Tara was There Before the Advent of the Buddha and Buddhism: Vajracharya

Third Virtual Teaching on 'Pancha Tara' Organized

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Aug 2, (Nepal Oregon News): Tara was there well before the advent of the Buddha and Buddhism. Tara represents enlightened activities of all the Buddhas and that is why Tara is called the mother of all the Buddhas.

Prajwal Vajracharya - who is a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and a ritual master master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms - said this while making a third presentation on Pancha Tara.

The zoom program on Pancha Tara, which was organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Friday, Aug 2, 2024, was attended  online by 15 participants.

The teaching on Pancha Tara kicked off with the praying for deity Tara - Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha.

According to Prajwal Guruji, the emphasis this time was laid on the Mantra and Sadhana aspects of Tara.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Guruji threw light on Guhyasamaj Tantra, Hevajra Tantra, Kalachakra, Chakrasambhara Tantra as well as the Tara deities in the Dharani recitation.

Prajwal Guruji's virtual teaching also presented an elaborate and comprehensive details about Lochani, Tara, Mamaki, Pandara, Vajradhatveshvari and so on.

Prajwal Guruji further went on saying that chanting Tara mantra hundred thousand times with the motivation of Bodhichitta  will cause aversion of obstacles and hindrances. 

Underscoring the importance of Tara deities, Prajwal Guruji said that in Hevajra Tantra, it is mentioned that Lochani, Mamaki, Pandara and Tara represent the four elements: earth, water, fire and air.

There are 108 Taras according to Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Prajwal Guruji said and informed that 21 of them are prominent ones.

Tara means liberating from Samsara. In Sanskrit, Tara means star. Tara brings forth life and she is the Great Compassionate Mother, and embodiment of wisdom and the great protectress, the Guruji told the zoom participants.

During the remotely-held teaching, Prajwal Guruji said each Tara is different and explained about the meaning and forms of Green Tara, White Tara, Vasudhara, Kurukulla and other Taras.

At the end of virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji answered to a number of queries of the participants.

During the online presentation, the Guruji demonstrated precious pictures and Thangkas of different Tara deities.

During the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji chanted 'Pancha Tara'  charya giti and also explained participants about the meaning of the Pancha Tara charya giti.

At the end of the virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji together with the Sangha members presented the 'Pancha Tara' charya dance.

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Prajwal Guruji Enthrals NAO Cultural Night Audience with 'Vajrasattva' Charya Dance

(Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya presenting a Charya dance 'Vajarasattva' at a program organized by Nepali Association of Oregon in Portland, USA on Saturday, Aug 31, 2024. Also seen is Joshua Proto singing Charya giti for the Charya dance. Charya giti is written in Sanskrit.)

Portland, Aug 31 (Nepal Oregon News): A cultural night was organized on Saturday, Aug 31, 2024 at the International Convention Center in Portland, USA by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) in collaboration with Nepal Seattle Society from Washington and Nepal Cultural Society of British Columbia.

The NAO cultural event which kicked off with the national anthems of Nepal and the USA was attended by scores of Nepalese community members and some Americans. The chief guest on the occasion was the Charge d'Affaires of Nepalese Embassy in USA His Excellency Kumar Raj Kharel.

On the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, a noted Charya Guru and Charya dancer presented a Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva'. The Guruji's ancient and esoteric Charya nritya was liked and appreciated by the audience. Charya giti (singing) on Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva' was  very skillfully chanted by seasoned Charya singer Joshua Proto, a Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland.

The Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva' is a part of  the broader Charya Nritya tradition in Nepal with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. Charya Nritya is performed by Newah Buddhist priests known as Vajracharyas as part of their esoteric meditation practices and rituals.

Vajrasattva means 'Adamantine Being' meaning pure, stainless, incapable of destruction or diminishment. Vajrasattva is identified with the ultimate, formless state of Buddhahood, and represents 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. His right hand holds an upright gold Vajra at the level of the heart, while his left hand holds a Vajra-handled bell turned up at the left hip.

Likewise, Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara -- Uppa Shakya and her team from Hermiston, Sangha member Ambika Shakya and her daughter Anushka Thapa -- also presented beautiful Nepalese dances on the occasion.

Furthermore, a noted Nepali singer and Nepal's Honorary Consul for Baltimore area Prem Raja Mahat together with Shanti Bhandari presented some popular Nepalese vocal renditions. Some other Nepalese artistes also offered songs and dances at the program.

At the end of the cultural program, Charge d'Affaires His Excellency Kharel honored all the artistes by presenting a token of gift on behalf of NAO.

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Panjaran (Panchadan) Observed in Portland, USA

Portland, Aug 31 (Nepal Oregon News): One of the important festivals of the Newah Buddhists 'Panjaran' was celebrated on Saturday, Aug 31, 2024 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

Daya Shakya, Rabin Man Shakya, Anastasia Roderick and Adam Bidema were the Panjaran participants at Portland Baha's Panchadan celebration event.

On the occasion, Buddhist scripture Daan Gatha was chanted by Prajwal Guruji, Daya Shakya and Rabin Man Shakya.

After the reciting of Daan Gatha as per Newar Buddhist tradition, different kinds of alms, such as, rice, peas, bananas, apples, candy, donut and money were given away by Prajwal Vajracharya, Kusumabati Bajracharya, Anastasia Roderick and Adam Bidema to all the participants. Raw rice was given to the Panjaran participants from the Gulpa.

At the end of the Panchadan program at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland's Panjaran participants were offered 'kheer' lunch with Aalu Achar and Malpa etc.

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Gunpunhi (Kwati Punhi) Celebrated at the Portland Vihara, USA

Portland, Aug 19 (Nepal Oregon News): Gunpunhi, one of the important Full Moon Days in Newar Buddhism was celebrated at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Monday, Aug 19, 2024.

Gunpunhi is also called Kwati Punhi. Kwati is a soup of different beans, and Punhi means the full moon day. On this auspicious full moon day, the Newah people in the Kathmandu valley traditionally prepare and cook the Kwati soup.

Kwati is eaten as a delicacy and for health benefit, as well as for ritual and cultural significance.

The ingredients used in cooking Kwati soup are: kidney beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, soya beans, mung beans, green beans, black beans and white beans.

The participants at the Gunpunhi celebration in Portland, USA were Daya Shakya, Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema and Anastasia Roderick.

The Kwati soup was offered to the participants by Prajwal Guruji.

All the participants then took part at the month-long regular zoom Naamsangiti program after the Kwati event.

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Naamsangiti Recited for a Whole Month to Mark Gunla Dharma

Portland, Aug 5 (Nepal Oregon News): Gunla Dharma kicked off from Monday, Aug 5, 2024 onwards for a whole month. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA has been observing Gunla Dharma for last six years.

The Mahavihara celebrates the Gunla Dharma by chanting Naamsangiti everyday for the whole Gunla month.

In total, about 25 people took part at the remotely-held Naamsangiti reciting from Oregon, California, Hong Kong, England and Australia.

Throwing light on the importance of reciting Naamsangiti during the Gunla month, Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya said that there are a lot of important Newah festivals during this month.

In Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Naamsangiti is one of the most important preachings of Shakya Muni Tathagata. It consists of 167 verses and mantra sentences.

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Wedding Ceremony Solemmnized

Portland, Aug 18 (Nepal Oregon News): The marriage of  Aakriti Bajracharya and Ji Choi was solemnized on  Sunday, Aug 18 in    Tukwila, Washington.

The marriage rituals were chanted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. Gurumandala Puja and other Pujas were performed by Prajwal Guruji on the occasion.

Aakriti Bajracharya is the daughter of Siddhartha Bajra Bajracharya and Amita Bajracharya, while Ji Choi is the son of Hyun Seok and Kyong Nam.

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Search for Dhamma

Naveena Shakya

What is Dhamma? I always ask inside me

I searched in temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches

Is it honesty, compassion, duty, generosity or good manners?

But it does not satisfy me

I feel like Dhamma is within you, your mind for a moment.

Then I feel everything changes and what is yours?

I take only two things - my good and bad karma

Together when I leave this world

Then I feel lighter and lighter like hanging and flying in the open air

And I do not feel my head, hands and legs

I feel only breezes and waves on water

(This poem was recited by Sangha member and temple pujari Naveena Shakya at the Buddha Jayanti celebration organized by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on May 24, 2024.)  

Tuladhar Stresses Need for Re-establishment of Entire World Newah Organization

By Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, Aug 18 (Nepal Oregon News): An interaction on 'WNO Related Matters' was organized on the zoom on Saturday, August 17, 2024 to discuss about the ongoing crisis within the World Newah Organization.

The discussion program was organized by Daya Shakya, patron of the World Newah Organization.

The virtual interaction, which raised concerns about Global Newah Unity, also sought ways to figure out the ongoing crisis in the World Newah Organization.

Speaking on the occasion, Tribhuvan Tuladhar stressed on the need for the re-establishment of the entire World Newah Organization.

Other participants at the remotely-held program were Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, Dr Shanta Bir Singh Tuladhar, Narayan Rajbhandari, Keshar Tamrakar, Bhuvan Shrestha, Rajendra Ranjit, Roshan Shrestha, Bikram Vaidya, Tuyu Bhaju Udas, Rajeesh, Bimal Shrestha, Sanjaya Shakya and Dr Rabin Man Shakya. 

InterFaith Event 'World Chant for Peace' Champions the Cause of World Peace

Powerful Charya Nritya Livens Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, July 13 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya, prominent Charya Nritya pedagogue and co-founder of Portland's Newar Buddhist temple 'Nritya Mandala Mahavihara' along with other Sangha members Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick and Naveena Shakya participated at the 'World Chant for Peace' event hosted by Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

(From left to right: Anna Shustrova, Joshua Proto, Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, Adam Bidema, Naveena Shakya and Anastasia Roderick performing Sixteen Offering Goddess dance at Heart of Wisdom Zen Temple in Portland, USA on Saturday, July 13, 2024.)

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was among 12 other Buddhist and non-Buddhist community organizations that took part at the 'World Chant for Peace' event. On the occasion, Refuge dance, Sixteen Offering Goddess dance, Avalokiteshvara, Arya Tara and Manjushree Charya Nritya (sloka) were brilliantly performed by Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members.

During the Charya Nritya presentations, Prajwal Guruji also explained the audience about the meaning and relevance of Charya dances: Refuge dance, Sixteen Offering Goddess dance, Avalokiteshvara, Arya Tara and Manjushree charya dances.

Elucidating the meaning of Refuge dance, Prajwal Guruji said that it is a performance of Buddha Bandana Dance through Charya Nritya. Buddhist practitioners take refuge daily in the Buddha - the teacher, the Dharma - the teachings and the Sangha - the community.

Speaking about the Sixteen Offering Goddess dances, the Guruji said that these dances which is also known as Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit, are sixteen dance postures representing various musical instrument offerings as well as other sense offerings. They personify as the sixteen goddesses of sensual enjoyment who show honor to the central deities of the Mandala through their pure offerings.

Touching on Avalokiteshvara charya dance, the veteran Charya guru said:"Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of universal compassion,and has the softest, gentlest and most fluid of dances represented in the Charya Nritya tradition. Avalokiteshvara Charya Nritya is an ancient form of deity yoga meditation for physical transformation, refinement of emotions and spiritual emotions."

Throwing light on Arya Tara Charya dance, Prajwal Guruji said:"Arya Tara is an important figure  in Newar Buddhism. She appears as a female Buddha in Newar Buddhism. She is also known as 'mother of liberation' and represents  the virtues of success  in work and achievement."

He further went on saying:"Tara is a meditation deity revered by practitioners of Newar Buddhism to develop certain inner qualities and to understand outer, inner and sacred teachings, such as, Karuna (compassion), metta (loving - kindness) and shunyata (emptiness). Om Tare Tutare Ture Svaha is the Tara Mantra."

Commenting on Manjushree dance, the Guruji said:"The Lord of Wisdom, Manjushree, holds a book and wields a sword to cut through ignorance. He is golden in color and speaks the universal language of all beings to aid them in understanding reality."

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 'World Chant for Peace' was celebrated with the strength and diversity of various religious communities of Portland.

In a statement about 'World 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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Chudakarma / Acharyabhiseka Rituals Held in Santa Rosa, California

Portland, July 20 (Nepal Oregon News): Chudakarma ceremony of Neil  Vajracharya (son of Subhash Vajracharya and grandson of Dr Gautama Vajracharya) was held in Santa Rosa, California on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

In Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Chudakarma - which is one of the very important lifecycle rituals - is observed by the Vajracharya and Shakya boys of age 5 to 13. During Chudakarma rituals, the head of the boy is shaved completely and the boy is presented with loin cloth.

During the Chudakarma ceremony, Gurumandala Puja, Kalash Puja, Homa Puja and other required pujas were chanted and ritualized by Prajwal Guruji, a 35th generation Vajracharya priest.

Chudakarma is also known as 'Bare Chhuyegu', 'Prabajya Sambar', and 'Acharyabhiseka' (for Vajracharya boys) in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

As Neil is a Vajracharya boy, he was further required to go through Acharyabhiseka rituals which is a Tantric initiation rite that qualifies a Vajracharya to perform as a purohit.

That is why Dashavisheka rituals, such as, Mantravisheka, Vajravisheka, Ghantavisheka, Makatavisheka, Kalashavisheka etc were also performed during Neil's Chudakarma ceremony.

During the Chudakarma / Acharyavisheka ceremony, the relatives of the boy and other guests performed traditional 'Baaran Chhuyegu' in which they offered jaki (raw rice) in a Gulpa and gifts to the Chudakarma boy.

Similarly, as per the rituals, four gentlemen (from among the Vajracharya and Shakya castes) poured sacred water on the head of the Chudakarma boy. Also,  on the occasion, Prajwal Guruji dabbed 'Sinha' on the forehead of all the family and guests and provided them with 'Kokha'.

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Wedding Ceremony Solemnized in Beaverton

Portland, July 12 (Nepal Oregon News): The marriage of Ina Prajapati Sahukhal and Santiago Aldaz Puga was solemnized by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest and chief pujari at Nritya Mandala Mahavihar in Portland, on Friday, July 12, 2024 in Beaverton, Oregon.

The wedding ceremony began with the ubiquitous Gurumandala Puja in which Prajwal Guruji not only offered materials  and objects, he purified them, as  well as his own body, mind and speech.

Swayambar was the most important component of the wedding ritual in which the bride circled the groom and placed a flower garland over his head and vice versa. Prajwal Guruji indicated that the circling binds their energies together, which was further solidified with exchange of wedding rings.

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Weekly Activities in Vihara Continue

In July, 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. 

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newar journalist in America)

 

Nepal Oregon News Calls on Both Sides of World Newah Organization to Put Differences aside and Sit Down for Dialogue

Portland, July 20 (Nepal Oregon News):

It is embarrassing for the entire  Newah people when there is schism in the united movement. Newah people are facing a big dilemma. Yes, it is about the ongoing conflict about Nepal Bhasa (Newari) and just Nepal Bhasa  in the Google Translate that is plaguing  the World Newah Organization.

As a staunch supporter of united Nepal Bhasa movement, Nepal Oregon News, Portland, USA condemns the ongoing feud between two different opposing sides within World Newah Organization in the strongest possible terms. This kind of act can erode trust of the Newah people on the organization like the WNO.

Nepal Oregon News is also of the opinion that the ongoing fiasco or setback is outrageous and unacceptable for the Newah people living in Nepal and across the world.

There is no easy solution to this issue. Nepal Oregon News calls on both sides to put the differences aside and sit down together to figure out the issue which has become a 'big headache' for the entire Newah people.

Whether inadvertently or by grand design, Nepal Bhasa (Newari) in the Google Translate was presented by the World Newah Organization to the global Newah community as a fait accompli. And by doing so, the current WNO leadership has upped the 'formidable and dangerous' ante.

Nepal Oregon News, however, is optimistic that both sides within the World Newah Organization will manage to achieve a kind of modus vivendi through dialogue.

Meanwhile, an interaction on "WNO Related Matters" was organized on Saturday, August 17, 2024 on the Zoom to discuss about the ongoing crisis within the World Newah Organization.

The on-line discussion program was organized by Daya Shakya, patron of the World Newah Organization.

The virtual interaction, which raised concerns about Global Newah Unity, also sought ways to figure out the ongoing crisis in the World Newah Organization. 

Speaking on the occasion, Tribhuvan Tuladhar stressed on the need for the re-establishment of the entire World Newah Organization.

Other participants at the remotely-held program were Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, Dr Shanta Bir Singh Tuladhar, Narayan Rajbhandari, Keshar Man Tamrakar, Bhuvan Shrestha, Rajendra Ranjit, Roshan Shrestha, Bikram Vaidya, Tuyu Bhaju Udas, Rajeesh, Bimal Shrestha, Sanjay Shakya and Dr Rabin Man Shakya.

(Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in USA)

Chakrasambhara is the Kul Devata of the Vajracharyas, Says Prajwal Guruji

 Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 30 (Nepal Oregon News): Chakrasambhara is the Kul Devata (tutelary deity) of the Vajracharyas and the Shakyas living in the Kathmandu valley. Chakrasambhara is the yidam of Highest Yoga Tantra." 

Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA, said this during a Virtual Teaching on Chakrasambhara organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

During the remotely-held teaching on Chakrasambhara, Prajwal Guruji mentioned about 'Nhikan Yayegu' daily esoteric ritual of the Shakyas and Vajracharyas of the Kathmandu valley and said that Chakrasambhara is a wrathful as well semi-wrathful deity.

Explaining the meaning of the name of the deity, Prajwal Guruji said:"Chakrasambhara is a Sanskrit word in which Chakra refers to as a circle or wheel whereas Sambhara denotes embracing or bliss, Prajwal Guruji said:"Therefore, Chakrasambhara means -- wheel of bliss."

There are so many Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Dakinis in Newar Buddhism, but when it comes to Chakrasambhara, the Guruji went on saying that this is the esoteric deity who is most revered by the Newar Buddhist devotees.

Speaking about the Charya nritya, Prajwal Guruji, who is also a prominent Charya Guru, said there are hundreds of Charya Gitis and Charya Nrityas related and dedicated to Chakrasambhara.

"My father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, a Buddhist scholar, collected 556 Charya in his Charya  books, volume 1 and 2. That includes many Charya related to Chakrasambhara," said the Guruji.

Laying emphasis on the importance of Chakrasambhara and Vajravarahi Charya Nritya, Prajwal Guruji said:"Vajravarahi, a red yogini, is semi-wrathful and powerful dakini, whereas  Chakrasambhara a forest yogi who is dark blue in color and also semi-wrathful deity, embraces Vajravarahi."

"They are the union of sun and moon, emptiness and bliss, and of all opposites," Prajwal Guruji said and added:"Together, they intently remain in blissful meditation while they dance on negative forces."

Stating that every little thing, the deities hold in their hands or wear have a lot of religious and esoteric meaning, Guru Prajwal said:"Chakrasambhara has four faces -- the front face is blue black, right face is white, back face is yellow and left face is red."

Furthermore, throwing light on the iconography of Chakrasambhara, Prajwal Guruji said:"This is a twelve-handed deity. Chakrasambhara is depicted in ecstatic union with his consort Vajravarahi. The deity's front hands hug his consort with Vajra and bell. His next right hand has a small drum, a Kartri, a trident and an axe. His left hands are portrayed as holding a Khatvanga, a severed head of Bramha, a Kapala and a lasso.

Moreover, the Guruji added:"With his back two hands, Chakrasambhara is raising the hide of an elephant. He puts on a crown of skulls and a garland of severed heads and skulls. He also wraps himself with the tiger skin. His front face with three eyes looks at his consort."

Addressing the international participants on the zoom, Prajwal Guruji stated:"In Vajrayana Buddhism, Buddha Shakyamuni manifests as Chakrasambhara to remove obstacles, cut through the causes of ignorance and protect practice for benefit of all sentient beings."

Underlining the historical significance of the deity, Prajwal Guruji, a 35th - generation Vajrayana priest, said that the statues of Chakrasambhara are found not only in countries like Nepal, Tibet, India, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, but ancient idols and statues of Chakrasambhara have been discovered in countries like Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan too.

During the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji also showed rare pictures of Chakrasambhara's idols, statues and Thangkas (Paubhas).

The online teaching on Chakrasambhara was participated by 20 people mostly from Hong Kong. Prof Dr Miranda Shaw from California, journalist Karen Greenspan from New York and Dr Tina Ho from Hong Kong were also among the virtual participants. At the end of the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji also replied to queries of the participants.

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Buddhist Festival Organized at Colonel Summers Park

Portland, June 29 (Nepal Oregon News): A Buddhist Festival was organized at Colonel Summers Park, Portland on Saturday, June 29, 2024 by Dharma Rain Zen  Center.

More than a dozen Buddhist centers and communities of Portland took part at the Buddhist Festival. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Henjyoti Shingon Buddhist Temple, Heart of Wisdom, Maitripa College etc were among the participating institutions.

The Buddhist festival kicked off with an opening ceremony and a procession followed by heart of wisdom chanting, Tara Dhatu dance.

Colonel Summers Park was decorated with different booths and tables hosted by various Buddhist monasteries and institutions. The Buddhist festival in the park was celebrated with the strength and diversity of our Buddhist communities of Portland.

There were presentations, mindfulness activities, information about Buddhist temples, dance and children's programs during the whole day of the Buddhist Festival.

At the end of the program, Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara threw light on the history and relevance of Newar Buddhism.

Under the guidance of Prajwal Guruji, the participants were able to perform refuge dance,  Tara dance and Avalokiteshvara nritya.

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Yangsi Rinpoche Visits Vihara to Bless Dewa

Portland, June 23, (Nepal Oregon News): Yangsi Rinpoche, president and professor of Buddhist Studies at Maitripa College, a Buddhist institute of higher llearning in Portland, visited Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Sunday, June 23, 2024 to bless Dewa Vajracharya, a newly born child of Prajwal and Teya Vajracharya.

It is to be noted that Teya Vajracharya (Prajwal Guruji's spouse) gave birth to Dewa on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 on the eve of Buddha Purnima at Guruji's residence in the Mahavihara.

Yangsi Rinpoche, who is one of the prominent Rinpoches in the USA was born in Kathmandu, Nepal in 1968 and recognized as a reincarnate tulku at age six. At the age of ten, he entered Sera Je Monastery in South India, and in 1995 graduated with the highest degree of Geshe Lharampa.

In 1998, Rinpoche came to the USA where he lived and taught for several years at Deer Park Buddhist Center near Madison, Wisconsin.

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Discussion on 'Newarology Matters' Held at the Portland Baha

Portland, June (Nepal Oregon News): A discussion program on 'Newarology Matters', a book by Daya Shakya was held at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Giving a welcome remark on the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara said that the book by Daya anaalyzes different aspects of Nepal Bhasa, its linguistics, culture and heritage.

The discussion program on 'Newarology Matters' at the Portland Baha, USA gave an opportunity to the viewers and audience a chance to make the common voice of the Newah people heard loudly.

Speaking on the occasion, Daya Shakya, the author of the book, said that he played a key role to recognize  Nepal Bhasa as an official language in Oregon, published newsletters, journals including Namaste, Laskus and Newah Vijnan etc.

His articles and write-ups included in the book were previously published in the magazines and journals from USA, Nepal, Canada, India, UK and New Zealand etc, Daya informed the audience.

He stressed on the need to call Newah people in stead of Newar people and Nepal Bhasa instead of Newari.

Daya Shakya, who has MA degrees from TU, Kathmandu and University of Oregon, USA was born and raised in the vibrant locality of Naradevi, Kathmandu. Growing up in a modest yet spiritually rich environment, Daya was the fifth child of Moti Kaji and Tej Maya Shakya. Shakya is also the patron of the World Newah Organization.

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Ritualism - A Part of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism

Portland, June 11, (Nepal Oregon News): "Although we are leaving in the 21st century, Nepal and Nepalese are traditional and religious. There are numerous festivals and religiously sacred holidays in Nepal. There are lots of rituals including lifecycle rituals in Newar Buddhism. Traditionalism and ritualism are a part of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism."

Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th generation Vajracharya priest, now based in Portland, USA said this while addressing a zoom program entitled 'Daily Ritual in Vajrayana' organized by Nepali Sarvamnaya Tantra on Tuesday, June11, 2024.

Prajwal Vajracharya, who is a Buddhist scholar, started the presentation by performing a praying ritual for Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Prajwal Guruji's virtual talk on daily ritual in Vajrayana zeroed in on ritual practices being carried out at Baha/Bahis of the Kathmandu valley.

He, then, comprehensively, shed light on the Nitya Puja activities carried out everyday at the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland, USA. The Guruji also showed many interesting pictures of how the Nitya Puja is being performed every day at the Portland vihara.

"The Pujari sweeps and cleans the inside-temple thoroughly everyday right before the Nitya Puja." Everyday a Puja Sankalpa consisting of raw rice, beaten rice, dry fruit, yellow color and vermillion powder, flowers, two small incense sticks, cotton wicks, coins, jajankas are carefully and meticulously prepared for the Nitya Puja, Prajwal Guruji said and shed light on the importance of Pancha Tatwo (five elements).

Nitya Puja is being performed six days a week by various American Buddhists and one day by a Newar Buddhist lady, Prajwal Guruji informed the virtual participants.

Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"Vajrayana ritual tradition based on Tantric Buddhism includes Mantras, Mandalas and the visualization of deities and the Buddhas."

Nitya Puja chanted everyday at the vihara in the morning is very detailed and comprehensive and ritual practice lasts for one hour, said Prajwal Guruji and added that one hundred syllable mantra to Vajrasattva, Das Paramita and Bandeshree are also recited everyday.

"The Vihara is open for outside guests during the one-hour Nitya Puja for visit and meditation. After Nitya Puja, the Pujari and guests are provided with tea and snacks."

During the remotely-held presentation, Prajwal Guruji also explained in detail the meaning of the parts of the bell (gan) and Vajra. He also said that bell, Vajra Ghanta and Chwammo (traditional yak's tail) are used everyday by the ritual performer during the chanting.

Since the inception of the Mahavihara in 2009, the Nitya Puja was being carried out at the Newar Buddhist temple every single day without any interruption, the Guruji reiterated. "The Nitya Puja went on smoothly everyday even during the Coronavirus pandemic."

Prajwal Guruji on the occasion also briefly threw light on lifecycle rituals like Chuda Karma, Bara Tayegu, Ihi Yayegu and Bhimratharohan rituals.

This was the third time for Prajwal Guruji to make a presentation on Newar Buddhism for Nepali Sarvamnaya Tantra. At the end of the program, Prajwal Guruji replied to queries of the virtual participants.

At the beginning of the zoom program, Sandip Sapkota of Nepali Sarvamnaya Tantra informed the online participants that his organization has been holding the virtual conferences for last four years.

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Meditation Program with Dzogchen Influence Held at Vihara

Portland, June 7 (Nepal Oregon News): A meditation program with Dzogchen influence with special guest-teacher Michelle Fein was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, June 7, 2024. The meditation event. 

Speaking on the occasion, Teacher Michelle Fein said:"The aim of Dzogchen is to directly experience the innate nature of the mind and the ultimate reality beyond concepts and dualities."

"It draws inspiration from Myingma and Bon traditions and integrates it with the wisdom of Mahayana Buddhism, she added.

The meditation event which was followed by a pot-luck dinner was attended by 15 participants at the Vihara and 10 participants on the zoom.

Michelle Fein has been studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhist meditation for over 20 years. In 2009, she completed a strict three-year retreat. In 2010, Michelle stayed on at Lerab Ling, Rigpa's largest retreat center, coordinating the teaching program. In 2011, she moved back to the US. At Rigpa NYC, Michelle hosted many great Lamas and guest teachers and held courses herself.

She also created a meditation program for the WeWork organization. Michelle continues to offer meditation sessions for her local community as well as free online, guided meditation classes and more advanced offerings. She has been entrusted by Khenchen Namdrol Rinpoche as a teacher and practice holder of the Rigpa tradition.

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Other Regular Activities

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

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newar journalist in USA)

 

 

2568th Buddha Purnima Marked with Naamsangiti and other programs

 Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, May 25 (Nepal Oregon News): The auspicious 2568th Buddha Purnima - also known as Swan Ya Punhi - which kicked off with baby Buddha bath was celebrated at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on Friday, May 24, 2024 with Maha Manjushree Naamsangiti chanting and other programs. Naamsangiti chanting was offered by Prajwal Guruji, Sangha members and Nepali community members.

108 butter lamps were illuminated during the religious ceremony, followed by a Refuge Dance (a performance of Buddha Bandana Dance through charya nritya) 108 times continuously by American and Nepali devotees.

Likewise, a number of Buddha Bhajan songs in Nepal Bhasa (the language of Newar people) were presented by Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Suzanne Morningstar.

Similarly, a Sixteen Offering Goddess Dance, also known as Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit was presented by Prajwal Guruji and Anastasia Roderick while Adam Bidema was seated on the center as Vajrasattva Bodhisattva during the dance. Sixteen Offering Goddess chanting was vocalized by Joshua Proto and Anna Shustrova.

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.

On the occasion, 90 year-old Nepali Portlander Devi Laxmi Maharjan offered Tri Ratna Bandana (Sheel Prarthana). Sangha member Naveena Shakya recited a poem entitled 'In Search of Dhamma'.

Patron of World Newah Organization (WNO) Daya Ratna Shakya, founder president of Nepali Association of Oregon Raju Mali, Sangha members Adam Bidema, Roger Desesa and Rabin Man Shakya threw light on the relevance of Lord Buddha's teachings.

Moreover, Dr Tina Ho and Dr Eliza Lau of Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association, Sangha member Crystal Marie James from Seattle, Selina Shakya from San Diego extended congratulations to the Vihara participants on the zoom on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. 

Buddha Jayanti program was followed by a pot-luck  dinner including Kheer (rice cooked in milk with sugar and nuts) vegetarian cuisine, sweets and fruits.

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Teaching on Tibetan Medicine Organized at Portland Baha

Portland, May 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A teaching on 'Let Meditation be thy Medicine' by Dr Nida Chenatsang was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The teaching was attended by about 40 people.

Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara said:"It is a great pleasure to receive a beautiful teaching from Dr Nida Chenatsang at the temple."

Addressing the gathering, Dr Nida said:"The beauty of Tantric Buddhism is its diversity of process -- there are many types of practice. But that means it is easy to feel lost -- which practice is best for you?"

During the teaching, Dr Nida explored the two treasures of the 12th century yogi-physician, Yuthok Yonten Gonpo - Sowa Rigpa and Yuthok Nyingthig  to help us find our spiritual match.

Stating that Sowa Rigpa (Tibetan medical) diagnosis and treatment revolves around elemental type, similar to Ayurvedic, Dr Nida shared that the Yuthok Nyinthig Buddhist path likewise offers practices that are particularly well suited for each type - wind, fire, earth and water.

In the unique presentation of the interconnectedness of Tibetan medicine and Buddhist tantra, Dr Nida threw light on traditional meditation techniques alongside diet and lifestyle recommendations that teach us how to nourish, detox, or fast physically, psychologically and spiritually in order to balance our unique elemental type.

Dr Nida went on saying:"When Yuthok composed his teachings in the 12th century, he predicted that future students would be busy, lacking the time and resources to do long and elaborate practices and retreats like practitioners of the past."

At the end of the teaching, Dr Nida replied to queries of the participants. Similarly, Dr Nida signed on his books that were on sale at the program.

Born in Amdo, Malho, in the Northeastern Tibet, Dr Nida began his early studies of Sowa Rigpa at the local Tibetan medical hospital. Later, he was awarded a scholarship to enter the Lhasa Mentsikhang or Tibetan Medical University where he completed his degree in 1996, with practical training at the Tibetan Medicine hospitals in Lhasa and Lhoka.

Alongside his medical education, Dr Nida trained in Vajrayana with teachers from every school of Tibetan Buddhism. In particular, he trained in the Longchen Nyingthig tradition of the Nyingma School with his root guru Ani Ngawang Gyaltsen and in the Dudjom Tersar tradition with Chonyi Rinpoche and Semo Dechen Yudron. He received complete instruction in the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage, the unique spiritual tradition of Tibetan Medicine, from his teachers Khenpo Tsultrim Gyaltsen and Khenchen Troru Tsenam, and was requested to continue the Yuthok Nyingthig lineage by Jamyang Rinpoche of the Rebkong ngakpa and ngakma ( i.e non-monastic yogi and yogini) community.

A well-known poet in his youth, Dr Nida later published many articles and books on Sowa Rigpa and Yuthok Nyingthig tradition in Tibetan and English, which have been translated into several languages. He has extensively researched ancient Tibetan healing methods, and has gained acclaim in East and West for his revival of little known Tibetan external therapies.

Dr Nida is the Founder and Medical Director of the Sowa Rigpa Institute of Tibetan Medicine and Sorig Khang International Foundation for Traditional Tibetan Medicine. He is also the co-founder and principal teacher of Pure Land Farms Center for Tibetan Medicine, Meditation and Rejuvenation in Los Angeles and the co-founder of the International Ngakmang Institute, which was established to preserve and support the unique Rebkong non-monastic yogo and yogini culture in modern Tibetan society.

In addition to his work as a physician, Dr Nida trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition in over forty countries around the world.

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In an Interview with Guru Viking, Prajwal Guruji Zeroes in on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism

Portland, May 26 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya -- co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA and also a priest from one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineages of Nepal -- was interviewed by Guru Viking on podcast on Friday, May 24, 2024.

Prajwal Guruji's interview presented a detailed and comprehensive information on the history of Newar Buddhism and its suppression for 800 years in Nepal.

Attributing to the causes of hidden culture and hidden nature of Buddhist rituals and Charya nritya, the Guruji said:"Non-Buddhist governments in the past centuries have been apathetical to the cause of development of Buddhism in Nepal." Despite the hidden nature, it  still  survived and it is alive. That is the beauty    about Nepal, Vajracharya stated.

Newar Buddhist tradition is the oldest Buddhist tradition in the world, Prajwal Guruji said adding that based on Swayambhu Purana and ancient history, there were many Buddhas before the Shakya Muni Buddha: Vipashwi Buddha, Shikhi Buddha, Vishwobhu Buddha, Krakuchanda Buddha, Kanakmuni Buddha and Kashyap Buddha. They all had visited Nepal Mandala to establish Buddhism.

Prajwal Guruji's interview with Guru Viking zeroed in on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism including its ancient and medieval history.

Speaking about Guru Rinpoche's travels to Nepal, Prajwal Guruji said:"Guru Rinpoche visited  several places in Nepal. He had meditated in the caves of Pharping, Nepal and was empowered by Vajrayogini.

During his travels to Nepal Mandala, Guru Rinpoche was in Patan and the place where he stayed was Yempi Mahavihara in Lalitpur. 84 Mahasiddhas from India had come to meet him at that place, Prajwal went on saying.

Likewise, Prajwal Guruji during the interview discussed how certain movements and Mudras effect health and create transformations in our bodies, how it heals our hands, feet and energy channels.

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Teya Gives Birth to a Baby Boy

Portland, May 27 (Nepal Oregon News): Teya Vajracharya (Prajwal Guruji's spouse) gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 on the eve of Buddha Purnima at Guruji's residence in the Mahavihara. The baby boy was born at the bath tub.

Baby boy was named Dewa Ratna Vajracharya. In Nepal Bhasa,  Dewa means butter lamp.

Machabu Byenkegu (a kind of cleaning and purification ritual for baby and mother) is an important ritual in Newar tradition.

Machabu Byenkegu ritual was celebrated on Sunday, May 26, 2024 on the fourth day after birth of the baby. Kalash Puja was ritualized by Prajwal Guruji on the occasion. A clean and new dress was put on the baby boy.

As per the ritual, the new-born baby was kissed by the beak of a duck. A duck on the pond takes only good things and discards the bad and evil things.

'Chhwasay Waye Yankegu' ritual was carried out at the end of the ceremony. 'Chhwasa' consists of raw rice, vest of the new born baby and drops of milk from the mother.

In his book written in Nepal Bhasa "Newah Sanskar Sanskriti Ya Jata" (Manual of Newah Samskara and Culture), which was published in Kathmandu in 2061 BS, late Buddhist scholar Ratna Kaji Vajracharya mentioned:"Tradition requires that 'Machabu Byenkegu' should be performed on the fourth day after birth or within the twelve days after birth."

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Vihara Participates at AANHPI Heritage Month

Portland, May 26 (Nepal Oregon News): Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, which aims to preserve and share the traditions of Buddhist practice, arts and culture held by the Newar people of the Nepal Mandala, took part at the AANHPI Heritage Month at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland on Saturday, May 25, 2024.

May was Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month which celebrated all of the Asians, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

On behalf of the Mahavihara, Newar traditional dresses 'Daura Suruwal' (male) and 'Haku Patasi' (female) were displayed for exhibition at Lan Su Chinese Garden for a month of May.

Also displayed were Five Elements in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism: Fire (Sukunda), Earth (Anti), Space (Jwola Nhayakan), Wind (Faya Gan), and Water (Karuwa).

On Saturday, May 25, Refuge Dance and Sixteen Offering Goddess Dance were presented at the Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Refuge dance which is a performance of Buddha Bandana dance through Charya nritya was performed by Prajwal Guruji, Uppa Shakya, Anastasia Roderick and Adam Bidema.

The Sixteen Offering Goddess  Dance, also known as Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit, was performed by Prajwal Guruji and Anastasia Roderick while Adam Bidema was seated on the center as Vajrasattva during the dance. Moreover, Annapurna Charya Dance was performed by Uppa Shakya.

Along with the Mahavihara, cultural performances were carried out by Rhythms Dance Academy, Kalabharati School of Dance at the program dedicated to celebrating South Asia. It was a jam-packed day of art and culture at Lan Su Chinese Garden.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, which was opened in September 2000, is one of Portland's greatest treasures and most interesting sites. This Garden is a result of collaboration between cities of Portland and Suzhou, Portland's sister-city in China.

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Sangha Members Join in PSU's Nepali Cultural Night

Portland, May 31 (Napal Oregon News): The Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara took part at the 'Nepali Cultural Night' organized at the initiative of Nepalese Student Association - Portland State University on Friday, May 31, 2024.

Buddha Jayanti, Charya Nritya, Traditional Dance, Nepali New Year, Food and Cultural Display were the highlights of the PSU program.

The PSU program 'Nepali Cultural Night' was a unique event for the students and the community members to experience the culture and cuisine of the Himalayas. 

Apart from that, books on socio-economic, cultural and linguistic aspects of Nepal were also displayed on the occasion at the initiative of Daya Shakya.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, a Newar Buddhist Monastery in Portland, stressed that Buddha's teachings are more relevant today than ever.

Vajracharya, who is a 35th generation Vajrayana priest, said that Buddha - the light of Asia - was born  in Nepal. He also threw light on the significance of Six Paramita on the lives of the people.

Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Anastasia Roderick performed 'Manjushree' charya dance on the occasion. Sangha member Uppa Shakya and her team including her daughters Arya and Veena from Hermiston presented  popular Nepali dances, while Sangha members Ambika Shakya, Anushka S Thapa and Sunil Kumar Thapa offered a Newar dance based on the spring time song. 

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Wedding Ceremony Solemnized

Portland, May 21 (Nepal Oregon News): A wedding ceremony of Adam and Yeahs Malla was solemnized on Monday, May 20, 2024.

The auspicious wedding ceremony was solemnized by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya who is a priest from one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineages of Nepal.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in America)

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