Padmanateshvara is Manifestation of Divine Power of Dance and Songs in Newar Buddhism, Says Vajracharya

Second and More Advanced Teaching on Padmanateshvara Charya Nritya  Held

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland,  June 6 (Nepal Oregon News): Padmanateshvara is a representation as well as a manifestation  of the divine power of dance and song within Newar Buddhism, seen as a means to achieve spiritual liberation and connect with the cosmic energies.

Co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and senior Charya Nritya Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said this while presiding over the second and more advanced presentation on Padmanateshvara Charya Nritya which was organized on the zoom by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Friday, June 6, 2025. 

Prajwal Guruji - who is himself a well known Charya dancer and an international teacher - started the remotely held  class by offering Padmanateshvara chanting.

Laying emphasis on the importance of Padmanateshvara, the 35th - generation Vajrayana priest said:"Padmanateshvara is considered to be the quintessence of the performing world in Nepal. The artistes, singers and dancers seek blessings from this deity."

Before the starting of a big cultural performance, it is a tradition in Nepal to perform worship to Nasa Dyo or Padmanateshvara to make sure the cultural event will be productive, meaningful and successful, the senior Charya Nritya pedagogue asserted.

Prajwal Guruji mentioned that Padmanateshvara is the source of artistic inspiration, joy, compassion and equanimity.

The online teaching was an opportunity  for the participants to learn more about the Padmanateshvara charya dance. Furthermore, Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"Padmanateshvara is a significant deity in Newar Buddhism, specially associated with the practice of Charya Nritya and Charya Giti which involves dancing and singing as a path to liberation."

Prajwal Guruji reiterated:"Padmanateshvara is considered the main deity for those who follow the path of Charya Nritya practice in Newar Buddhism."

During the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji also zeroed in on 108 forms of Avalokiteshvara and said that Padmanateshvara is one of the manifestations of Avalokiteshvara in Newar Buddhism.

Throwing light on various Avalokiteshvaras, the Guruji mentioned that Padmapani, Amoghpash, Aryavalokiteshvara, Shrishtikanta, Anandadi, Six-syllabled Lokeshwar, Hariharvahan, Rakta Arya, Loknath and Sahasrabhuja Lokeshwar are among them.

While demonstrating different pictures of ancient statues and Thangkas of Padmanateshvara in different postures, Prajwal Guruji explained the virtual participants about the Abhanga, Sabhanga, Tribhanga and Atibhanga postures.

The Guruji stated that ancient statues of Padmanateshvara have been found not only in Nepal, Tibet and India but also in countries like Bhutan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Mongolia, Pakistan and Afghanistan etc.

The Guruji also explained the meaning of the lyrics of the Charya giti. The Raga of Padmanateshvara charya dance is Lalita and Tala is Ghapa, the Guruji further informed the participants. The Guruji also demonstrated step-by-step the Mudra, hand gestures of the Charya dance devoted to Padmanateshvara.

Prior to teaching of the actual Padmanateshvara charya dance, the Guruji and the zoom participants offered the Refuge dance. After that, the Guruji also performed the Charya Nritya 'Padmanateshvara' for the participants to follow.

Prajwal Guruji's  second and practical teaching on Padmanateshvara charya nritya presented a detailed and comprehensive description of the 10-handed  deity. The first teaching on Padmanateshvara held on May 16, 2025 was more theoretical but the second and advanced teaching focused on the practical aspect of the Padmanateshvara charya nritya. Altogether, 15 people had taken part at the Charya dance teaching. At the end of the online presentation, Prajwal Guruji replied to queries  of the participants.

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Anna Shustrova -- Embarking on a Long Journey of Charya Dance

Portland, June 28 (Nepal Oregon News): Anna Shustrova, who is a successful and talented Charya dancer, a student of Prajwal Guruji, earned her Master of Arts Degree in Philology from Russian State University for the Humanities in 2003 in Moscow. Anna has also successfully completed the course 'Software Quality Assurance' from Portnov Computer School in Los Altos, California in 2014. She is currently the Senior Project Director at PLUS QA in Portland.

Anna, who is a long-term Buddhist practitioner, was born in the family of engineers in Moscow, Russia when Russia was still a part of the USSR. She made a visit to India in 2007 and to Nepal in 2023. In 2012, she moved to the US where she met Prajwal Vajracharya, and started practicing within Newar Buddhist tradition. She also performed her solo dance in 2015 during Maitreya Loving Kindness Relic Tour and many performance at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Anna Shustrova was interviewed by World Newah Organization - Daily Broadcast (WNO-DB) on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The WNO-DB zoom interview was moderated by Daya Shakya and coordinated by Naresh Shakya.

During the online chit-chat, recalling her childhood, Anna shared that she was even a young pioneer (Soviet version of Boy and Girl Scout) and fondly remembered that she used to wear blue and white uniform with a red scarf. Replying to a query what triggered her interest in Buddhism, she said:"That happened years later when I was at the University. And one of the courses we were asked to choose a topic from the list provided by our professor for research paper  and they just happened to select Buddhism. And as I dived into the material, something resonated. I realized that many of the core teachings such as the concept of reincarnation, Four Noble Truths of sufferings and cessation, and then just the power of one's mind to achieve the highest state of consciousness. So those aligned closely with the beliefs that I already held intuitively. And what began as an academic assignment gradually turned into a personal exploration. I started reading more about Buddhism on my own. Attending lectures and teachings whenever possible and slowly integrating its philosophy into my worldview, my life. It was not a dramatic shift but rather a quite recognition of something familiar like rediscovering in the past."

Shedding light on Buddhism in Russia, Anna stated:"While Russia's official religion is Orthodox Christianity, there are actually three autonomous republics in Russia - Kalmikia, Buryatia and Tuva where Buddhism is a traditional religion. The people of those republics traditionally practice actually the form of Tibetan Buddhism, so Buddhism is not so unfamiliar to Russia in general."

Digging into the past how she met Prajwal Guruji, she said:"When we arrived in the US in 2012, we had one Russian friend -- Alexei Dobry -- who used to be the Pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. I happened to be there at the Vihara during its Fourth Anniversary. I vividly remember, like, sitting at the corner of the temple and noticing this cheerful smile in a Nepali man's face with simple clothes, and he was moving around with his camera taking photos. And I was, like, surprised to learn from a friend that actually this guy was the head priest of the temple. It was not how I thought the priest should look like. So, it completely, like,  challenged my idea of what the priest is. And, later that evening, I stayed for the dance offering and I saw Charya dances being performed live for the first time. And, it was just mesmerizing, like, seeing the Buddhist deities that I knew already from my studies and come alive. And my friend nudged me with her elbow, like, hey - you should be doing that, and I was like - oh, no, no. First, it looked very difficult -- Sanskrit and all the movements and I realized it will require huge dedication if I enter this path, and of course, huge efforts. And, secondly, just the idea of performing alone in front of the audience terrified me." 

Saying that Russian and Sanskrit both are part of Indo-European languages which means they share common links, Anna added:"When studying the Charya dance, many words - they repeat from one dance to another because ultimately Charya songs are the descriptions of the deities. And, you know, deities - they have kind of similar forms. They all have eyes - two or three. They have hands, some deities have multiple hands. They wear crowns. They hold similar objects or sometimes similar colors. So when you learn one Charya dance and song, well, you learn about 50 percent of the next or any future Charya dance. So in my case, my first Charya dance was Green Tara, and it was extremely difficult to learn that very first dance."

How many Charya dances have you performed so far? Daya asked Anna. To this, she replied:" So far, I have performed 19 Charya dances -- Refuge charya dance, 16 Offering Goddess Dance, Green Tara, Yogini Mandala, Vajrayogini, Vajravarahi, Singhamukhi, White Tara, Vasundhara, Mahakala, Pancha Buddha, Akash Yogini, Annapurna, Kurukulla, Nairatma, Manjushree, Padmasambhava, RaktaGanesh etc."

   

  

Procession Organized in Portland to Mark 2569th Buddha Jayanti

 Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, May 11, (Nepal Oregon News): On the occasion of 2569th Buddha Purnima, also known as Swan Ya Punhi, a Buddhist procession was organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Sunday, May11, 2025 for the first time in the history of Newar Buddhism in USA bringing together Sangha members and Nepalese community activists. Over 80 people showed up at the Vihara to celebrate the Buddha Purnima.

The cheerful and enthusiastic Buddhist procession started from Laurelhurst Park in Portland chanting a Buddha Bhajan 'Jaya Namo Shree' in Nepal Bhasa. The Buddha Bhajan chanting was led by Joshua Proto, a seasoned singer of Charya Giti and Buddha Bhajans.

The American Buddhists and the Nepalese Portlanders joyously walked through the neighborhood streets of Portland carrying Buddha statues, Buddhist flags, Nepali flags, Newar Buddhist musical instruments etc.

The colorful Buddhist flags, Newar Buddhist flags and Nepal's national flags definitely added to the atmosphere of festivity.

The Buddhist procession proceeded along some neighborhood  roads in Portland culminating at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the first and only one Newar Buddhist monastery in the USA.

Immediately after the procession, the participants started to give a baby Buddha bath before entering the temple. Likewise, Mahamanjushree Naamsangiti was chanted by chief priest of the temple Prajwal Vajracharya and other Sangha members.

108 butter lamps were illuminated during the religious ceremony, followed by Refuge Prayer Dance. Refuge dance (a performance of Buddha Bandana Dance through Charya Nritya) was performed 108 times continuously by the American and Nepali devotees. 

Similarly, a number of Buddha Bhajan songs in Nepal Bhasa (the language of Newar people) namely 'Jaya Namo Shree', 'Tri Ratna Mhasika' and 'Anitya Lumankegu' were presented by Joshua Proto and Adam Bidema.

After that, a Charya dance 'Pancha Buddha' was performed by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick and Adam Bidema, while Neelam Kushwaha came up with a Hindu Bhajan.

Making a presentation on the occasion, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) board member Kuon Hunt said:"NMM was established in 2009 by Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya, and it was the realization of late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya's dream to see the richness and wisdom of Newar Buddhism move beyond the borders of Nepal and out into the wider world.

Co-founder of NMM Prajwal Vajracharya threw light on the relevance of Lord Buddha's teachings while patron of World Newah Organization Daya Shakya dealt on subtle differences between a usual Buddhist flag and Newar Buddhist flag.

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

Buddha Purnima (Swan Ya Punhi) is the Day of Birth, Enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha.

Meanwhile, the first birthday of baby Dewa Ratna Vajracharya, son of Prajwal and Teya Vajracharya was celebrated at the Vihara also on the day of Buddha Purnima.

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Padmanateshvara is the Lord of Dance with Compassion, Says Vajracharya

Portland, May 16 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual teaching entitled 'Padmanateshvara: Lord of Dance  with Compassion' was organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Friday, 16 May, 2025. The remotely-held teaching, participated by 22 people, was conducted by co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and senior Charya Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

Prajwal Guruji's talk on Padmanateshvara presented a detailed and comprehensive description of the ten-handed deity. The 35th generation Vajracharya priest also explained the meaning of lyrics of Padmanateshvara charya nritya. Likewise, the Guruji demonstrated step-by-step the mudra and hand gestures of the Charya dance devoted to Padmanateshvara.

The teaching dealt with various aspects of Six Paramita and Ten Paramita vis-a-vis Lord Padmanateshvara. 

Explaining the meaning of the deity's name, Prajwal Guruji said:"Padmanateshvara is a Sanskrit word which means -- Lord dancing on the Lotus". It is the main deity (yidam) practiced by the ancient Vajracharya priests of Nepal, he added.

The noted teacher of Charya dance shared:"Padmanateshvara is known as Nasa Dyo among the Newar people. This is the deity who represents performance arts, the yidam of Charya Nritya. This deity can have male or female forms, with a compassionate and peaceful face and has 10 hands. Padmanateshvara's initial gesture is to indicate the wisdom of the heart, with the second one he touches sky, with the third the earth. All the other symbols he holds in his different hands refer to different Dharma instruments including Mala, Bow, Arrow, Lotus, Vajra Bell, Stick, Axe etc. The blue lotus refers to the gentle, infinite wisdom of the sky, while using your muscles for actions."

Padmanateshvara charya dance is performed in a beautiful rhythm. The deity has five wisdoms and ten virtues, the Guruji informed the participants.

Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"The portrayal and concept of Padmanateshvara is different in Newar Buddhism than the one in Indian tradition. Padmanateshvara is an important deity in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism and is considered to be one of the manifestations of 108 Avalokiteshvaras."

Giving details about Padmanateshvara charya nritya, he said:"This is an ancient form of deity yoga meditation for physical transformation, compassion, joy, loving kindness and liberation." 

The Raga of Padmanateshvara charya dance is Lalita and Tala is Ghapa, he further said.

Laying emphasis on the importance of Padmanateshvara , Prajwal Guruji said:"Padmanateshvara is the quintessence of the performing world in Nepal. The artistes, singers and dancers seek blessings from this deity. Before the starting of a big cultural performance, it is a tradition in Nepal to perform worship to Nasa Dyo to make sure the cultural event will be productive, meaningful and successful."

Chant to Padmanateshvara begins with 'Ananda Shakti Parivarjita Mantra Gharbham', the Guruji stated adding that Padmanateshvara is the source of artistic inspiration, joy, compassion and equanimity.

During the virtual teaching, the Guruji also showed many pictures of the statues and Thangkas of Padmanateshvara. At the end of the presentation, Prajwal Guruji replied to queries of the participants.

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Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Has Become a Place of Scholarly Discussions, Newar Cultural Affirmation: Kuon Hunt

Portland, April 26 (Nepal Oregon News): She is 78 and has been Prajwal Guruji's student and a member of our community for nearly 20 years. She is a senior Charya dancer and is currently writing a book about Prajwal Vajracharya's biography entitled 'Hidden Treasures: The Story of a Vajracharya  Boy from Kathmandu & Newar Vajrayana Buddhism'. She is also a board member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland. Ms Kuon Hunt was interviewed  by World Newah Organization Daily Broadcast (WNO-DB) on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The WNO-DB zoom interview was moderated by Daya Shakya and coordinated by Naresh Shakya.

In a wide ranging on-line interview, Kuon discussed about how she met Prajwal Guruji, how she was inspired by the Guruji.

In reply to a question about how she was attracted to Charya nritya, Kuon said:"It truly was the idea, the thought that you could embody the divinity that was so inspiring to me, and the idea that this came from Sanskrit, both of those were so inspiring to me. For me, it was a study, it was a walking meditation. It was this, that drew me. Charya is really a Sadhana if you have a pure heart and that is your intent and that's what drew me to Charya."

Recalling her meeting with Prajwal Guruji, Kuon said:"It was a personal connection. It was in 2001 or 2002. I had a friend who had a friend who happened to be Prajwal's dance student Leanne Hunt, who was at that time living in Boise and my friend went to visit her  and came back and said -- gosh, there's this great guy. He's good cook and he's a dancer. And he also teaches this dance. And that dance is all about embodying the divine. And I said I got to meet this guy. I got to do this dance. I don't know anything else but just introduce me. Well, interestingly enough, he lived in Portland and his name was Prajwal Vajracharya." 

She went on saying in the remotely-held interview:"Prajwal Guruji is the youngest son of a well-known family of scholars and priests. He is an internationally acclaimed Charya dancer, and beloved priest and teacher of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. It was he who introduced  Helen to his father's vision and his own mission in the West. It was Helen with her deep personal experience  of Zen, Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism over many years who ultimately chose to commit her time and resources to the building of our carefully crafted temple based on Newar design using American builders and integrating many elements, such as, the beautifully carved struts, doors and windows created by craftsmen in Nepal."

Consecrated in 2009, the Temple has become a gathering place for Newars and Buddhists of various sects from throughout the United States. It has become a place of scholarly discussions and Newar cultural affirmation and activity, she said in the virtual interview adding "Our Sangha is a mixed Sangha made up in approximately equal parts of Nepalese and the Westerners giving us a wonderful opportunity to simply learn much."

In response to a question in the zoom conversation regarding the number of Charya dances she learnt from Prajwal Guruji, Kuon answered:"I have learned about 25 Charya dances from the  Guruji. Among them are Padmasambhava, Avalokiteshvara, Arya Tara, Sapta Lochani, Vajrayogini, Singhamukhi, Nairatma and so on."

Further, she shared elaborately in the WNO-DB's virtual event:"Charya is an avenue that really takes the principles of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism and gives  them expression in the world in a way that is interesting and exciting and beautiful. This truly is an opportunity for them as the Charya dancers to embody the divine. I mean, how cool is it to be Singhamukhi, you know, here you are, this is female lion Buddha all over the state. I mean that kind of thing. What about Padmasambhava and all of his power and majesty and magic? What about each of these different deities? I mean they need to imagine themselves as expressing these deities that they've seen perhaps in statues but then suddenly they become the statue. They give it life. They bring that deity forward. It's very exiting for someone for whom that is attractive. Beyond Charya, there's so much they can make their Newar Vajrayana Buddhism come alive."

During the remotely-held dialogue, Kuon threw light on the importance of Mudras, movements and gestures in Charya.

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Buddha Jayanti Cleaning Campaign Organized

Portland, May 4 (Nepal Oregon News): A two-day cleaning drive was launched  on Saturday and Sunday May 3-4, 2025 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland as part of preparation for the 2569th Buddha Jayanti celebrations.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the only Newar Buddhist temple in the West, was built with materials brought all the way from Nepal. They have to be preserved and protected, taking into consideration the differences  of climatic conditions between Kathmandu and Portland.

The doors of the temple, the windows, the Toranas, all the offering Goddess struts, the statues of the Buddha, the Bodhisattvas and the Dakinis, the stupa and most of the decorations were brought from Nepal for Portland's Newar Buddhist temple, and need to be maintained and cleaned appropriately.

The Sangha members and volunteers who offered help with cleaning activities were provided with lunch by Prajwal Guruji.

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Purification Rituals for Guruji's New Home Held

Portland, May 22 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Guruji and his family moved from the current residence at the Vihara to the new house at South East 45th Avenue.

Home Purification Puja was held at the new residence on Thursday, May 22, 2025 by Prajwal Guruji himself.

Gurumandala Puja and Pancha Bali Puja were performed by the Guruji on the occasion.

Explaining the importance of purification rituals, Prajwal Guruji said:"In the Newar Buddhist tradition, a purification ritual is conducted before people move into a new residence. The purpose of the ritual is to purify the house, to ensure safety from the evil spirits."

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Ihi Rituals for Two Newar Girls Solemnized in Anchorage, Alaska

Portland, May 28 (Nepal Oregon News): For the first time in the history of the Nepalese community in Alaska, USA, an Ihi (bel-bibah) ceremony was solemnized for two Nepali girls by a Vajracharya Guruju.

Lena Shrestha and Karin Shrestha (granddaughters of Rekha Shrestha, and daughters of Bikky Shrestha and Kaori Shrestha) attended a traditional Ihi ceremony in Anchorage, Alaska performed on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 by Prajwal Vajracharya, chief priest at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland and a 35th-generation Vajrayana priest.

Kush Shrestha and Uma Shrestha (from Salem, Oregon) who are related to the Ihi girls were also in Anchorage, Alaska for attending the ceremony.

The word 'Ihi' is the short form of Ihipa which means 'marriage' in Nepal Bhasa. The girls from Newar community take part at the Ihi ceremony before entering the adolescent age.

Girls from Newar community get married at least three times in their lifetime. The first ceremony called 'Ihi' is where pre-adolescent girls make a commitment to bel-fruit (wood apple). The Ihi is followed by 'Bara Tayegu' where girls are again married to the Sun God. The ritual is practiced before the girl hits puberty or before her first menstrual period.

Prajwal Vajracharya -- a Tantric priest in a centuries old Newar Buddhist family lineage -- says:"This ritual has been in practice since hundreds of years. The Ihi ceremony is an important part of the Newar tradition and culture where the young pre-adolescent girls make a commitment to Bel fruit."

"The Bel fruit has a peculiar quality of remaining fresh forever and healthy and long lasting. Wood apple tree can bring conscious mind," the Guruji further says.

(Rabin Man Shakya, a Newar journalist in USA, is also a Life Member of  World Newah Organization.)

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Hollywood Taekwondo School Celebrates 30th Anniversary in Style

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

(Photos by Rabin Shakya)

Portland, May 18 (Nepal Oregon News): Still when I was with The Rising Nepal, I had an opportunity to interview Diwakar Maharjan of US World Class Taekwondo  Hollywood School, Portland in 2005.

 In that interview, published in The Rising Nepal, I remember Maharjan had shed light, among others, on the activities of the US World Class Taekwondo  Hollywood School and role of growing Nepalese community in Oregon.

Hollywood Taekwondo School was established  in 1995 in Portland by Diwakar Maharjan . This was a pioneering Nepali Taekwondo School in the USA and by far the biggest one. 

Well, a lot of waters have flowed under the bridge of Willamate. A small taekwondo class has been transformed into a big taekwondo  school. The number of Nepalese coming to Oregon is also on the rise.

The trajectory of community activities of the Nepalese diaspora in Oregon and in some other states of the USA is somehow also interrelated  with the activities of various taekwondo schools opened by different Nepalese taekwondo professionals.

There is no doubt that three decades of Hollywood Taekwondo  School, by no means, is a very big milestone for itself. It goes without saying that the Hollywood Taekwondo School champions the cause of creating and producing excellent taekwondo players.

Side by side, the School has been instrumental in promoting the cultural and traditional Nepalese values in Portland, Oregon. The idea, existence and activities of Nepaa Chhen, a non-profit,  would have been incomplete without the generous contributions from people and organizations  like the Hollywood Taekwondo School.

Meanwhile, US World Class Taekwondo Hollywood School marked its 30th anniversary amid a gala dinner and cultural program at the taekwonndo school in Portland on Saturday, May 17, 2025. More than 300 American and Nepalese people from different walks of life took part at the taekwondo school's 30th anniversary celebrations.

Addressing the event, Diwakar Maharjan said that 30th anniversary is a big celebration and emphasized his commitment to improving and promoting taekwondo  in USA.

Special Taekwondo Seminars held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday were the part of the 30th anniversary celebrations. The special seminars were conducted by Grand Master Min Hak Seo, a Kukkiwon  Education Committee member from South Korea.

The 30th anniversary ceremony and special seminars were attended by Nepalese taekwondo professionals from Australia and other US states: Ohio, Kentucky, California, Washington, Michigan, Maryland, Texas and Washington DC.

On the occasion, Grand  Master Min Hak Seo and Grand Master Jay K. Shin, the father of Nepalese taekwondo,  gave away the trophies to the excellent taekwondo students of the year.

Likewise, trophies were also presented to 12 best taekwondo students of each month by Lava Gorkhali of Universal United Nepalese Taekwondo Federation (UUNTF) and taekwondo olympian Bidhan Lama.

The best family of the year, guardians who actively took part at the community programs and the volunteers were also honored during the celebrations.

Similarly, at the end of the program, Universal United Nepalese Taekwondo Federation felicitated Taekwondo Olympian Bidhan Lama, Grand Master Diwakar Maharjan and Minu Maharjan with the Certificates of Honor.

Message of greetings from Keith Wilson, Mayor of Portland was also read on the occasion   

 

 

International Dance Day Brings Joy to US and HK Dance Mandals

World Dance Day Celebrated with Charya Dances at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA

By Teya DeSesa-Vajracharya and Rabin Man Shakya

(Vajrasattva vajra dance)

Portland, April 25 (Nepal Oregon News): International Dance Day brought joy and enthusiasm to Charya dancers of Hong Kong Dance Mandal and US Dance Mandal. International Dance Day is being observed every year across the world on April 29. The International Dance Day was created and proclaimed by the Dance Committee of the International Theater Institute, the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.

The world-famous Day in field of dance and culture was jointly celebrated with the presentation of sacred and esoteric Charya dances by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association and Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, April 25, 2025.

(Yuthok Yonten Gonpo charya dance)

Speaking briefly on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and senior Charya dance teacher Prajwal Vajracharya emphasized the need for promoting and preserving ancient and esoteric Charya dances of the Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism.

Celebration of International Dance Day in Portland is an opportunity for Hong Kong Dance Mandal and US Dance Mandal to showcase various Charya dances on the stage and on the zoom, and to manifest significance of deity dances, Prajwal Guruji added.  

Vajrasattva Charya Dance:

The event dedicated to the World Dance Day kicked off with the Vajrasattva Vajra Dance on the zoom by  Sangha members of the Hong Kong Dance Mandal. Vajrasattva is 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 up at the left hip. The Vajrasattva Vajra Dance was performed by Sin-ying Leung, Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Nora Ng, Mary Lau and Dickon Kong.

Rakta Ganesh Charya Dance:

After that, Charya dance Rakta Ganesha was presented by Sangha member Joshua Proto at the Vihara. Lord Ganesha is not only a protector of Dharma practice and prosperity, but he is also a deity who removes obstacles and difficulties for all. The image of Rakta 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. 'Rakta Ganesha' is a mask dance.

(Rakta Ganesh charya dance)

Yogini Mandala Charya Dance:

Next, Yogini Mandala Vajra Dance was offered by Sangha members of Hong Kong Dance Mandal on the zoom. Yogini Mandala is one of the traditional Charya dances which consists of deities Nairatma, Jagat Janani, Khadga Yogini, Vajra Yogini and Akash Yogini. The dance was performed by  Tina Ho, Eliza My Lau, Saldon Wu, Lingling Lee and Eliza Lok-yee Lau.

White Tara Charya Dance:

Likewise, White Tara Mudra Zen Dance was demonstrated remotely by Hong Kong Sangha member Shira Chan. White Tara is the female Bodhisattva of compassionate activity, the supreme mother and collective manifestation of the enlightened activity of all the Buddhas. She is said to see all the sufferings and responds to requests for help. Her yogic method promotes health and extending one's lifespan.

Avalokiteshvara Charya Dance:

To continue joyous occasion, Avalokiteshvara Mudra Zen Dance was displayed virtually by Hong Kong Sangha members Ada Ip, Barbara Li and Ayumi R. Cheng. Avalokiteshvara is a compassionate Bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings and who works tirelessly to help those who call upon his name.

(Yogini Mandala Vajra dance)

(Avalokiteshvara Mudra Zen dance)

(White Tara Vajra dance)

Vajravarahi Charya Dance:

Similarly, Charya dance Vajravarahi was rendered by Sangha member Anna Shustrova at the Vihara. Vajravarahi is one of the most important female deity who protects Newar temple and buildings. She 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 her 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.

(Vajravarahi charya dance)

Yuthok Yonten Gonpo Charya Dance:

The International Dance Day event came to an end with a new Charya dance 'Yuthok Yonten Gonpo' which was  presented by Prajwal Vajracharya at the Vihara. The Charya giti for new Charya dance was composed by Prajwal Guruji himself. When Prajwal Guruji beautifully rendered 'Yuthok Yonten Gonpo' Charya dance, it looked like two Buddhist lineages - Tibetan and Newar - met together. Yuthok Yonten Gonpo is revered as the father of Traditional Tibetan Medicine. He holds the stem of an Utpala flower representing Tara in his right hand and the stem of lotus in his left representing Avalokiteshvara. He is portrayed wearing layman's robes tied with a red sash, indicating his status as a non-monastic Tantric practitioner (ngakpa).

All the Charya dances were choreographed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya while Charya giti for the Charya dances was vocalized by Joshua Proto.

The International Dance Day event at Portland Baha was attended by about 30 people in person and 12 people on the zoom. 

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Dance Mandal Performs Charya Nrityas at 'Shadows From Within South Asian Dances' Event  in Portland

By Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, April 9 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya - a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and a ritual master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms - together with Sangha member Anna Shustrova performed ancient and esoteric Newar Buddhist Charya dances at an event 'Shadows From Within' organized at Winningstad Theater in Portland on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

'Shadows From Within' is a collaborative collection of South and South East Asian dances from Nepal, Cambodia, Indonesia and India presented seamlessly for the first time in Portland.

Altogether, 25 highly talented dancers from Nepal, Cambodia, Indonesia and India presented historic, classical and medieval dances from their respective countries.

The Winningstad Theater in Portland was full of enthusiastic and diverse audience, and the cultural event enthralled the global audience with the enchanting, vibrant and colorful collective dance production featuring diverse dances from South and South East Asia.

Charya Nritya Dance is a unique Newar Buddhist Nepali tradition dating back over a thousand years that uses the physical body as a vehicle for liberating the mind.

By uniting movement, visualization and awareness, the Charya dancers emulate and embody the qualities of the variety of Buddhist deities - male and female, wrathful and peaceful - and genuinely express those enlightened qualities through one's own body, speech, mind and activities.

Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara Charya Dance:

'Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara Charya Dance' was put on the stage at the Winningstad Theater by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and Anna Shustrova. In what appeared to be an amazing and astonishing performance, Charya dance duo Guruji Prajwal and his student Anna during the Nritya have gone into a meditative state and let their bodies flow in movements with incredible hand and finger mudras.

The Goddess Arya Tara and transcendent Buddha Amoghasiddhi are both green in color and as partners create perfect all-accomplishing activity that benefits sentient beings. The feminine energy of foundational wisdom and the male-energy of skillful means dance and interact in mutual recognition, respect and harmony.

Vajrasattva Charya Dance:

The next Charya Nritya performed at the Winningstad Theater was 'Vajrasattva' and it was presented by Prajwal Guruji. The Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva' is a part of broader Charya Nritya tradition in Nepal with a history going back to more than 1,000 years.

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.

This unique dance production 'Shadows From Within' was led by Portland's renowned performer, choreographer and master artist: Jayanthi Raman and her dancers performing classical dance of India. 

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Ragas on Rainy Season with Emphasis on Springtime Relevance Performed at Vihara

By Joshua Proto and Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, April 25 (Nepal Oregon News): An Indian classical music concert featuring Portland's very own representative of Kirana Gharana - Michael Stirling - was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihar in Portland on Friday, April 25, 2025.

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 artistes.

Michael Stirling, the lead vocal artist was joined again by multi-instrumentalist and Tabla maestro Josse  Jaffe. Similarly, Lucy Stirling and Joshua Proto also accompanied Michael Stirling on Tambura and with voice. This was their first concert of 2025 at the Portland Baha.

Before the Hindustani classical music kicked off, Michael gave a brief announcement regarding the theme of the concert, namely that the audience was to experience a series of Ragas associated with the rainy season, with an emphasis on their springtime relevance: Ragas Megha, Miyan Ki Malhar and Nath Malhar.

The first performance began with Alaap in Raga Megha. The note by note unfolding of this rainy season reflected the atmosphere of Portland's springtime showers perfectly. As Michael's voice artfully and gently strung together the Svar alongside Josh and Lucy's Tambura accompaniments, the audience responded as if they were in the presence of rolling rainy nimbuses.

Following the Alaap was a short Drut composition depicting the story of Lord Krishna overcoming the venomous Naga Kaliya by dancing on his head. Alongside Joss's eloquent Tabla playing, the audience was painted an illustrative picture through the timeless sound of this Krishna epic.

Following Raga Megha was Raga Miyan Ki Malhar, a pensive evening Raga known to capture the feeling of dark storm clouds, strong winds and peals of thunder. Specifically, this is accomplished through the display of both Komal and natural Nishad, and the crooked shape of Miyan Ki Malhar's ascending scale among.

Once again, Michael demonstrated a technical and emotional embodiment of the Alaap that changed the atmosphere. Both Vilambit and Drut compositions were displayed as well with Joss's excellent Tabla accompaniment.

Finally, there was a brief composition of Raga Nath Malhar, a unique treasure of the Kirana Gharana coming from Pandit Pran Nath to Terry Riley and then to Michael Stirling. This playful and medium tempo Drut composition delighted the audience as it depicts the arrival of spring along with the backdrop of rain showers and singing frogs.

There were over 35 attendees and each one expressed their gratitude to Michael, Joss, Lucy and Joshua for their artistic display and also expressed gratitude to co-founder, Spiritual Director and Head Priest Prajwal Vajracharya, Teya Vajracharya and Dewa Vajracharya for hosting this musical offering at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. 

Meanwhile, writing on his social media platform on Saturday, April 26, 2025, Michael said:"Oceanic gratitude to all who came out to our offering of Indian classical music last evening at Dance Mandal/Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. Deep appreciation to Prajwal Vajracharya for hosting us and creating such an extraordinary space for us to create in and feeding us after. You are great person and we love you. And we loved baby Dewa being part of the crew."

Michael further added in his Facebook post:"Here's a bit of documentation to share. Pranams to those artistes that supported me and the music we made together, including Joss Jaffe (Tabla), Lucy Stirling (Tambura) and Joshua Proto (Tambura and singing). Grateful to Robert McBride, Bhaskar Ganguly, Stormi Hoebelheinrich and Josh for the images. For flowers, thank you, Shivani Joshi. Precious memories."

He went on saying in his Facebook remarks:"May all of you be blessed with good health and the most beautiful music. Ram Ram. Much appreciation for such high level group of listeners that joined in to make a magical and cosmic evening."

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 Gharan. He is a disciple of the late Master of  classical Indian Raga singing - Pandit Pran Nath (1918-1996) and a student of Nathji's senior disciple, the legendary composer/performmer - Maestro Terry Riley. 

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Film Screening and Interaction on K-12 Education in Nepal Held at Vihara

By Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, April 2 (Nepal Oregon News): A film screening and interaction on K-12 Education in Nepal was held at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Mahavihara gave  a brief introduction about Swastika Shrestha who is the CEO of 'Teach for Nepal' (TFN), a non-profit based in Kathmandu.

Speaking on the occasion as a key-note speaker, Swastika Shrestha, co-founder and CEO of Teach for Nepal threw light on the cultural realities, students' access to education and TFN's impact on education.

Analyzing problems of school education in Nepal, Swastika said:"Poverty isn't the reason students drop out of school or leave the country to work as low-paid laborers. Poverty is merely the pretext, not the cause for dropouts. The true cause is a failing public education system."

She further added:"Teach for Nepal believes in the possibility that we as a nation can ensure all children in Nepal will receive an excellent education and become leaders of our democracy, our economy, and our nation towards justice, peace and sustainability."

Swastika's  presentation also focused on reflections, realities and resilience of TFN fellows and students and their lived experience.

At the end of the interaction, Swastika replied to queries of the Sangha members of the Vihara.

A Nepali movie "Aina Jhyal Ko Putali" (Butterfly on a windowpane) was screened for the event participants at the Vihara.

The movie is a 2020 Nepali coming-of-age film written and directed by Sujit Bidari. It is also Nepal's submission for the 95th edition of the Academy Awards  in the US.

Swastika has a Bachelors in Psychology from Olivet College in Michigan and a Masters Degree in Public Affairs with concentration in International Development from Cornell University. She has also worked as civil affairs officer at the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) and as development consultant for various organizations.

Meanwhile, expressing gratitude to Prajwal Guruji in the Facebook on April 3, Swastika wrote:"Extremely grateful to Prajwal Vajracharya who made Portland memorable and meaningful. I am in awe with his zeal for life-shifting seamlessly between his pursuits of Samsara and pursuits of Nirvana in a way they appear inseparable. What a great teaching."

She went on saying in the social media platform:"Grateful to everyone who made time to meet and shared advice and insights, and to those who joined us in our movie screening event."

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Weekly Programs Continue

In April, as usual and as always, Dharani chanting  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, and once  a month reciting of Naamsangiti chanting  was also held on the Day of the Full Moon. All these programs were held on zoom. Everyone is welcome to take part at these programs on zoom, according to Prajwal Guruji.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newar journalist in USA, whereas Teya DeSesa-Vajracharya and Joshua Proto are Sangha Members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA).

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A Small Nepali Community Mourns Loss of a Big Hearted Woman

Late Amit Prabha Bajracharya remembered in Eugene, USA

By Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, April 12 (Nepal Oregon News): A life celebration event of the late Amit Prabha Bajracharya, who passed away on Oct 4, 2024 Eugene  six months ago, was organized on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Hilyard Center, Eugene, Oregon.

Nepalese community members from Eugene and Portland filled the small hall of Eugene's Hilyard Center on the Full Moon Day of Lhuti Purnima. Live music and songs kept playing during the life celebration of Amit Prabha.

Friends and family came together to offer tribute to late Amit Prabha, who was the daughter of late Amogha Bajra Bajracharya, one of the renowned Buddhist scholars in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism and a famous and prominent Bajracharya Guruju of Nepal.

Honoring and paying tributes to late Amit Prabha, Nepali community members from Portland and Eugene offered flowers on her portrait.

Eulogizing late Amit Prabha, Nepali community members from Portland and Eugene shared their memories with her.

A beautiful slide presentation depicting life, family and activities of late Amit Prabha was made by Shashindra Bajracharya.

Shashindra Bajracharya said:"We treasure her life, happiness, love and kindness, she showed to us."

Daya Shakya, former president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) and former president of Eugene-Kathmandu Sister City Committee, said that he was greatly inspired by her life and added:"Amit Prabha was a big-hearted woman who was devoted to her family and worked hard to provide comfortable home and opportunities for the family."

Late Amit Prabha, who was born at Gam Bahal, Naghal Tole, Kathmandu, was the mother and mother-in-law of Shashindra Bajracharya and Rama Bajracharya respectively, living in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

Late Amit Prabha had a passion for writing poems. Singing was her another passion and used to recite Buddha Bhajan, Gyan Mala Bhajan chantings in Nepal Bhasa as well as Newar Vajrayana Buddhist scriptures Dasparamita, Bandeshree and Naamsangiti etc in Sanskrit. 

(Rabin Man Shakya of the Nepal Oregon News is former secretary of Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City Committee under Kathmandu Metropolitan City)