Macha Janko - Quintessential Lifecycle Ritual

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

Rabin Man Shakya

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.

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. 

Nepalese Portlanders Gather for Mha Puja Celebrations in America

Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 Brings Joy to Nepalese Portlanders

By Rabin Man Shakya

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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Michael Stirling, Exponent of Hindustani Raga Singing in Oregon, Performs at Vihara

 By Joshua Proto and Rabin Man Shakya

(From left to right: Joss Jaffe, Joshua Proto, Michael Stirling and Lucy Stirling performing at the Vihara in Portland on Thursday, Sept 5, 2024.)

Portland, Sept 5 (Nepal Oregon News): An Indian Classical Music concert featuring Portlland's very own representative of the Kirana Gharana - Michael Stirling - was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Thursday, Sept 5, 2024. This was the second Raga concert  at the Vihara by Michael Stirling this year. Stirling, no doubt, is an exponent of Hindustani Raga singing in Oregon, USA.

Prior to the starting of the Hindustani Raga concert, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara gave a brief introduction of Michael Stirling, Joss Jaffe and other artists.

Michael Stirling, the lead vocal artist, was joined by multi-instrumentalist and tabla maestro Joss Jaffe. Lucy Stirling and Joshua Proto also accompanied Michael on tambura and with voice. 

The performance kicked off first with alaap in Raga Multani. The note-by-note unfolding of this desert Raga matched the heat of the day as it was one of the hottest evenings in Portland to date this year.

With the sound of Michael's voice, the tambura's drones, and Joss's tabla filling the temple, the distinction between the long shadows and waves of heat from the day became inseparable from the vibrations of Raga Multani surrounding the audience.

Following the alaap, was both a short vilambit and then drut composition, where Michael's voice effortlessly extended the characteristic atmosphere and mood of Raga Multani in combination with Joss's excellent and consistent laya. 

Following Raga Multani, was Raga Puriya Dhanashree, a lovely evening Raga and a staple in the Kirana Gharana. Once again, Michael demonstrated a technical and emotional embodiment of the alaap that enlightened the spiritual and serene atmosphere.

Both vilambit and drut compositions were displayed as well.

Finally, there was a brief discussion of mood and artist expression as it pertains to this art form before closing the concert.

There were over 30 attendees and each one expressed their gratitude to Michael, Joss, Lucy and Joshua for their artistic display as well as expressed gratitude to co-founder, Spiritual Director and Head Priest Prajwal Vajracharya, Teya Vajracharya and Dewa Vajracharya for hosting this musical offering at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Meanwhile, writing on his social media platform on Friday, Sept 6, 2024, Michael said:"Thanks to all who came out to the Vihara last evening. Was a high level crowd of listeners and lovely time. Our band of artists deeply appreciated your presence and reception of our music."

Michael further added in his Facebook post:"Most importantly, thank you to Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya for his kindness, generosity and hard work. We all appreciate you very much! Among others, look who we got to sing  for, baby Dewa ! Thank you."

Michael Stirling is an instructor of Raga singing at Sun Gate Studio and adjunct faculty at Lewis & Clark College, Portland.

He is a singer of North Indian Classical vocal music of the venerable Kirana Gharana. He is a disciple of the late Master of Classical Indian Raga singing, Pandit Prem Nath (1918-1996) and a student of Nathji's senior disciple , the legendary composer / performer,  Maestro Terry Riley. 

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Naga Puja Held at Forest Refuge, Damascus, Oregon

By Teya Vajracharya and Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 27 (Nepal Oregon News): A Naga Puja, (worshipping of snakes) was held at Forest Refuge, Damascus in Oregon on Friday, Sept 27, 2024. Forest Refuge at Damascus, OR is the residence of Ms Helen Appell who is the founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

The purpose of Naga Puja, which was ritualized by  35th generation Vajrayana priest Prajwal Vajracharya, is to honor the Nagas, recognize them as great protectors of nature and make offerings to show gratitude for them.

Naga Puja is a elaborate ritual in Newar Buddhism performed to honor Nagas (serpents), and make offerings to land spirits.

Wherever there is beautiful nature, there are Nagas. During the puja, Naga Samadhi proceeded, respecting Nagas in their rightful places.

Also, during the Naga Puja at the Forest Refuge, priest Prajwal Vajracharya arranged Naga vessels in the four directions with a Naga Mandala in the center.

After Samadhi, honoring the Nagas, offerings were placed  in the four directions, dispersed on the beautiful Forest Refuge land.

In Buddhism, Nagas represent Dwesha or anger. When the earth is polluted or harmed, the Nagas are filled with rage.

Nagas are land protectors and usually dwell near water, rivers and oceans etc.

Because the earth has been polluted, the spirit protectors of the land are unhappy and in their anger they create obstacles in places where nature is being altered by human presence and any activities performed will be unsuccessful.

Naga Mandala includes 36 different types of Nagas. Offerings include milk, honey and butter representing sweetness and cleanliness to counteract the defilements of this living world.

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Lama Dorje's Teachings on Tara Jigpa Kunkyop Empowerment Held at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

By Joshua Proto and Rabin Man Shakya

Portlland, Sept 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A three-day teaching on Tara Jigpa Kunkyop, Terma and Sun Wu Kong empowerment by Lama Dorje (an American Buddhist Lama from Georgia) was organized on Friday - Sunday, Sept 13-15, 2024 at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

On Friday, Sept 13, Lama Dorje's talk focused on pure vision and Terma and Sun Wu Kong empowerment while on Saturday, Sept 14, emphasis was laid on teachings and empowerment of Tara Jigpa Kunkyop. Similarly, Sunday, Sept 15 was devoted to Tara Jigpa Kunkyop practice session, song offering, serkyem. 

Addressing the gathering at the Mahavihara, Lama Dorje said:"The forms of Arya Tara emanated to liberate beings are endless. Though she is well-known as arising in her Green and White forms, many other collections have appeared overtime, in various sets of eight, twenty one and one hundred and eight names."

Lama Dorje further went on saying": In the many teachings brought by Padmasambhava to the lands he traveled, Tara is known in both Kama and Terma lineages. That is, those preserved from the time he came and those hidden for the benefit of the future."

Explaining about details on Tara Jigpa Kunkyop, Lama Dorje said: One of these Terma traditions is called Tara Jigpa Kunkyop, which means "the one who protects from all fears." In this profound Mandala, many forms of Tara are brought together to protect from a variety of outer, inner and secret terrors and misfortunes.

Further, Lama Dorje, during the presentation, noted: This Terma was originally revealed by the Terton Yakchar Gyalpo, but lost overtime. Later, the Master Rongpa Terton revealed it again. This lineage continued for a while until only the Agama, or oral transmission remained, while the empowerment lineage no longer existed, making practice virtually impossible.

Lama Dorje further shared:"In the later 19th century, the Great Guru Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo revived this lineage through Yang Ter, or bringing to life a tradition that has been lost. It was then included in the massive Rime collections of Termas.

Lama Dorje Sherab received Lama empowerment in the context of various traditions, particularly the Guhyagarbha, eight Kagye, and other Sarma and Nyingma systems from masters, such as, Trulshik, Namdrol, Garchen and Gosher Gyaltsen Rinpoche.

Lama Dorje's root Guru, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, guided him on which empowerments to take and how to train them. Lama Sherab studied under Khenpo Drimed in Shedra, learning Tibetan and receiving the five treasures of the Rime tradition compiled by Jamgon Kongtrul.

Under Norbu Rinpoche, he compiled a retreat of the three roots, received blessings to teach and give empowerments, and underwent extensive training and empowerments in Anuyoga and the three series of Atiyoga.

In 2020, Lama Dorje co-founded the Tantric Revolutionary Center, now a non-profit organization with Lama Federico Andino from Argentina where they are committed to bring Buddha Dharma to all beings with no exceptions and is proud to serve future Bodhisattvas of all ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identifications. 

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Paru Bhoye Organized at Vihara

Sept 4, Portland (Nepal Oregon News): A month-long Maha Manjushree Naamsangiti recitation held everyday at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA to mark the auspicious Gunla Dharma month, came to an end on Wednesday, Sept 4, 2024.

The month-long Naamsangiti was held in-person at the Mahavihara and on the zoom. In total, about 30 people from the USA and other countries took part at the Naamsangiti recitation on different days.

Naamsangiti on the last day of Gunla Dharma month was recited by Rev Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and eight other people at the Vihara while Stacie, Tina, Markus, Crystal, Angela, Ling Ling, Dina, Daya and Rabin took part at the Naamsangiti recitation on the zoom.

On the final day of the Gunla Dharma, before the recitation of Naamsangiti, Prajwal Guruji threw light on the importance of Yenya Punhi and Indra Jatra.

Similarly, a Paru Bhoye dinner was organized at the Mahavihara on Friday, Sept 6, 2024 for the in-person and zoom participants of the month-long Naamsangiti recitation. 

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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)