha was recited by Panjaran participants.

Pradeep Bajracharya, Ani Shakya, Rabin Man Shakya, Ayas Bajracharya and Shrishti Bajracharya were given the Panjaran alms. Likewise, LiAnn Hunt, Lhotsang Sherpa, Adam Bidema, Dmitry Skvortsov and Ashley Low were also given the auspicious alms. At the end of Panchadan program, a vegan Kheer lunch was offered to the Panjaran participants by Prajwal Guruji.

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Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple Organizes 'Chant for Peace' Interfaith Event in Portland

Portland, Aug 30 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya, prominent Charya Nritya teacher and co-founder of Portland's Newar Buddhist temple 'Nritya Mandala Mahavihara' along with other Sangha members Anastasia Roderick, Ashley Low and Naveena Shakya participated at the 'Chant for Peace' event hosted by Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple on Saturday, Aug 30, 2025.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was among 12 other Buddhist and non-Buddhist community organizations that took part at the 'Chant for Peace' event. On the occasion, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara team performed Refuge charya dance for an hour. Charya Nritya is an essential part of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

Refuge dance is a performance of Buddha Bandana Dance through Charya Nritya. It was performed 108 times continuously by the Guruji and other team members.

Buddhist practitioners take refuge daily in the Buddha, the teacher, the Dharma, the  teachings, and the Sangha, the community.

In Charya Nritya tradition, a practitioner takes refuge through embodiment of these 'three jewels' -- the Buddha as the teacher of meditation, Shakya Muni Tathagata; the Dharma teachings as Manjushree wielding his wisdom sword and text, the Sangha as the supportive community in the form of lord of compassion.

The purpose of Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple, which was established in 2011 in Portland, is to provide a refuge of stillness  and peace in a busy urban environment, to practice and share Buddhist teachings, and to cultivate community, compassion and wisdom.

The 12-hour 'Chant for Peace' was celebrated with the strength and diversity of various religious communities of Portland.

In a statement about 'Chant for Peace', Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple said:" Awake with a passion for inner and global transformation, this 12-hour chanting vigil is a celebration of our spiritual aspirations to see the sacred in every person, and to live Unconditional Love."

"This is an InterFaith event. Each hour of the Chant for Peace is led by a different spiritual tradition. We form one community and join our voice together."

The statement further added:" Chanting is spiritually potent medicine. It aligns heart and mind, connects us to Spirit and radiates waves of prayer and blessings into the world."

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Regular Activities in Vihara Continue

Manjushree Naamsangiti recitation was conducted   by the Vihara intermittently for a month to mark the Gunla festival. In August, as usual and as always, Dharani chanting on zoom was conducted once a  week Tuesday evening. Similarly, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bandana Bhajan singing practice were held on each Wednesday evening. Likewise, the practice of singing Charya giti was performed on the zoom in the mornings every Friday.     

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Deity Annapurna is Goddess of Harvest, Says Prajwal Guruji

Zoom Teaching on Asabhalu Ajima Zeroes in on Significance and History of Asan

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, July 18 (Nepal Oregon News): Deity Annapurna is the Goddess of harvest. In Nepal, she is honored as Mother Earth. The female deity is white in color, has one face with three eyes and has a great snake as her vehicle. Her eight arms hold various implements in order to be of benefit to many different kinds of beings.

Prajwal Vajracharya -- who is a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and a ritual master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition -- said this during an online teaching on Annapurna Devi (Asabhalu Ajima) organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Friday, July 18, 2025. The remotely held teaching class on deity Annapurna Devi kicked off with the chanting of lord Padmanateshvara.

During the virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji stated:"According to Newar Buddhist iconography of  Annapurna Devi, the Goddess possesses eight arms with four right hands showing bowl, sword, Vajra and Aksha Sutra while her four left hands holding Bindu Mudra, Bell, Prayer Beads and Kalash (vase). 'Annapurna' is a Sanskrit word in which 'Anna' stands for food while 'Purna' means full or complete, the Guruji added.

Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"Deity Annapurna is believed to bring both material abundance and spiritual fulfillment, creating a balanced life. The Kalash (vase) made of silver  -- inside the three story artistic brass temple at Asan's southeast corner -- has been worshipped as the Asabhalu Ajima for centuriies."

The Guruji explained the zoom participants about the religious relevance of Asabhalu Ajima, and significance and history of Asan.

Prajwal Guruji told the zoom participants a folklore relating to Asabhalu Ajima -- in which once upon a time a woman saw snakes and serpents coming out of her bamboo  basket full of grass. She was very scared, and when a group of people asked her what happened, she just pointed out her finger and said "Ansa" meaning 'next to me'. When people went to the place she pointed, they found out a young girl sitting upon the bed of serpents. The young girl, in fact, was Ajima dyoh, the Guruji said. It is believed that Asan is derived from the word 'Ansa'.

Prajwal Guruji also expressed the belief about some kind of interconnections between 14th century Mahasiddha Surat Bajra Bajracharya, Asan Tole's Surat Shree Mahavihara and Asabhalu Ajima.

The Guruji said:"Everyday thousands of Kathmandu's locals walk around the Annapurna temple, touch a coin to their heads, throw it into the shrine and ring the bell above them. Many Tibetan Gurus have also come to Asan for offering worship to Asabhalu Ajima."

During the Mohani Nakha festival, the jatra of Asabhalu Ajima is organized every year for four days from Kaula Thwo Nawami to Kaula Thwo Dwadashi. Major festivals of Kathmandu like Kumari Jatra and Bung Dyoh (White Avalokiteshvara) Jatra have to pass through the Annapurna temple at Asan Tole. During the Yomari Punhi, the Newar people used to prepare regular Yomaris and Yomaris in the form of deities Kumar, Ganesh, Laxmi and Kuber to offer them to Goddess Annapurna, the Guruji said.

Dyoh Lwakegu is another one of the most important festivals of Asan. Three portable shrines containing the images of deities from Wotu, Tebahal and Kanga are brought to Asan from different directions for a celebration. Dyoh Lwakegu takes place on the second day of Pahan Chare festival, Prajwal Guruji said. 

Prajwal Guruji further stated :"People also come to Asan Tole's Annapurna temple to light up 125 thousand wicks for achieving success in life and career. The six-spoked junction of Asan -- an ancient and medieval bazar -- is the historical, cultural, religious and commercial center of Kathmandu. Asan is one of the two legendary India-Tibet trade route that passes through Kathmandu."

During the remotely-held class,  the Guruji demonstrated many pictures of statues and Thangkas depicting Annapurna Devi.

The Guruji further said:"The Raga for the Annapurna Charya dance is Kamadi and Tala is Jhapa." The Guruji also demonstrated step-by-step the Mudra and hand gestures of the charya dance devoted to Annapurna Devi. The Guruji also explained the meaning of lyrics of "Annapurna Charya dance".

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Dharma Rain Zen Center Organizes Portland Buddhist Festival

Portland, July12 (Nepal Oregon News): A Buddhist Festival was organized on Saturday, July12, 2025 by Dharma Rain Zen Center on its own premises in Portland. About 20 Buddhist centers and communities of Portland took part at the Buddhist Festival.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Henjyoti Shingon Buddhist Temple, Dharma Rain Zen Center, Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple, Maitripa College, Mt Adams Buddhist Temple, Shambala Meditation Center, No-Rank Zen Temple, Prayer Wheels were among the participating communities.

The Buddhist Festival kicked off with an opening ceremony -- the Gathering Circle and then a procession of the Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara walked through around the Festival space. The procession was led by Prajwal  Vajracharya, an authentic Newar Vajrayana Buddhist priest.

During the procession, Prajwal Guruji offered the ringing of the Bell, shaking of Vajra, and chanting of a Tantric Buddhist prayer for good of all the sentient beings, while Sangha member Anna Shustrova blew the couch, and Sangha members Ashley Low and Adam Bidema played the Kanta Dub Dub (Damaru). 

On the occasion, Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara performed Refuge Charya Dance and Sixteen Offering Goddess Charya Dance.

The 'Gathering Circle' was an opportunity for the "Maha Sangha" to come together and offer prayers and contemplations from our individual community to our shared Sangha.

The park of Dharma Rain Zen Center was decorated with different booths and tables hosted by various Buddhist monasteries and institutions. The Buddhist Festival was celebrated with the strength and diversity of our Buddhist communities of Portland.

The activities of the Festival Day were: Chanting and Singing with Zen Community, Social Meditation with Shambala, Mindful Movement with Wise Spirit, Engaged Buddhism Multi Sangha Discussion. Also, the other programs of the Day were Laughter Yoga, Dharma Rain Property Tour and workshops.

The Buddhist Festival was followed by a pot-luck lunch. Similarly, there was a Nepali Food Truck on site and everybody got the taste of Kathmandu's momos. 

Dharma Rain Zen Center is a Soto Zen Buddhist community in Portland dedicated to supporting each other in the practice of meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. Center's shared intention is to cultivate compassion, love, and wisdom in our own lives and in the larger community in which we live.

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Nava Graha Puja Performed at Vihara

Portland, July 14 (Nepal Oregon News): A Nava Graha Puja was performed with right vidhi vidhan at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Monday, July 14, 2025 by Prajwal Vajracharya, a priest from one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineages of Nepal.

The Nava Graha Puja was ritualized for Kuon Hunt, Dale Hunt and their grand kid Moss. The purpose of the Nava Graha Puja is to remove obstacles and to do away with negative effects in life.

Prajwal Guruji says:"Nava Graha is a Sanskrit word in which Nava means nine and Graha refers to planet. In Nepalese astrology, there are nine planets which have impacts on human lives. Planets in the horoscope have configurations which can create obstacles in life called Nava Graha Dasa."

The Guruji adds:"Though the planets have their effects, these malefic Dasas or negative effects can be minimized by performing the Nava Graha Puja (worship of planets)."

He goes on saying:"Nava Graha Puja engages the nine planets in a square Mandala with the Sun in the center, and in the process of acknowledging and honoring each of the planet, clears the cause of suffering relating to each."

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Other Regular Activities

Monthly full moon Naamsangiti chanting, weekly Dharani chanting (Tuesday evening), Sadhana practice, Buddha Bhajan practice (Wednesday evening) and Charya  giti singing practice (Friday morning) -- all were conducted on a regular basis at the Mahavihara and online.

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Prof Suwarna Shakya's Book 'Perception: Articles on Buddhist Concern' Released

'52 Articles on Buddhism Included in the New Book'

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, July 28 (Nepal Oregon News): Buddhist scholar and prominent educationist Prof Suwarna Shakya has brought out an anthology of scholarly articles on Newar Buddhism and Newar culture.

Prof Shakya's new book 'Perception: Articles on Buddhist Concern' was released on Saturday, July 12, 2025 amidst a special program in Kathmandu.

The book-release program, which was organized by Mettagaar Dhamma Family, kicked off after illuminating twenty five traditional Bodhi Matas.

Speaking on the occasion, the book's editor Nirmal Man Tuladhar informed that out of 152 scholarly articles, only 52 write-ups on various aspects of Newar Buddhism have been included in the book.

Tuladhar hailed the writer's knowledge and scholarship about Buddhism. "It is not easy to write on themes related to Buddhism in lucid language that the author has done," Tuladhar said.

Chancellor of Nepal Bhasa Academy Malla K Sundar highlighted the importance of the book in preserving Newar Buddhism.

Chancellor Malla added:"Prof Shakya has made immense contributions in promoting Newar Buddhism and Newar culture by publishing numerous books on Buddhism and Newar culture.

Former Minister of Environment, Science and Technology Dr Keshav Man Shakya expressed optimism that the new book on Buddhism would play a pivotal role in promoting Nepal's traditional Buddhism.

The former minister went on saying: "I believe that his new book will be another definitive milestone in his creative life."

Writer of the book Prof Shakya termed the book-release event as the "gathering of the good hearts" and informed the guests that all the financial responsibilities for the book and book-release were borne by Mettagaar.

On the occasion, messages of best wishes from -- Prajwal Vajracharya of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA, Shakya Suren, WNO, Baltimore USA and Dr Rabin Man Shakya, a Newar journalist in USA -- were also read out.

At the program which was presided over by nonagenarian Gyan Man Shakya and conducted by Sangha Ratna Shakya, vote of thanks was offered by Mettagaar's chair Shanta Ratna Shakya.

Former colonel in Nepal Army Purna Bahadur Shakya made a vocal rendition of an old song by Prof Suwarna Shakya.

Prof Suwarna Shakya was also honored with Life Time Achievement Award. He was dressed with Jama, Kwachan Lan and Red Cap -- the Newar traditional attire.

Prof Shakya was the Head Master of Nepal's first and historic high school: the Durbar High School. He has also lectured on Nepali language and Nepali literature at the People's Campus.

Shakya has 21 books in Nepal Bhasa, 5 books in Nepali and one book in  English to his credit.

(Rabin Man Shakya, a Newar journalist in USA, is a Sangha Member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA and is also a Life Member of the World Newah Organization.)

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Role in Promoting Newar Buddhism, Newar Culture in USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) was established and consecrated  on Nov 10, 2009. The inauguration rituals of the Mahavihara was carried on by Prajwal Vajracharya himself and senior Gubhaju Yagyamanpati Bajracharya and Sugat Bajracharya who came to the US from Nepal for the launching rituals of the first Newar Buddhist temple in Portland, USA.

"The chronicles are testimony to the fact that the last Newar Buddhist Mahavihara was constructed in the Kathmandu valley 350 years ago, and no Mahavihara has been built ever since. Therefore, the historical and chronicled significance of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland lies in the fact that this Newar Buddhist temple was consecrated after 350 years followed  by the launching of the last Newar Buddhist Mahavihara in Nepal," says Prajwal  Vajracharya, a 35th-generation Vajrayana priest, who is also the co-founder of the Mahavihara  in Portland. No doubt, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the outcome of the lofty ideas and endeavors of late Buddhist scholar Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya.

In fact, Helen Appell - a Buddhist practitioner and ordained Vajrayana priest - is the founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. Helen made a lasting and significant contribution by helping to establish the first Newar Vajrayana temple in Portland, and therefore, the establishment of USA's first Newar Buddhist temple in 2009 was the outcome of Helen's generosity and her vision.

Helen came to Charya dance with a constellation of talents, experience and knowledge that uniquely prepared her to delve into this sacred art and become a major figure in its establishment, Prajwal Guruji said of her.

By the way, the wedding ceremony of Prajwal Vajracharya and Teya De Sesa was solemnized at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Jan 27, 2024 by priest Helen Appell as per the Newar Vajrayana traditions. All traditional Newar Vajrayana rituals and chantings including Gurumandala Puja and Kalash Puja were performed by priest Helen during the wedding. The wedding ceremony at the Vihara was a historical moment because the nuptial-tie between a Vajracharya Guruji and an American woman was solemnized for the first time by a Westerner Vajrayana female priest.

Also, when the Mahavihara celebrated its third anniversary in 2012, it was priest Helen who elaborately performed Gurumandala and Homa Puja. Usually, the Pujas were ritualized by Prajwal Guruji in other anniversary celebrations.

Helen, who is trained in Sanskrit, Tibetan, woodcarving, music, painting and Indian classical singing, is also deeply involved in Charya Nritya. She has taught and performed Charya Nritya internationally including in Brazil.

In an article entitled "First Newar Buddhist Temple in the USA" published in 'Matina' (quarterly magazine from London -- year 4, No. 12, Kachhala, Nepal Sambat 1130), Prof Dr Miranda Shaw rightfully said:"Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was a project not of the Newar community living in America but rather the dreamchild  of dynamic-duo Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya and Helen Appell."

 No doubt, the Newar people, indigenous to the Kathmandu valley in Nepal adhere to a distinctive form of Buddhism -- Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. Their histories predated Buddha Shakyamuni and they have preserved the textual language of their practices in Sanskrit. The Newar Buddhist monastery in Portland has always been championing the cause of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism and Newar culture in USA ever since its inception in 2009. Nitya Puja is performed twice a day at the Vihara by the Pujaris in the morning and in the evening.

"This Vihara is a ritual and performance space as well as a library of old and new Buddhist texts. We celebrate the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition through ritual and Charya dance, enlivening Buddhist teachings with art and devotion. Soon, this Vihara is going to be transformed into a Newar Buddhist Museum in Portland," says Prajwal Guruji.

Macha Junko, Ihi, Bara Tayegu, Brata Bandha, Chudakarma, Ihipa (Wedding), Bura-Buri Junko etc are all essential parts of lifecycle rituals in Newar Buddhism. All these lifecycle rituals were performed by Prajwal Guruji in the past 15 years at the Vihara and outside. Mha Puja, Yenya Punhi, Gun Punhi, Yomari Punhi, Shakimila Punhi, Paru Bhoye, Sithi Nakha, Panjaran are just some of the Newar festivals that the Mahavihara has been celebrating with the community since its inception. 

By observing various festivals of Nepal and by celebrating different lifecycle rituals, the Newar Buddhist center serves as a hub for these activities, playing a vital role in preservation and promotion of Newar culture within the greater Portland community.

All Full Moon Days are observed by the Vihara by chanting Naamsangiti. Dharani chanting on zoom is conducted once a week every Tuesday evening. Similarly, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan singing practice are held on each Wednesday, whereas the practice of singing Charya giti is performed in the mornings every Friday. However, major activities of the only Newar Buddhist temple in the USA are the celebration of Buddha Jayanti, celebration of its anniversary and celebration of World Newah Day every year.

Charya Nritya is a Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1000 years. Charya dance is a meditational dance that tells stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities. Preservation and promotion of esoteric Charya dances and Newar Buddhism was the raison d'etre of the inception of the Mahavihara in 2009. 

In an article "Moving the World with Sacred Mudra: Buddhist Dance from Nepal to Oregon to Brazil" published in 'NW Dharma News' (winter 2013, vol 26, #4), founder of the Mahavihara Helen Appell says:"Charya Nritya came straight from the Kathmandu valley to Portland via Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, the main lineage holder outside Nepal."

Helen further said in the article: "Traditionally practiced behind closed temple doors by the indigenous Newar Vajrayana priests of the Valley known as Vajracharyas, the dance has spread through Prajwal's vision. In Nepal, in 1996, Prajwal created an organization, Dance Mandal, which has been benefiting many who may observe or practice it."

Newar Portlanders see Nritya Mandala Mahavihara as the religious and cultural bulwark, an object of veneration and outlet for their cultural and socio-religious activities. Many Newar Portlanders have also mentioned it as one of the quintessential aspects of Prajwal Guruji's unrelenting commitment for preservation of Charya Nritya, rituals, Newar arts and culture. In fact, the Newar Buddhist monastery in Portland has made celebrating the Newar festivals and observing the Newar ceremonies centerpiece of its activities. Balancing personal works, trips to different countries, Charya dance teachings, observing Newar festivals and keeping up the Newar rituals are not always simple but Prajwal Guruji is focusing on what is important in the long run for the community.

In a zoom interview with World Newah Organization Daily Broadcast (WNO-DB) on April 26, 2025, Kuon Hunt, Board Member of the Mahavihara and Charya Nritya dancer, said:"The Newar Buddhist temple has become a gathering place for Newars and Buddhists of various sects from throughout the United States. It has become a place of scholarly discussions and Newar cultural affirmation and activity."

Kuon went on saying during the WNO-DB chit-chat: "Our Sangha is a mixed Sangha made up in approximately equal parts of Nepalese and the Westerners giving us a wonderful opportunity to simply learn much."

In September 2022, WNO had designated Prajwal Vajracharya as its Cultural Ambassador (Buddhist Rituals) recognizing his role and contributions in promoting Newar Buddhism in USA. Likewise, a special award of appreciation by WNO-USA chapter was also presented in June 2022 to Prajwal Guruji for his dedicated support and contributions to Newar culture and heritage through continued service and promotion in the USA and abroad.

There is no doubt that WNO's nomination of Prajwal Vajracharya as WNO's Cultural Ambassador and WNO-USA Special Award represent recognition and appreciation for Vajracharya's role and achievement in promoting the value of Newar culture and heritage. Vajracharya has also been honored with numerous awards by different organizations in the past.

Prajwal Guruji says:"Portland with its diverse Nepalese population is a microcosm of community at large. Community participation is very crucial in the Vihara's activities. We have been performing lifecycle rituals for Newars as well as non-Newars too."

Commitment and dedication to promote and popularize the esoteric Charya dances and Newar Buddhist rituals have always been among Prajwal's core strength. Just as, significantly, however, Prajwal's Charya dance career and experience mirror the trajectory of history of dissemination of esoteric Charya nritya in the West. And fifteen year history of the Mahavihara is closely interrelated with the history of creativity and dedication of founder Helen Appell and co-founder Prajwal Vajracharya.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's inception 15 years ago was guided not only by objectives of enhancing the cultural and artistic activities, but the Vihara also presents its credentials as a uniting force of the Newar Buddhists in Oregon.

The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been able to carve out a niche of its own in the role it has played in the process of dissemination and promotion of rich Newar traditions and Vajrayana Buddhism. The Portland Baha is maintaining the Samskaras and rituals which are the cornerstone of Newar Buddhist civilization. The Vihara, as the first and only one Newar Buddhist monastery in USA to cater the religious and spiritual needs felt by the Newar Buddhists and community members across Oregon, has a tremendous task ahead.  

(Dr Rabin Man Shakya, a Portland based Newar journalist, is a Sangha member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. He is also a Life Member of World Newah Organization.)

Ambassador Regmi Stresses Nepal-US Cordial Relations

Interaction Program with Nepal's Envoy to USA Organized by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) in Portland

By Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 29 (Nepal Oregon News): At an interaction program organized on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the meeting hall of Cedar Mill Library, Beaverton by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), the newly appointed Nepali Ambassador to USA His Excellency Lok Darshan Regmi has emphasized that Nepal-America relations has always been cordial since the diplomatic relations were established between the two nations in 1947.

While underscoring the excellent bilateral ties between Nepal and the United States, the Nepali envoy to USA expressed his commitment to work towards further  consolidating bilateral relations and cooperation. 

His Excellency Ambassador Regmi also informed the community gathering that the consular offices of the Nepali Embassy are being established in the states of California and Texas as well to provide swift consular and visa services.  

Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the Nepali Embassy in Washington DC Mr Sharad Raj Aran provided important information and details on consular services and answered to the questions of  Portland's Nepali community members.

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) Prajwal Vajracharya said that the Mahavihara is the only temple consecrated and established in 2009 in Portland after 350 years in the history of Newar Buddhism.

The Mahavihara has been preserving and sharing the traditions of Buddhist practice, arts and culture held by Newar Buddhists of Nepal. Very soon, the Vihara is going to be transformed into a Newar Buddhist Museum in Portland, Vajracharya informed the community gathering.

Daya Shakya, patron of World Newah Organization shed light on the historical connection between Nepal and Oregon, whereas Advisory Board Member of NAO Kush Shrestha elucidated on the Association's role in providing educational scholarships to the needy people in Nepal.

The interaction program which was conducted by former NAO president Bharat Baskota  was also addressed by Mohan Gurung, past president of Nepal Seattle Society, Narayan Gurung, chair of NAO, Laxman Darlamee, Board of Director for NRNA-NCC-USA, Dr Ekraj Dahal, chair of Intel Nepali Group, Rabin Man Shakya, a Nepali journalist in Portland and Punam Glee, NAO's secretary.

Meanwhile, Daya presented his book 'Newarology Matters' to the ambassador on the occasion, and His Excellency gave away certificate and trophy to Renuka Magar for her win at the Golf Tournament organized by NAO.

Nepal's top diplomat in America also paid a visit to Intel Corporation the same day. The visit was coordinated by Intel Nepali Group of the company. Intel Corporation is an American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California and incorporated in Delaware. Oregon is the heart of Intel's leading-edge semiconductor for research and technology development efforts and the largest semiconductor innovation cluster in the US.

Likewise, the Ambassador was also taken to sight-seeing at International Rose Test Garden, Pittock Mansion, Vista House and Multnomah Falls as well.

The Ambassador was accompanied by his spouse Chandrakala Regmi and DCM Sharad Raj Aran. The Embassy team was in Portland for a short visit, arriving on Sunday morning and departing in the evening the same day.

Meanwhile, writing on the social media platform on June 30 on behalf of Nepali Association of Oregon, its secretary Punam Glee said:"I want to express my heart-felt thanks to all those who made an Interactive Session with Nepal's Ambassador to the United States possible."

Secretary Glee also expressed gratitude to NAO's former president Bharat Baskota for his tireless contribution in coordinating and making this event successful.

Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) is a nonprofit organization bringing together the Nepalese and Nepalese Americans living in Oregon and Vancouver area of State of Washington.

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(Rabin Man Shakya, who is a Newar/Nepali journalist in USA, is a life member of World Newah Organization and a Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, America.)