Rabin Man Shakya: A Nepali Journalist in USA

Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist based in Portland, Oregon, America associated with 'Nepal Oregon News'. The reporting focus of Shakya for 'Nepal Oregon News' is centered on Nepalese community affairs in the Portland areas of USA. His work covers: Nepalese media issues, Newar culture and festivals, Charya dances, Newar Buddhism, activities of Nepalese and Newar organizations and individuals in Oregon and other parts of America. 

Background: Born in 1956 in Kathmandu, Shakya completed his high school education at J P High School in 1973 and earned his undergrad degree on Business Management from Shankardev Campus, Tribhuvan University in 1978.

Education: Shakya holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from Belarusian State University, Minsk (1985) and a Ph D in Journalism from Moscow State University in 1989 making him the first Ph D holder in Journalism in the history of Nepalese journalism and Nepalese media education. In 1994, Shakya also attended a 5-month course at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi and holds a Diploma in "Non-aligned News Agency Journalism."

He served as an assistant editor for the English Desk at the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Nepal's national news agency in 1991. He later worked as a journalist for 'The Rising Nepal', Nepal's first English language broadsheet daily newspaper from 1992 to 2005.

Shakya has worked as an adjunct professor of journalism at Peoples Campus, Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Sagarmatha Multiple Campus affiliated to Tribhuvan University and College of Journalism and Mass Communications affiliated to Purvanchal University teaching to Intermediate, Bachelors and Masters level students.

Publications: Shakya was a co-author of a book "Media Issues in Nepal" (along with Prof P Kharel, Prof Lal Deosa Rai and Prof Chiranjivi Khanal) published in 2000 AD in Kathmandu. Shakya also authored two monographs: (1) Political Orientation of the Nepalese Press, 1985, Kathmandu and (2) Significance of Learning Russian, 1978, Kathmandu. During his tenure in The Rising Nepal, Shakya has published more than 100 articles on Nepalese media and journalism issues. Similarly, he also had the privilege to conduct interviews with more than 100 Nepalese luminaries in field of arts, culture and literature, such as, Kedar Man Vyathit, Lain Singh Bangdel, Bijay Bahadur Malla, Govinda Gothale and so on.

In USA, Shakya is a Sangha Member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, a Buddhist monastery in Portland that focuses on preserving and promoting Newar Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, including Charya Nritya, its music and crafts. Likewise, he is also a Life Member of World Newah Organization (WNO).

(Journalist Dr Rabin Man Shakya)

His Role in Nepa Chhen: Nepa Chhen is a non-profit organization established in 2012 in Portland, USA that seeks to promote and enhance  Nepali culture and traditions. Shakya was its advisor from  its inception and in 2025 he assumed the mantle of vice president of Nepa Chhen.  

His contributions to Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO): Although Shakya does not hold any position in NAO, he has covered and published more than a dozen write-ups  about this organization: (1) Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO): Pioneering Organization of Nepalese Community in Oregon, USA (2) Dashain Celebrated in Portland, America by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) (3) International Nepali Literary Society (INLS), Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) Organize Literary Program in Portland, USA (4) Ambassador Regmi Stresses Nepal-US Cordial Relations and many more.

His involvement with NRNA-USA Oregon Chapter: Since the inception of NRNA-USA Oregon chapter in 2015 in Portland, Shakya was nominated as the education director for four years 2015-2019. He has recently been elected as the media director of NRNA-USA Oregon chapter in 2025. Shakya has covered and published more than two dozen articles about NRNA activities.

Shakya's association with Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City Committee: He assumed the position of general secretary of Kathmandu Eugene Sister City Committee (under Kathmandu Metropolitan City) for 10 years from 1992 to 2002 still when he was in Nepal.

Shakya's writings can be found on platforms like viewsonnepalmedia.blogspot, Nepal Oregon News and Newsletter of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. 

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

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, Jangbu Sherpa and NAO secretary Punam Glee.

Daya Shakya informed the candle-light vigil participants that during this year's Kumari Jatra, tears fell down from the eyes of the Living Goddess Kumari, and added that when it happens, there is usually a big socio-economic or political turmoil in the country.

Likewise, Shuddhodan Ranjit said:"NRNA-USA Oregon chapter prays the Buddha for eternal peace of the departed souls and extends heart-felt condolences to all the members of the bereaved families of the Gen-Z martyrs."

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.

------------------------------

Zoom Teaching on Prajna Paramita Organized

Portland, Sept 19 (Nepal Oregon News): A zoom teaching on 'Prajna Paramita Vajra Dance' was organized on Friday, Sept 19, 2025 by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association. The on-line teaching was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

During the virtual presentation, Prajwal Guruji who is the 35th generation Vajrayana priest, said:"Prajnaparamita is a Sanskrit word for perfection of wisdom."

Prajnaparamita is the perfection of transcendental wisdom, teaching that everything is essentially emptiness, observed the Guruji.

The remotely-held teaching dealt with various aspects of Prajnaparamita. Saying that Parikalpana (imagination), Parinispanna (perfection) and Paratantra (dependence) are three categories of emptiness within Prajnaparamita, Prajwal Guruji also comprehensively threw light on 16 different emptinesses.

Laying emphasis on the importance of Prajnaparamita devi in the Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Prajwal Guruji said that she is the Mother of Buddhas who embodies this wisdom and appears in many Sutras and Tantras.

This wisdom is centered on the concept of Sunyata or emptiness, which highlights the impermanence and interconnectedness of all existences, Prajwal Guruji added.

The teaching also dealt on Dharani and Prajnaparamita Hridayam Sutra. According to the Sutra, form is emptiness, emptiness is form, no eyes, no ears, no nose, no taste, no mind, no object of mind, no suffering, no origin, no cessation and no attainment, no non-attainment. Bodhisattva relies on and abide in the perfection, said the Guruji.

True enlightenment is the end of suffering. Eliminate attachments and the poisons for true freedom and a love beyond concept, this is the essence of Prajnaparamita, added the Guruji quoting the Sutra.

Prajwal Guruji stated:"The Mantra of the Perfection of wisdom is: Gate Gate Para Gate Para Sangate Bodhi Svaha (Gone, gone beyond, gone compeletly beyond, to enlightenment).

This Mantra expresses the idea of wisdom and interconnectedness that we do not exist independently but that we arise in dependence of the whole universe, Prajwal Guruji continued.

Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"Sunyata or emptiness is the core heart of the Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy. Prajnaparamita is the source of wisdom. Perfection of wisdom leads to the path of enlightenment."

Giving details about the Charya Nritya 'Prajnaparamita', the Guruji said:"This Charya dance is named after the female Buddha - Prajnaparamita devi. Prajnaparamita charya dance is one of the ancient classical Charya dances of Newar Vajracharyas. This dance is performed especially as a devotion to Prajnaparamita Devi."

During the remotely held discourse, Prajwal Guruji also sang the Charya giti of Prajnaparamita and explained zoom participants about the meaning of the charya lyrics. Chant to Prajnaparamita charya nritya begins with:"Biswo rupi sarba indriya sworupi/ triloka bhakta ati eka rupi//, the Guruji said quoting the lyrics.

Prajwal Guruji informed the participants of the virtual teaching:"Raga for the Prajnaparamita charya nritya is Hindola and its Tala is Matha." The Guruji also demonstrated step-by-step the Mudra, finger and hand gestures of the Charya dance dedicated to Prajnaparamita Devi.

At the end of the on-line teaching on Prajnaparamita Devi, Guruji Prajwal answered to the questions of the participants

-------------------------

Yenya Punhi Celebrated in Portland, USA

Portland, Sept 6 (Nepal Oregon News): Yenya Punhi, which is the biggest street cultural festival of Kathmandu, was celebrated on Saturday, Sept 6, 2025 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA by organizing a traditional Jhwo Bhoye. 

About 60 Newar Portlanders and some American guests took part at the Yenya Punhi feasting. Yenya Punhi is also known as Samay Baji Punhi, because Samay Baji is served in the houses of the Newar people of Kathmandu on the Day of Yenya Punhi.

Yenya means the festival of Kathmandu in Nepal Bhasa, the language of the Newar people of Nepal.

Yenya festivities consist of two major cultural events: Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra. Indra Jatra is the oldest festival of Kathmandu, dating back to the 10th century.

According to historical chronicles, the tradition of Kumari Jatra was launched by Malla King Jayasthiti Malla in 1756 AD whereas Indra Jatra was initiated by Licchavi King Guna Kama Deva in the 10th century. The procession of Dagin, the mother of Indra, takes place after the chariot processions of Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairav.

Indra Jatra begins annually on the fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra. It starts with the erection of the ceremonial Yosin pole in front of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The festival is celebrated by both Buddhists and Hindus across the Kathmandu valley.

Indra Jatra which is observed in the Kathmandu valley continues to be a festival of unity, faith and cultural pride, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors every year.

Speaking at the Yenya Punhi celebration program in Portland, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara threw light on the history and relevance of Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra while Sanjiv Kumar Lohala made a short presentation on "Bhaktapur Experiences: Med Travel Nepal".

----------------------------

Prajwal Guruji Elected to Spiritual/Cultural Director of NRNA-USA Oregon Chapter

Portland, Sept 9 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the only Newar Buddhist monastery in USA, has been elected as the Spiritual/Cultural Director of Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) - USA - Oregon Chapter.

It was disclosed at a meeting held here in Portland on Tuesday, Sept 9, 2025.

Shuddhodan Ranjit, Raju Mali, Nileema Ozha and Bikram Vaidya have been unanimously elected president, vice president, woman president and general secretary respectively of the NRNA Oregon chapter.

Likewise, Bidhan Lama and Dr Rabin Man Shakya were given responsibility of sports and media directors respectively while Amod Chhetri, Padam Thapa, Dinesh Thapa,  and Suraj Parajuli were elected unopposed as the members of the board of directors.

-----------------------------

Week-long Relational Meditation Retreat Held at Vihara

Portland, Sept 14 (Nepal Oregon News): A week-long relational meditation retreat was held at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara from Sept 8-14, (Monday to Sunday) by Samek and Harry Taussig.

The attunement residency - a week of being fully human together - was a brainchild of the hosts Samek and Harry Taussig.

Six young people took part at the retreat organized at the Newar Buddhist monastery in Portland.

The retreat was described as a healthy human community through relational practices and meditation.

The participants engaged in several hours of "relational meditation" each day, building a "relational monastery" for a week. They stayed and practiced at the Portland Baha, the first and only one Newar Buddhist temple in the  West.

---------------------------------- 

"Play of Krishna" Staged at Vihara

Axi Nityananda

On the evening of Sept 20th, Prajwal Guruji and Nritya Mandala Mahavihara welcomed the small theatrical ensemble of Madame Palmetto's Amusement Company into the temple sanctorum for a  two-hour theatrical and musical odyssey  telling the ancient tales of  the early early life of Lord Krishna.

45 people crowded into the beautiful temple to laugh, sing and learn the tales that have shaped the Indian subcontinent for millennia.

Most of the crowd had never been to the Vihara before and were in awe of this beacon of culture and spirituality in the heart of southeast Portland.

Coming from diverse places, all gathering to watch Axi Nityananda take on 9 different characters from the life of Sri Krishna to tell their perspective on being divinely tied to this wild Avatar.

Axi pulled audience members onto the stage, improvised and played with the crowd while weaving the perennial tales.

In between each song Ari Shine, Luz Helena Florez and Yogeshwari led the crowd in singing enchanting devotional bhajans. 

At the door of the temple,  Dewa slept soundly on Prajwal Guruji's lap, the audience at turns was rolling in laughter, in pin drop silence, dancing in joy, and raptly watching the poetic tale unfold.

Madame Palmetto is extremely grateful to the Vihara for the opportunity to share those spiritual teachings in the tragic-comical form called "The Play of Krishna" and is grateful to the entire Sangha for their commitment to advancing art and spirituality in the world from this sacred hub in the heart of Portland.

-------------------------------

Weekly Activities in Vihara Continue

In September, as usual and as always, Dharani chanting on zoom was conducted once a week every Tuesday evening. Similarly, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan singing practice were held on each Wednesday evening. Likewise, the practice of singing Charya Giti was performed in the mornings every Friday.

-----------------------------------

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 Ozha  have been elected vice presidents of the NRNA - USA - Oregon chapter. Mali is also the founder president of NAO whereas Ms Ozha 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.

-----------------------------

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).

------------------------------------

 

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.

----------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------

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.

---------------------------------

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."

---------------------------------

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.     

-------------------------------