2024: An Eventful Year for Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

 By Rabin Man Shakya

As we get ready to go into the New Year 2025, it is obvious that there could not be a better time to take a close look at the year we have had and to get inspiration for what we could do better in the upcoming year. For the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the year 2024 will be remembered as one of the profound transformation, marked by some significant community events and activities. In fact, speaking about the community activities, the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara - which is the only Nepalese Buddhist temple in the USA and which was established in Portland, USA in 2009 by Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya - has moved to centerstage in Nepalese community in Oregon by observing age-old festivals of the Kathmandu valley, by promoting Charya dances, by celebrating lifestyle rituals and by keeping alive the traditions and culture of the people of Nepal.

The most significant event of the year for the Vihara was Prajwal-Teya wedding solemnized by founder of the Mahavihara and Vajrayana priest Helen Appell as per Newar Vajrayana tradition on Jan 27, 2024. Another equally important and wonderful event of the year was Teya giving birth to Dewa on May 22, 2024 on the eve of the Buddha Purnima Day. Celebrating Newar food, festivals and culture is a regular event for the Vihara. It celebrated many, many festivals like Gun Punhi, Yenya Punhi, Yomari Punhi, Panjaran, Paru Bhoye and so on at the Vihara in 2024. Every Purnima Day was celebrated by reciting Naamsangiti at Vihara and on the zoom. Dharani Mantra chanting was conducted once a week Tuesday evening on the zoom for the whole year in 2024, while Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan singing practice were held on each Wednesday throughout the year. Likewise, the practice of singing Charya giti on-line was performed in the mornings every Friday in 2024 as usual.

Lifecycle rituals like weddings, Chudakarma and Macha Janko ceremonies etc were held by Prajwal Guruji at the Vihara and outside. The first Chudakarma ceremony was solemnized at Portland's Newar Buddhist temple on Feb, 17, 2024. Similarly, celebration of 2568th Buddha Jayanti in June and Seventh World Newah Day in March brought joy to the Nepalese Portlanders and Sangha members. Slide presentation on 'Female Buddhas and Sacred Sexuality in Vajrayana Art and Practice' by Prof Dr Miranda Shaw at the Vihara on April 24 was another important event in 2024.

When Prajwal Guruji and Teya were in Nepal for a month in October, 2024, multiple events took place  there in Kathmandu, Patan and Pokhara: Rice feeding ceremony of Dewa, Charya Dance performance at Aksheswor Mahabihar, Yoga festival in Pokhara, programs organized separately by YMBA-Nepal and Lotus Research Center.

Other important events of the year 2024 were the virtual presentations by Prajwal Guruji with Guru Viking, zoom presentations for Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Pancha Tara, Chakrasambhara and Mahamudra in Newar Buddhism, and of course, the 15th anniversary of the Nritya Mandal Mahavihara in November.

Furthermore, there were powerful Hindustani classical music concerts by well-known US musicians like Steve Gorn, Benjy Wertheimer and Michael Stirling separately at different dates and months at the Vihara in 2024. You will have to go through annual newsletter book to acquire further information about major and minor details of all the programs and events in 2024 at the Vihara.

'The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal' Explores Nation's Diverse Culinary Heritage

Book Signing Held at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Dec 7 (Nepal Oregon News): A book-signing program of cookbook 'The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal' by noted international chef and culinary guru Bikram Vaidya was held on Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

On the occasion, co-founder of the Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya welcomed the guests and gave a short introduction of Bikram Vaidya.

In a wide-ranging presentation, Vaidya discussed multi-faceted diverse food patterns and culinary richness, rich food heritage and historical festivals of Nepal. He started his presentation by saying:"This is quite a journey for me. This book is not just about recipe, it is also about my extensive culinary journey to Nepal." He went on saying that the cookbook was the culmination of over 20 years of research, hard work and culinary stint.

Further, Vaidya also informed the audience that the book has been accepted as a contender for the prestigious James Beard Award. The author of the newly launched cookbook expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped bring his work to life. "Your support, guidance and encouragement made it possible for this book to finally see the light," he said. Giving details about writing his book, he said that over 150 people were involved in this book. "In fact I collected over 300 recipes. Out of that, I only put it over 140 recipes."

Talking about what inspired him to become a chef, Vaidya attributed to: (1) All the festivals and lifecycle rituals in Nepal are related to food. (2) His school days at Anandakuti Boarding School - a Buddhist school (3) His early childhood travels with his parents  outside of the Kathmandu valley. Our food and culture go back to back, he added.

Throwing light on the cover page of his book, Vaidya said that 'Mystic' reflects the deep cultural and spiritual connections that food holds in Nepal. "The kitchen is the sacred part of the home. Fire has been central to human evolution, changing who we are today by allowing us to cook food, which transformed our biology and behavior. Nun symbolizes purity, devotion and spiritual discipline in cooking," he said. Vaidya also shared his memories about travels to nook and corners of Nepal.

Reiterating that Newar people are known for food heritage, Vaidya said that art of Newar cooking has been passed down for generations. When it comes to food traditions in Newar culture, there are so many rituals, and one of them is Sagun. Saying that Sagun is only found in Newar culture, Vaidya told the audience that Sagun is a giving tradition to wish good luck. "Sagun is also offered during the life cycle rituals, birthdays, coming of age rites, old age rites and the New Year etc." he informed the participants.

Underlining the importance of diversity of food according to geography, Vaidya said that Tsampa, Khapse, Dhindo, Gundruk, Tilori etc are different foods in different regions. 'Dhindo' used to be a poor-man's  food in Nepal in the past. Not anymore. Now it is a rich man's food, Vaidya said, kind of, breaking the ice.

Speaking on the occasion and shedding light on the cookbook, Ravi Velhal -- Senior Director of Global Content Technologies driving innovations in content technology -- said:"The book offers a wide spectrum of recipes from Nepal's mountainous, Himalayan and Terai regions."

At the end of the presentation, chef Vaidya replied to numerous questions of the participants. Replying to a query of Nepal Oregon News, Vaidya suggested to emphasize opening of more Nepalese restaurants, cafes, food carts in order to popularize and promote Nepalese cuisines and stressed on the need for community's support for this.

The book-signing program was jam-packed with the guests at the Portland Baha and was attended by more than 100 people: American as well as the Nepali community members. Among them were Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, representatives of Nepali Association of Oregon, Nepa Chhen, NRNA-USA-Oregon chapter and Nepal Oregon News. The book signing event was followed by a pot-luck dinner.

Chef Bikram Vaidya was born and raised  at Ason Tole in Kathmandu in an Ayurvedic family. Vaidya spent years in the hospitality business before starting a culinary career. His hospitality training started in Portland, USA. After graduating from Western Culinary Institute, Le Cordon Bleu, he worked at renowned restaurants and hotels with top chefs. He traveled around the world, studying international culture and cuisines with chefs and locals and working with farmers. 

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Dance Mandal USA Champions Cause of Ancient Dance Tradition at Nepal Festival 2024

Portland, Dec 28 (Nepal Oregon News): Dance Mandal USA team consisting of Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and his students Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Josshua Proto performed rare Charya Nritya dances with live singing at Nepal Festival 2024.

Dabuli's ninth annual cultural event 'Nepal Festival 2024' was organized on Saturday, Dec 28, 2024 at Carco Theater, Renton, WA. Dabuli is a 501 (C) 3 charity organization which aims to advance deeper understanding and strengthening of rich music, arts and cultural heritage of Nepal to build strong intercultural communities.

On the occasion, Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya performed Charya Nritya dance 'Padmasambhava'. Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) chacha pyakhan is one of the important and precious Charya Nritya dances in Newar Buddhism, according to Prajwal Guruji. Padmasambhava who was a powerful and influential Tantric Buddhist, was called upon to Tibet in the eighth century to disseminate Buddhist philosophy and teachings in Tibet. Padmasambhava, who is dressed with various attires of different colors usually the yellow one. The deity who always has wide open eyes is seated on a lotus with colorful petals.

Likewise, Charya dance 'Sapta Lochani Tara' (also known as White Tara) was performed by Sangha member Anna Shustrova. Sapta Locani Tara (White Tara)  manifests as a young beautiful maiden. White Tara is in full Vajra posture. Her left hand is poised at the heart and holds the stem of lotus. White Tara's right hand is in the Varada Mudra signifying supreme generosity. Sapta Locani is presided over upright on a moon disc to mitigate sufferings of sentient beings. This Tara is depicted wearing all kinds of precious jewelries.

Moreover,  Arya Tara Charya dance was rendered by Sangha member Anastasia Roderick. Arya Tara is green and embodies compassionate activity. She sits in a joyful ease pose with with her right leg extended always ready to come to the aid of beings. She gives generously with her right hand and holds a lotus of purity with her left hand at her heart. Arya Tara is also known as 'mother of liberation' and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements.

Also, on the occasion, Avalokiteshvara charya dance was offered by Sangha member Adam Bidema. Avalokiteshvara charya dance is the softest, gentlest and most fluid of dances represented in the Charya Nritya tradition. This is an ancient form of deity yoga meditation for physical transformation, refinement of emotions and spiritual awareness.

All the Charya dances presented at the Dabuli's Nepal Festival 2024 program were choreographed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. The Charya Giti singing was rendered with flying colors by Sangha member Joshua Proto.

Furthermore, at the same event, Sangha member of the Vihara Bikram Vaidya also presented his book 'The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal' to the Nepalese community members of Renton and Seattle.

The focus of Nepal Festival 2024 was to preserve 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 2024 provided an artistic platform for different indigenous and ethnic communities of Nepal to demonstrate their traditions and rich cultural heritage. 

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Workshop - on How to Make Yomari Dumplings - Held at Vihara

Portland, Dec 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A practical workshop on how to make and cook Newar style Yomari dumplings was organized on Sunday, Dec 15, 2024 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland to mark the Yomari Punhi Full Moon Day.

The practical training for preparation and cooking of Yomaris was conducted by renowned chef and culinary guru Bikram Vaidya who is also the author of the recently released cookbook 'The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal'.

Yomari is a steamed dumpling which consists of an external covering of rice flour with sweet fillings of Chaku (made from jaggery or molasses).

During the workshop, chef Vaidya taught and demonstrated how to dough the rice flour properly, how to prepare sweet ingredient Chaku fillings.

Yomari workshop at Portland Baha was not just confined to making traditional Yomari consisting of Chaku filling, the training also focused  on making Yomaris with ground pork and lentils. On the occasion, Vaidya also made some 'Wo' mari (hot lentil pie) and offered them to the participants. 

Vaidya skillfully demonstrated the participants how to shape out the Yomaris and how to insert sweet ingredient chaku fillings inside the Yomari. At last, he showed them how to steam the Yomaris in the steaming utensils.

The workshop was confined to the pujaris of the temple and Charya dancers of the Dance Mandal USA. The workshop aimed at giving comprehensive theoretical and practical training to the Americans how to prepare Newar-style Yomaris.

About a dozen people participated at the Yomari making class: Corinne Nakamura-Rybak, Joshua Proto, Stormy Hoebelheinrich, Gabriel Quitslund, Casey Redman, Ashley Low, Anastasia Roderick, Anna Shustrova, Adam Bidema Susan Morningstar, and Naveena Shakya.

According to chef Vaidya, this kind of workshop on Yomari making for Americans is held for the first time here in America. Chef Vaidya answered to numerous questions of the participants.

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Sowa Rigpa Institute's Entrustment Ceremony Held

Portland, Dec 1 (Nepal Oregon News): An entrustment (graduation) ceremony was held on Sunday, Dec 1, 2024 by Sowa Rigpa Institute of Tibetan Medicine at Pureland Farms, Topanga, CA.

Altogether, 60 students (including 30 on-line) were conferred the titles of graduation on the occasion.

Teya De Sesa, spouse of Prajwal Guruji was conferred the title of Sowa Rigpa Practitioner in recognition of completion of 1,000 hours of study prescribed for the field of Sowa Rigpa Practitioner  according to the international teaching guidelines set by Dr Nida Chenatsang and Sorig Khang International.

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Rice-feeding Ceremony in San Diego

Portland, Dec 14 (Nepal Oregon News): A Macha Janko ritual was performed by priest Prajwal Vajracharya for baby girl Bindi Laxmi Shakya (daughter of Bhima and David, and grand daughter of Daya and Jaya Shakya) at the house of Bhima and David in San Diego, CA.

The rice-feeding ceremony is a celebration in Nepal in which a child is fed rice for the first time. Macha Janko (Nepal Bhasa), Pasni (Nepali), or Anna Prasana (Sanskrit) are words for a baby rice-feeding ceremony.

The ceremony is typically held for girls at five months and boys at six months, because it is at about this time the child's digestive system can easily process solid food.

During the Macha Janko ritual, a large tray consisting  of toys and other items is presented before the baby. It is widely believed  that the first thing the baby takes or touches from the tray is an indicator of her or his later vocation in future life. Baby Bindi Laxmi chose a necklace and stethoscope.

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Six-month Shradh Rituals Performed at Vihara in Honor of Late Vaidya

Portland, Dec 29 (Nepal Oregon News): Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th generation Guvaju priest and Chief Pujari of  the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara  performed six-month ceremony death rituals for late Anandanda Vaidya at the Vihara in Portland, USA on Sunday, Dec 29, 2024.

During the Shradh rituals, Jal Daan, Dunga Daan and Phalphul Daan were offered at the temple by Ayush Vaidya in memory of his late father.

Shira Daan and Nisala Beegu etc were also offered during the Shradh rituals. The Gurumandala Puja was also conducted by Prajwal Guruju. The ritual was conducted so that the heavenly journey of the deceased soul after death is peaceful, comfortable and stress-free.

(Rabin Shakya is a Newah journalist in America.)

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Tackling Real Newah Unity Requires Selflessness, Sacrifice and Straightforward Strategy

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Jan 8 (Nepal Oregon News): This year Newah Unity Day is being celebrated on Jan 8. Similarly, World Newah Day is observed every year on the last Saturday of the month of March every year. 

Despite the fact that these BIG NEWAH DAYS are celebrated with much fanfare by various Newah organizations in Nepal and in the countries across the world, the real Newah unity is still a far-fetched dream.

The news stories and posts published in the media and social media platforms  have raised serious questions  about the real unity in the broader Nepal Bhasa movement and Newah unity. 

 Going by the comments in the social media platforms, the Newah people are saying that they are sick and tired with the way things are going.

Historically, Newars have been divided into castes (upper and lower) and religions (Hinduism and Buddhism) and this rift cannot be buried overnight. 

At present, Newars are not only divided in terms of religions and castes, but they  are even divided politically, geo-politically and economically. Newah unity is also hampered by activities like separately celebrating Jyapu Diwas and Nay Diwas etc.

World Newah Organization (WNO) was established as an umbrella organization of the Newah people and aimed at unifying the Newah people across the world. 

WNO which is made up of diverse group of Newah personalities elected from different countries, and which is a world-wide non-profit operation, aims to help with providing a unified  Newah voice to many burning issues.

But, the simmering rift within the World Newah Organization itself is, however, nothing new. The Google Translate -- Nepal Bhasa (Newari) -- incident has further exposed  the deepening chasm between factions in the World Newah Organization.

Furthermore, WNO's most fundamental failing is the Achille's heel of all the international non-profit organizations: It has been unable to produce a charismatic, selfless,  dynamic, non-partisan, and popular leadership. (Look at the global NRNA movement which has been deeply and badly plagued by over politicization and factionalism.)

'Newah Jhi Newah He Jui' is a very good idea, but sadly enough this is confined to utopia because even today if a Shakya boy marries a Shrestha girl, she will not be accepted by the Shakya Sangha community and their sons are not allowed to perform 'Chudakarma' at the Mahavihara of the Shakya communities. This is just the tip of the iceberg, there are many more contradictions on the way of Newah unity.

Hence, the popular saying 'Newah Jhi Newah He Jui' is just becoming an attractive component of the broader movement to merely capture the sentiments of Newah nationalism.

Achieving Newah unity is possible, but it is a long way to go, and there is no doubt that tackling real Newah unity requires selflessness, sacrifice and straightforward strategy of the Newah organizations and Newah leaders.

Actually, some tremendous strides have recently been made towards the Nepal Bhasa movement after the restoration of democracy in 1990 and after the abolition of the monarchy: Official government declaration that our language is Nepal Bhasa. Nepal Sambat is recognized as the national sambat. Sankhadhar Sakhwa is declared the national Bibhuti. Nepal Bhasa's impact in print and electronic media is growing etc.

Overall, there is a sense that despite all these gains, Newah unity's practical trajectory is still far from satisfactory.

Lately, so many Newah organizations have been mushrooming not only in Nepal but in many other countries too. Even in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia other European countries, the numbers of Newah organizations are growing fastly.

But, if the prominent Newah organizations in Nepal and in other countries chart out their strategies as per their petty interest, they are sure to undermine the genuine values of the broader Nepal Bhasa movement and Newah unity.

In fact, the discrepancy between the rhetoric and action is the main problem with our Newah leaders and also with the mainstream politicians.

The precondition for real Newah unity is the creation of Newah awareness, the pride and feeling of being a Newah. No doubt, Newah awareness cannot be achieved overnight too.

But the Newah frontline leaders who had committed to work together for the cause of Newah unity have not been able to carry out any substantial moves to bring about broader Newah awareness, to bring about timely changes in the caste behavior of different religious groups within the Newah ethnicity.

Problems of Newah unity are not entirely caused by castes and religious divisions alone. The rift and chasm are obvious in many Newah organizations themselves, and it may be because of personal and political differences, hunger for power and positions, highhandedness, over ambitiousness etc. 

The prominent Newah organizations like the World Newah Organization, Newah Dey Daboo and so on should shed their rigidity and should come together to address the real issues of Newah unity.

The so-called Newah leaders themselves should come forward and should rise above the politics, castes and religious differences to blaze  the trail for the ordinary Newah people.

(Rabin Shakya is a Newah journalist based in Portland, USA).

Winter Solstice Party at the Home of Kate and Carl

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Dec 22 (Nepal Oregon News): Yesterday  Dec 21, 2024  was the Day of Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year). To celebrate the day, our friend Carl Heine and his spouse Kate Donia invited us to a Winter Solstice Party at their house at North East Wistaria Drive in Portland.

Different kinds of pies made by Carl and Kate were served along with non-alcoholic apple cider drink.

About thirty Americans were at the Winter Solstice party at the big house of our friends. We were supposed to stay only half an hour there. But, unexpectedly, we happened to meet Karen and Matthew. Karen, who  is from Nepal is a Master's Degree holder in Graphic Designs and her husband Matthew Stoll is an architect.

We chewed the fat over the hot apple cider for couple of hours.  It was obvious for us that we shot the breeze about Nepal, Buddhism, Newar Buddhist Monastery in Portland and about travels, and we even did not know how two hours passed so quickly.

Winter Solstice Day is the shortest day of the year. Winter Solstice occurs when either of Earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. The Winter Solstice also heralds the beginning of lengthening days and shortening of nights.

Sangha Members Celebrate Vihara's 15th Anniversary with Various Events

Rabin Man Shakya

(Prajwal Vajracharya performing Vajrapani Charya nritya dance)

Portland, Nov 10 (Nepal Oregon News): A day-long program was organized on Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 to mark the 15th anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the first and only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery in the West. The anniversary celebration kicked off with the Gurumandala Puja and Homa Puja in the morning.

(Chief priest of the Vihara Prajwal Guruji chanting rituals for Gurumandala and Homa Puja)

Gurumandala and Homa Puja were elaborately conducted by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest. Other participants of the Gurumandala Puja were Sangha members: Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema, Gabriel Quitslund and Naveena Shakya. To mark the occasion, 108 butter lamps were lit and illuminated.

(Gurumandala Puja participants - from left to right - Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema, Anastasia Roderick, Naveena Shakya, Anna Shustrova, Riyaz Khan and Gabriel Quitslund)

(Deep Prajwalan)

After that, Sangha members and other guests welcomed the 15th anniversary of the Vihara with Refuge dance for 108 consecutive times. Refuge dance, which is a performance of Buddha Bandana dance through Charya Nritya, was performed 108 times continuously by American and Nepali devotees. Buddhist practitioners take refuge daily in the Buddha, the teacher, the Dharma, the teachings and the Sangha, the community. In Charya Nritya, a practitioner takes refuge  through embodiment of these "three jewels" - the Buddha, as the teacher of meditation, Shakya Muni Buddha; the Dharma teachings as Manjushree weilding his wisdom sword and text, the Sangha as the supportive community in the form of the lord of compassiion.

Evening celebrations of the anniversary started with Buddha Bandana Bhajans: Jaya Namo Shree, Dasparamita Purna Yana, Najato Namo Buddhaye and Anitya Lumanke Nu. Buddha Bandana Bhajans were beautifully performed by Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Susan Morningstar.

The anniversary celebration wrapped up with the international Charya dance presentation. Refuge Dance and 16 Offering Goddess Dance were presented by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Susan Morningstar, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema and Corinne Nakamura-Rybak. Sixteen Offering Godess dance, also known as, Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit, are sixteen dance postures representing various musical instrument offering 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. 

After that, Rakta Ganesha Charya dance was presented by Joshua Proto. The image of Rakta Ganesha  (Red Ganesha) is generally found along with Mahakala at the entrance of monasteries in the Kathmandu valley as a protective deity. He has an elephant head, three eyes and ten arms. This is a mask dance.

Little later, Charya Nritya dances "Pancha Tara" and "Singhamukha" were performed by the Sangha members of Hong Kong Dance Mandal on the zoom. Pancha Tara dance was offered by Dr Tina Ho, Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Sanniti Leung, Nora Ng, Dickon Kong, Wing Yee Lam and Valisha Ping.

Pancha Tara creates a three dimensional Mandala of five colored Taras. It is beautiful to see myriad emanations of the Goddes Arya Tara and the different activities of each deity. According to Praises of Twenty-One Tara, it is said that Tara has 21 forms of ultimate emanations. Each of the Tara has its specific color that serves a specific function -- White Tara represents ultimate purity and enlightenment. Green Tara is the first Tara, the beginning of every other Tara. She is regarded as the Goddess of luck when depicted with other Taras. It is believed that Yellow Tara who represents Avalokiteshvara's wrathful form and is thought to have been born from his scowl, is the protector of compassionate and loving people. Blue Tara who is the powerful companion of Green Tara is frequently seen in artwork and is thought to guard both the Taras and all good beings. The original Tara's strength of love is symbolized by the Red Tara. 

Singhamukha charya dance was performed by Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Lau, Saldon Wu and Lingling Lee. Singhamukha is a lion-faced female Buddha who is red in color, fearless and very wrathful, emphasizing that enlightenment is not a passionate state, but rather a state of wholeness in which one has access to all the energies and capacities of one's being.

Likewise, Padmasambhava Charya Nritya was presented by Bobby Romansky. Padmasambhava is wrathful and smiling, wrathful like Vajrapani. His two eyes are always wide open straightforward - always awakening the people.

Similarly, another one of the Tara dance -- Arya Tara, White Tara, Avalokiteshvara -- was performed by Anna Shustrova, Pepper Koscis and Adam Bidema. Avalokiteshvara is a compassionate Bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings, and who works tirelessly to help those who call upon his name. Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of universal compassion and has the softest, gentlest and most fluid of dances represented in the Charya nritya tradition.

Moreover, Khadgayogini charya dance was displayed by Anastasia Roderick. This deity is called Khadgayogini because she holds a Khadga (sword) in one of her hands. Khadgayogini, who is red in color, is a semi-wrathful Dakini. She is four-handed or six-handed goddess. She holds lotus, Kapala, Khadga, Kartri on her different hands and wears tiger's skin. Khadgayogini is short in height and has a conspicuous belly. She is an embodiment of compassion but she also can eliminate the evil forces. 

(Anastasia Roderick offering Khadgayogini charya nritya dance)

Next, Vajrayogini charya dance was rendered by Riyaz Khan. This dance is named after Goddess Vajrayogini. It is one of the ancient classical Charya dances  of Nepal. According to TantricVajrayana Buddhism, there are four yoginis or Tantric Goddesses in the Kathmandu valley. In this dance, symbolic movement of hands and legs are skillfully timed with general body movement   and facial expressions. This dance shows beautiful mixture, strong sense of protection, preservation, anger and peaceful emotions.

Finally, ferocious Vajrapani charya dance was performed by Prajwal Guruji. Vajrapani is a wrathful Bodhisattva dark blue in color, with bloodshot eyes and an angry glare. He holds a bell in his left hand and a Vajra in his right, and wears a tiger skin garment, snakes wrapping around his body, and ornaments made of bones and skulls. Wrathful deities dance upon the negative forces they have overcome and laugh with glee as they feast on raw painful negativity, the very means to enlightenment.

Board member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Kuon Hunt was the master of ceremony during the Charya nritya dance presentation. About 80 people took part at the anniversary ceremony. Among them were the Sangha members of the Vihara, community members and representatives of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), Nepa Chhen, NRNA - Oregon chapter and Nepal Oregon News. The participants and guests at the Vihara's 15th anniversary celebration were provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

(Riyaz Khan dancing a Vajrayogini charya nritya)

(Adam Bidema presenting Avalokiteshvara charya nritya dance.)

Anna Shustrova doing White Tara (Sapta Lochani) Charya Dance. 

(Pepper Koascis giving  performance of Arya Tara charya nritya dance) 

(Bobby Romansky displaying Padmasambhava charya nritya dance)

(Joshua Proto offering Rakta Ganesha charya nritya)

(Sangha members and community participants)

(Buddha Bhajan songs being rendered by Anastasia Roderick, Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema and Susan Morningstar)

(Helen Appell, Ambika Shakya offering Refuge charya nritya dance)

(Sangha members doing the Refuge charya nritya dance.)

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Virtual Presentation on Newar Buddhism Held

Portland, Nov 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual presentation on "An Introduction to Newar Buddhism" was organized on Friday, Nov 15, 2024. The on-line presentation was skillfully offered by Matthew Ang from Singapore.

On the occasion, Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara welcomed the virtual participants and gave a short introduction of Math Ang.

Stressing on the need for promoting Newar Buddhism in America, Prajwal Guruji said that the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been carrying out a lot of activities, programs and events to enhance Newar Buddhism and culture in USA.

Singaporean Matthew Ang considers Prajwal as a teacher and says:"Teacher's father Ratna Kaji Vajracharya is a well known scholar who has published many books on Newar Buddhism, is an internationally recognized lineage holder of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. He was the one who brought out Newar Buddhism to the world against normal norms back then." 

According to Matthew, he met with Prajwal Guruji and got acquainted with Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in 2020.

Throwing light on the legend of the Swayambhu Purana of the Kathmandu valley, Matthew said:" During his visit to Nepal Mandala, Bodhisattva  Manjushree  sensed a radiant and powerful lake. Manjushree surveyed the lake, realized its spiritual benefits, and sliced through the hill, draining its water to make way for pilgrims and human settlement. Then, Manjushree established  Buddhism in Nepal and became the first Vajracharya, or a teacher of Tantric path, followed by Shantikaracharya."

Matthew also shed light on suppression of Newar Buddhism by major and powerful dynasties for 800 years.

Furthermore, underscoring the importance of Gurumandala puja in Newar Buddhism, he said:"The Gurumandala puja, the most ubiquitous and fundamental of all Newar Vajrayana Buddhist rituals is at its root a healing ritual, and can be used to remove impediments and bodily ills. Combined with the chanting of appropriate, powerful Mantras (Dharani), it can provide a healing powerhouse  of energy in only an hour and a half or two hours. This can be done in the temple or in the home."

Moreover, talking about the importance of Sanskrit in Newar Buddhism, he said that ancient Tantric texts are still from the original Sanskrit language. Famous Sadhanamala text, Pragyaparamita Sutras are also in Sanskrit. All the Charya gitis are in Sanskrit, he added.

Ang pointed out the significance  of Kaya (body), Vak (speech) and Chitta (mind) Mudras, and threw light on the use of Mudras for healing purposes. Addressing the remotely-held program, Ang also focused on Protection Mantras, Seed Syllable Mantras, Protection Mudras and so on. Speaking about Chakras in Newar Buddhism, he zeroed in on awakening Chakras, esoteric and syllable mantras and added that each Chakra has different Mantra. "Lifecycle rituals are quintessential in Newar Buddhism", he went on saying.

Matthew Ang also stressed on the need to further popularize and promote Newar Buddhism in the world. Matthew's talk presented a detailed description of Newar Buddhism, deity yoga and Charya Nritya and so on.

At the end of the online interaction program, Ang answered the questions of the participants. The zoom presentation was attended by about 25 participants from different countries including the Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association. Prominent guests at the remotely-held program were the founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Helen Appell and Prof Dr Miranda Shaw. Since Nov 15 was also the Full Moon Day, the presentation was followed by Manjushree Naamsangiti Chanting. 

(Rabin Shakya is a Newah journalist in USA)

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Macha Janko - Quintessential Newar Lifecycle Ritual

 Dewa Ratna Vajracharya's Rice Feeding Ceremony (Anna Prasana) Held in Kathmandu

Rabin Man Shakya

Kathmandu, Oct 24 (Nepal Oregon News): A Macha Janko (rice feeding ceremony) was performed  for a little boy Dewa Ratna Vajracharya (son of Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya and Teya Vajracharya) in Kathmandu on Thursday, Oct 24, 2024.

(Macha Janko ceremony of Dewa Ratna Vajracharya, son of Teya and Prajwal Vajracharya in Kathmandu, Nepal. Also seen in the picture is Japanese Charya nritya dancer Yuko Okomoto.

During the Macha Janko ceremony, a Mandala was drawn and Gurumandala Puja and other Newar Vajrayana Buddhist rituals were performed by senior Guruju Siddhi Muni Bajracharya.

The senior Guruju used a variety of Mantras, repeated Tantric offerings of the five elements in the form of flowers, fruits, rice, incense and water, as well as multitude of other Newar Vajrayana ritual objects to complete Macha Janko ceremony.

The religious and traditional rituals performed during the Macha Janko ceremony were elaborate, using so many traditional utensils and ritual objects, and were accompanied by cultural and esoteric elements that made it both a significant and enjoyable experience for the entire Vajracharya family in Kathmandu.

Also, during the ceremony, senior Guruju Siddhi Muni Bajracharya gave away flowers and dabbed 'Sinha' on the forehead of Prajwal Guruji, Teya, Dewa and all the relatives of Prajwal Guruji.

Renowned Japanese Charya Nritya dancer  Yuko Okomoto and Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA board member Uppa Shakya were also present during the cultural and traditional event of Dewa Ratna Vajracharya's Anna Prasana ceremony.

The rice feeding ceremony celebrates the child's first solid food. Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, noted that "Although this is a centuries-old tradition, modern science has now established that a child's digestive system is best able to process solid food when he or she reaches approximately six months."

Macha Janko's important ritual is to feed rice pudding for the first time in child's life, so baby Dewa was fed rice pudding from a small spoon by all the members of the Vajracharya family in age order.

One of the highlights of the Anna Prasana ceremony was the presentation of a large tray or kisti  to young Dewa. It is widely believed that the first thing the child takes or touches from the tray is an indicator of his later vocation in future life. On this tray were a variety of objects and toys. Baby Dewa  chose the Vajra and Mala with his right hand and the ritual bell with his left.

The elephant-headed deity - Ganesha - is the most important God for Macha Janko ceremony. Senior Guruju Siddhi Muni Bajracharya concluded the day with prayers to Ganesha for the removal of all obstacles from the life and growth of young Dewa.

This important lifecycle ceremony is largely a family celebration in Nepal, as it is the first time a child is fed solid food. This ceremony signifies his movement from infancy to toddlerhood, where he will be more on his own, moving about, learning and absorbing more of the  world around him, says Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya.

Macha Janko (Nepal Bhasa), Pasni (Nepali) or Anna Prasana (Sanskrit) are words or names used for a toddler's rice feeding ceremony.

Kathupwa Chayekegu ritual (Vocal Chord opening ceremony) was held the next day of the Macha Janko ritual. Dewa's aunt took him to the nearest Ganesha temple and offered rituals to the deity for the child's health, prosperity and removal of obstacles. Then, baby Dewa was fed the top part of the 'Gwoja' which is also an essential item during the rituals.

Finally, a dinner reception was also organized in the evening  to mark the  the Macha Janko ceremony the same day at a Party Palace in Kathmandu. More than 300 people -- local dignitaries, friends and relatives -- took part at the Macha Janko dinner party. 

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Charya Nritya Blooms at Aksheswar Mahabihar

Lalitpur, Oct 29 (Nepal Oregon News): During a visit of Prajwal Vajracharya (co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA) to Nepal recently, a beautiful, brilliant and mesmerizing Charya Nritya program 'Chacha Bija' was organized on Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 by Dance Mandal Nepal at Aksheswar Mahabihar in Lalitpur, Nepal.

At the program, Prajwal Vajracharya presented Vajravarahi charya dance. Vajravarahi is one of the most important female deities in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. She is the central deity in the Five Dakini Mandala and is the deity of compassion, but when chased by evil creatures, she can hide under the ground, protecting herself with the help of her boar's mouth. Vajravarahi is one of the manifestations of Vajrayogini. Vajravarahi is red in color and stands on a reclining body of Bhairava in dancing posture. She holds a Kartri in her right hand on level of head and holds a Kapala filled with blood in her left. The deity carries a Khatvanga stick surmounted by three skulls. She wears a garland of fifty severed heads and various gold ornaments.

Similarly, Vajrayogini charya dance was offered by Sangita Shakya. This dance is performed especially as a devotion to the Goddess Vajrayogini in Sankhu. Vajrayogini is a main female Buddha. She is semi-wrathful and bright red, dancing joyfully without shame or fear and glorifying in her femaleness. She drinks the nectar that fuels her in the intensity and clarity of an uncompromising motivation to cut through ignorance while embracing all accessible energies.

Likewise, Avalokiteshvara charya dance was performed by Namami Shakya. Avalokiteshvara charya dance is the embodiment of universal compassion and has the softest, gentlest and most fluid of the dances represented in the Charya dance tradition. This is an ancient form of deity yoga meditation for physical transformation, refinement of emotions and spiritual awareness.

 On the occasion, Charya giti for the Charya dances were vocalized by Swayambhu Ratna Shakya, Tanmaya and Suman Kapali.

Refuge dance and Sixteen Offering Goddess Dances were also presented at the program which was attended by 150 personalities from different walks of life. The chief guest on the occasion was Mr Narayan Kaji Shrestha who is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal and Senior Vice Chairman of CPN - Maoist Center.

Aksheswar Mahabihar is an ancient Buddhist monastery. It is located at Pulchowk near the huge stupa one of the four famous stupas built by Emperor Ashoka, in the western outskirts of the old town of Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal during the Kirati period. 

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Prajwal Guruji Performs 'Vajrasattva' Charya Dance at Nepal Yoga Festival in Pokhara

Pokhara, Oct 16 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya, a well-known Charya dancer and international teacher, during his recent visit to Nepal addressed a workshop on Newar Buddhism and Charya Nritya at a program 'Nepal Yoga Festival 2024' on Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at Purna Yoga Retreat in Bhakunde,  Pokhara organized by Nepal Yoga Festival, Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) and its Pokhara chapter.

On the occasion, all the participants of the 'Nepal Yoga Festival 2024' performed Refuge Charya Dance led by Prajwal Guruji. Similarly, the Guruji also presented a beautiful and esoteric Charya dance 'Vajrasattva'.

Vajrasattva is central to Newar Buddhist meditative and ritual practice. Newar Vajrayana priests revere Vajrasattva as the primordial teacher, the source of Tantric teachings they practice.

Vajrasattva is also considered  the essence of all the peaceful Buddha families. Vajrasattva is peaceful in appearance, white in color, with one face and two hands, seated in Vajra posture. The proper right hand holds an upright gold Vajra at the level of the heart. The left hand holds a Vajra handled bell turned at the left hip.

Nepal Yoga Festival 2024 aimed to attract both domestic and international visitors. Various sessions were facilitated  by world-class instructors, with Yoga led by teacher Manohar Shrestha. The lineup also featured Grammy-nominated artist Manoj Singhe, Peter Sterios and a classical dance performance from acclaimed dancer Leena Malakar's group.

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Prajwal Guruji Stresses Importance of Mudras in Charya Nritya

Lalitpur, Oct 30 (Nepal Oregon News): A talk program by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya on "Importance of Mudras in Charya Nritya" was organized on Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 by Young Men's Buddhist Association - Nepal (YMBA-Nepal) at YMBA Dhamma Hall in Lalitpur. About 40 people - among them local dignitaries, intellectuals and students - attended the YMBA-Nepal's program on Charya and Mudra.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA said:"Charya Nritya is a Newar Vajrayana Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. Charya nritya is a meditational dance that tells us stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities."

Talking about Mudra and Charya, Prajwal Guruji said:"Charya is a dance of the Mudras and a moving meditation which helps us develop a deeper understanding of Newar Vajrayana Buddhist deities."

Prajwal Guruji's presentation at YMBA-Nepal emphasized the importance of Mudra through subtle fluidity of movement, breath and stillness.

Prajwal Guruji added :"The practice of deity Yoga supports an appreciation of the inner beauty of the body and cultivates understanding of our personal Mudras as unique experience."

Prajwal Guruji, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest, during the presentation, discussed how certain movements and Mudras effect health and create transformations in our bodies, how it heals our hands, feet and energy channels.

During the presentation, the Guruji stressed on the need to embody Kaya, Vak and Chitta, and underscored the importance of awakening and connecting through learning the Kaya Mudra, Vak Mudra and Chitta Mudra.

Kaya is the body, Vak is the speech and Chitta is the mind, Prajwal Guruji reiterated  and added that any Mudra that is made cannot be separated from Kaya, Vak and Chitta. "Our every gesture is connected  with body, speech and mind," he went on saying.

On the occasion, welcoming the guests and giving a short introduction of Prajwal Guruji, president of YMBA-Nepal Asha Ratna Shakya said:"Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya is a Guru of Charya Nritya and he has been teaching Charya Nritya since many years back to his numerous students from all over the world."

Meanwhile, writing on the social media platform on Monday, Oct 28, 2024, YMBA-Nepal said:"YMBA-Nepal would like to express our deep sense of gratitude and sadhubaad to Mr Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya - cofounder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and a Charya Guru - for exploring about the "Importance of Mudras in Charya Nritya" (Buddhist Devotional Dance) of Newar Buddhism.

YMBA-Nepal  added in its Facebook post:"It was so interesting that many participants had queries and the Guruji replied the answers beautifully."

YMBA-Nepal's Facebook statement further said:"At today's presentation, we also had the special guest at YMBA, he is Mr Dewa Ratna Vajracharya, son of Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya (only 5 months and some days old). In the history of YMBA-Nepal, he appears as the youngest and cutest guest ever. He was born on last Buddha Purnima, a very special day."

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Role of Charya Nritya in Newar Buddhism Emphasized

Lalitpur, Oct 26 (Nepal Oregon News): A talk program on 'Role of Charya Nritya in Buddhism' by Prajwal Vajracharya was organized by Lotus Research Center (LRC) in Lalitpur, Nepal on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024. Twenty people, among them - local dignitaries, intellectuals and students - participated at the program.

On the occasion, speaking about Charya Nritya's history, Prajwal Guruji said:"Charya is a unique Newar Buddhist tradition dating back over a thousand years that uses the physical body as a vehicle for liberating the mind."

The Guruji  further added:" In Charya dance, by united movement, visualization and awareness, one learns to emulate and then fully embody the qualities of the variety of Buddhist deities - male and female, peaceful and wrathful - and to genuinely express those qualities through one's body, speech and activities."

Underscoring the role of Charya Nritya as a key to enlightenment and transformation, Prajwal Guruji emphasized on the importance of Charya in embodying the deity and in understanding inner, outer and sacred mudras.

The Guruji went on saying:"In Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, it is taught that there can be no liberation without singing and dancing, the physical body and the voice are the tools of transformation with which we awaken and free our minds."

Prajwal Guruji made it clear that Charya dance is not just a dance, it is teaching, it is preaching and meditation as well as a philosophy yielding deep understanding and guidelines for moving forward in life.

Lotus Research Center is a non-profit and non-government organization registered in 1993 under the Institution Registration Act of Nepal. It has an objective to preserve and promote Buddhist culture of Nepal Mandala (Kathmandu valley).

LRC has launched Lotus Academic College for Buddhist studies since 2007 which provides Post-Graduate Diploma level course on Buddhist Studies.

LRC, the parental organization of the college, has decades of experience in the field of research and study of Buddhist art and culture. It has also been developing a digital archive of Newar Buddhism with multimedia contents.

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Powerful Flute and Tabla Performance Livens Portland Baha

Portland, Oct 25, (Nepal Oregon News): A powerful flute performance by world famous bamboo flute master Steve Gorn and Tabla playing by renowned multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Friday, Oct 25, 2024.

The enthralling and mesmerizing flute performance of Steve was accompanied on Tabla by Benjy. And there is no doubt that Steve and Benjy are musicians with a penchant for Hindustani classical music.

Steve Gorn has  performed Indian classical music on Bansuri Bamboo flute in concerts and festivals throughout the world. A disciple of Sri Gour Goswami of Kolkata, India, and Pandit Raghunath Seth of Mumbai, he is well known to audiences in India and the West.

He has been widely praised by critics and leading Indian musicians as one of the few Westerners recognized  to have captured the subtlety and beauty of Indian classical music.

A Grammy winner and five times Grammy nominee, Steve Gorn is creating a new idiom, a music that combines the essence of classical  Indian tradition with a contemporary world music from a virtuoso mastery, generating a vibrant fusion, alive and accessible to Western ears.

Benzy Wertheimer is an award winning musician, composer, vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist  equally accomplished in Tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar and keyboards.

Benjy has performed and recorded with such artists as Krishna Das, Deva Primal, and Miten, Jai Uttal, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell, Tabla Master Zakir Hussein, and renowned bamboo flute master G. S. Sachadev. 

He has also opened for such well-known artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter and Narada Michael Walden. Benjy is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed world fusion ensemble 'Ancient Future'.

The concert was one of the rare opportunities for a limited number of audience at the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland to dive into the ocean of raga with bamboo flute master Steve Gorn and multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer.

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Nepalese Portlanders Gather for Mha Puja Celebrations in America

Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 Brings Joy to Nepalese Portlanders

By Rabin Man Shakya

(Newah ladies and gentlemen during the Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year celebrations in Portland, USA) 

Portland, Nov 3 (Nepal Oregon News): A group Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 was observed in Portland, USA on Saturday Nov 2, 2024 by Nepa Chhen, a non-profit committed to enrich and enhance Nepalese arts, culture and traditions in the US.

According to Pramod Karanjit, secretary of Nepa Chhen, 95 Mha Puja Mandalas were drawn on the floor for each participant. Cheerful Nepalese Portlanders were seen sitting cross-legged in front of their respective Mandalas.

The Nepalese gentlemen were seen wearing 'Daura Suruwal' and 'Sakkali Dhaka Ya Tapuli' while the Nepalese ladies were dressed up in Haku Patasi and other sarees.

Most of the cultural and ritual procedures were followed while performing the collective Mha Puja ceremony which took place at Nekusing Memorial Theater, US World Class Taekwondo Hollywood in Portland.

All the Mha Puja participants were given a dab of colored paste 'Sinha' on their foreheads, provided sacred thread 'Kokha' and a bag of Masala Pwo' and fruits.

Then, the Nepalese Portlanders were presented egg, fish and wine which was poured down from a Newah-style 'Anti'. After that, a traditional Newar feast 'Bhoye' was served.

The Nepalese Portlanders were seen wishing each other Happy Mha Puja and Nhu Dan Ya Bhintuna.

Mha Puja celebration in Portland, USA is also a sure way to enliven and enhance the Newah traditions and customs, demonstrating the aspirations of the Nepalese Portlanders to keep up the Newah traditions alive.

There is no doubt that Mha Puja is a quintessential part of rich Newar culture. It is an interesting coincidence that Mha Puja, a part of Swanti Nakha, is performed to purify mind, body and spirit, and this cultural ritual is annually held on the day of new year celebration of Nepal Sambat.

It is to be noted that Nepal Sambat -- a national lunar calendar of Nepal -- kicked off in 879 AD during the rule of King Raghav Dev to commemorate the reimbursement of all debts of the people by a Newah trader Shankhadhar Sakhwa who was declared a national hero (Vibhuti) of Nepal on Nov 18, 1999 by the then His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

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