Tenth Anniversary of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

Portland, Nov 23 (Nepal Oregon News): Is there any name of a Nepali who is committed to enhance and popularize Nepalese Buddhism in the West? After ten years of short history of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland, USA, Prajwal Vajracharya is a name to reckon with in the field of promoting Nepalese Buddhism, Charya dance, rituals, arts and culture in the USA.

Portland with its diverse Nepalese population is a microcosm of community at large. We have been performing life-cycle rituals for Newahs as well as non-Newahs too, says Prajwal Vajracharya, priest and co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. Commitment and dedication to promote and popularize the esoteric Charya dances and Newah Buddhist rituals have always been among Prajwal's core strength. Just as significantly,  however, Prajwal's dance career and experience mirror the trajectory of history of dissemination  of esoteric Charya Nritya in the West. And ten-year history of the Mahavihara is closely inter-related with the history of creativity and dedication of Prajwal Vajracharya.

Nepalese Portlanders see the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara as the religious and cultural bulwark, an object of veneration and an outlet for their cultural and socio-religious activities. After all, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is definetely the pioneering Nepalese religious and cultural heritage in the USA. Needless to say, preservation and promotion of esoteric Buddhist Charya dances was the raison d' etre of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Many Nepalese Portlanders have mentioned it as one of the quintessential aspects of Prajwal's unrelenting commitment for preservation of Charya dance, rituals and Nepalese arts and culture. In fact, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has made celebrating the Newah festivals and observing the Newah ceremonies centerpiece of its activities. Balancing personal works, trips to different countries, Charya dance teaching, observing Nepalese festivals and keeping up the Newah rituals are not always simple, but Prajwal Vajracharya is focusing on what is important in the long run.

Promoting, preserving and protecting traditional and cultural values of Nepal are not easy work always, but Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland is giving it a shot. Its establishment in 2009 has paved the way for Nepalese Portlanders and beyond to carry on with lots of rituals and cultural ceremonies like the way it is done in the Kathmandu valley.

The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara - which is the only Nepalese Buddhist temple in the USA so far - has moved to centerstage in Nepalese community in Oregon by organizing scholarly presentations on rituals, culture and traditions of Nepal, by promoting Charya dances, by observing age-old festivals of the Kathmandu valley and by keeping alive the wonderful traditions and culture of the people of Nepal. Actually, the ten-year history of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the history of Charya dance school, history of rituals and Nepalese festivals and history of creativity.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the Nritya Mandala had embarked upon the different programs. And tenth anniversary of the Mahavihara started to be observed from Sept 21 to Nov 10, 2019 with various activities and programs. An opening celebration which consisted of various programs was organized at Henjyoji Shingen Temple in Portland on Saturday and Sunday Sept 21-22, 2019. The program, which was addressed by Rev Kosho Finch of Henjyoji temple and Prajwal Vajracharya, among others, was attended by almost 150 participants including luminaries of Portland's local Dharma communities, American and Nepalese Buddhists, office bearers and members of Nepali Association of Oregon, Nepaa Chhen and NRN-NCC-USA Oregon chapter.

A talk show on Nepalese food by Bikram Vaidya, Nepalese music performance by Dr Subhash Prajapati and the team, Mudra Movement Workshop by Prajwal Vajracharya, Making Newah Ritual Objects by Uppa and Dina Shakya and Anjali Bajracharya, Workshop on Sanskrit Scripts and Calligraphy by Dr Subhash Prajapati were the highlights of activities presented during the opening celebration.

Likewise, a scholarly talk on "Nepalese Buddhist Art and Iconography: What Makes It Distinct?" by Dr Gautama Vajracharya and a presentation on "Making Nepalese Buddhist Ritual Masks" by Alysha Graham, an artist, were organized on Sept 28, 2019 on the occasion of Nritya Mandala's tenth anniversary. Similarly, on Oct 16, 2019, a charismatic presentation on "Newah Tradition and Culture" by Daya Ratna Shakya was held to mark NMM's one decade of existence.

Apart from various presentations, "Maya's Mandala: A Play in Awakening" composed by Axi Nityananda featuring Erin Chmela and Quincy Davis was also launched at the Mahavihara in Portland on Oct 26, 2019 for celebrating the occasion. Furthermore, talks on "Jewelry in Nepalese Buddhist Culture" by Dr Christoph Emmrich  and "Dharani Recitation in Nepalese Buddhist Community" by Dr Miroj Shakya were also organized on Nov 2, 2019 at the NMM to commemorate the event.

Meanwhile, to mark the occasion, a weeklong workshop on Gurumandala Puja conducted by priest Prajwal Vajracharya with participation of 10 community activists was also held. In addition, a scholarly and brilliant presentation "Tantric Priest in Nepalese Buddhism: Their Performance of Life Cycle Rituals and Other Ceremonies" by Dr Alexander von Rospatt was organized at the Mahavihara on Nov 9, 2019 to mark the milestone anniversary.

The interactions that the community members had with the distinguished professors and scholars were very powerful. The tenth anniversary of the Mahavihara was a cultural pot pourri - scholarly presentations,  a play, workshops, Charya dances, music display songs and poems. The scholarly presentations were crucial for different reasons because they pointed out the need for preservation and protection of our rituals and traditions.

Almost two months of programs and scholarly presentations to mark the tenth anniversary concluded on Sunday Nov 10, 2019. Finally, a day-long program was organized on Nov 10, 2019 to conclude the tenth anniversary of the only one Nepalese Buddhist temple in the USA. The concluding event kicked off in the morning with fire ritual and Saptavidhanottara Puja which was performed by Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya. Special guest from Japan Yuko Okomoto presented Buddhist Dharani chanting for world peace based on Tendaichu tradition of Japan.

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, co-founder duo of NMM Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya were honored with a plaque of appreciation for their unparalleled contributions to the cause of the Mahavihara. The plaque was handed over to them by Corinne Kakamura-Rybak and Uppa Shakya. The concluding day of celebration was followed by a talent show program and esoteric Charya dances.

Our tenth anniversary celebration is an important community event of the year, one that our Mahavihara has been observing every year since its inception in 2009, says Prajwal Vajracharya. There is no doubt that the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara offers a wide spectrum in terms of its activities: Temple for worshipping, Charya dance school, library,  forum for presentations, a community center to celebrate local life cycle rituals and cultural festivals.

Given priest Vajracharya's relentless efforts to promote and preserve Nepalese rituals, arts, culture and traditions, the Mahavihara has not only acted as a platform for enhancing rituals and culture, it also has been able to garner support from local Dharma dignitaries, American and Nepalese Portlanders. Big part of the credit for such an outstanding achievements of the NMM goes to the co-founder duo Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Observes Its Tenth Anniversary

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 11 (Nepal Oregon News): Almost two months of programs and scholarly presentations to mark the tenth anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara concluded on Sunday Nov 10, 2019 in Portland, USA. A day long program was organized that day to mark the tenth anniversary of the only one Nepalese Buddhist temple in the USA.

The program kicked off in the morning with fire ritual and Saptavidhanottara Puja which was performed by Guruju Prajwal Ratna Bajracharya.

For the first time, the Gurumandala Puja at the beginning of the ritual included ten Buddhist practitioners of the community performing the ritual to re-empower deities represented in the temple: Helen Appell, Yuko Okomoto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Aleksei Dobry, Joshua Proto, Leson Baker, Gabriel Quitslund, Uppa Shakya, Dina Shakya and Naveena Shakya.

During the program, special guest from Japan Yuko Okomoto presented Buddhist Dharini chanting for world peace based on Tendaichu tradition of Japan.

Speaking with Nepal Oregon News, Guruju Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya said that Nritya Mandala Mahavihara which is the Foundation for Sacred Buddhist Arts of Nepal, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Charya Nritya and the related traditions of instruments and vocal music, choreography, and the crafts of making the masks, costumes and jewelry used in dances.

Prajwal went on to say:"The Nritya Mandala troupe practices a sacred Buddhist dance form that for hundreds of years has been virtually unknown outside the circles of those who perform it. This ancient ritual dance dates  back to over more than 1000 years and is a religious discipline of the Buddhist priests of the Kathmandu valley who perform the dance as part of their esoteric meditation practices, ceremonies and rituals."

Prajwal added:"Since its inception in 1996, Nritya Mandala has performed in Asia, Europe and North and South America. Classes and workshops are also offered on this sacred art form."

Meanwhile, on the same occasion, co-founder duo of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya were honored with a plaque of appreciation for their unparalleled contributions to the cause of the Mahavihara. The plaque was handed over to them by Corinne Kakamura-Rybak and Uppa Shakya.

During the talent show program, songs were presented by Loknath Denis and Leson Baker whereas Ranjan Shakya on the occasion sang the national anthem of Nepal. Likewise, Prajwal Vajracharya also recited a poem entitled "Wake up, all the Buddhists!"

At the end, in a new form yet authentic traditional way in Nepal of performing deity dance ritual, observers and people from the audience requested Buddhist deity of their choice to arise in dance through paying homage and making offerings and then receiving blessings of the deity.

In this way, Mahankal, Padma Sambhawa, Tara, Singhamukhi, Avlokeswor and Bajrayogini charya dances were presented to the audience by Prajwal Vajracharya, Helen Appell, Yuko Okomoto, Bobby Romansky, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Corinne Kakamura-Rybak and Alysha Graham.

The day long program was followed by breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Talk on Newar Buddhist Life Cycle Rituals Organized at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 11 (Nepal Oregon News): A scholarly and brilliant presentation "Tantric Priest in Nepalese  Buddhism: Their Performance of Life Cycle Rituals and Other Ceremonies" by Dr Alexander von Rospatt was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on Saturday Nov 9, 2019. This talk, which was the last one in a series of talks, was part of the ongoing tenth anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

The event kicked off with a presentation by Kuon Hunt from her biography of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's priest Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, called 'Hidden Treasures: The Story of a Vajracharya Boy from Kathmandu and Newar Vajrayana Buddhism'.

Prior to the starting of the presentation, priest and co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya gave brief introduction of Dr Rospatt to the audience and said:"Dr Rospatt also speaks in Nepali and Nepal Bhasa, he is very close to me and my family in Nepal."
While making the presentation, Dr Rospatt said:"Religious rituals that begin from the birth of a child and ends with the death of a man are very important in the lives of the Newah Buddhists."

Special attention during Dr Rospatt's presentation was paid to the life cycle rituals that Nepalese Buddhists undergo as they grow and pass away. Dr Rospatt threw light on birth rituals, rice feeding ceremony (junko), Ihi, Bara Tayegu, Chuda Karma, wedding ceremony, Bhimratharohan, death rituals etc.

Dr Rospatt's talk engaged with the rituals  of tantric priests (Vajracharyas) in the Nepalese traditions performed on behalf of their clients and the larger community.

Dr Alexander von Rospatt has long been a part of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara family and participated in its original consecration days ten years ago. Also, Dr Rospatt studied closely with Pandit Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, Prajwal's father.

Dr Rospatt is professor for Buddhist and South Asian Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and specializes in the doctrinal history of Indian Buddhism, and in the indigenous Buddhist tradition of the Kathmandu valley.

His new book "The Swayambhu Chaitya and Its Renovations" considers the ritual history and social contexts of the historical renovations of the Swayambhu Stupa of Kathmandu. His other research explores various aspects of Newar tradition, including its narrative literature, art and historical heritage and rituals. Dr Rospatt's research is grounded in the study of Sanskrit and Newah texts and informed by fieldwork and the study of material culture.

During the program, Dr Rospatt answered to numerous questions asked by Nepalese and American participants. To a question of a journalist from Nepal Oregon News, "Newah  Sukunda has Ganesh image on it, some Newah Buddhists worship Lord Ganesh during some rituals, maybe that is why some die-hard Hindus assert that Buddhism is a part of Hinduism. What is your comment ?", Dr Rospatt replied:"Many of the life cycle rituals of Newar Buddhists and Newar Hindus are similar to a greater extents. Buddhists and Hindus have been living in harmony in Nepal for centuries. Forget  the die-hard Hindus."

The program was attended by about 50 Nepalese and American Portlanders including representatives of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), Nepaa Chhen, NRNA - USA - Oregon chapter, Nepal Oregon News,  and was followed by a lunch.

(Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in America)

Guru mandala Puja: An Important Ritual of Newar Buddhism

Teaching on Gurumandala Puja Concludes at Newar Buddhist Temple in Portland, America

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 8 (Nepal Oregon News): A  week long teaching on Gurumandala Puja concluded at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Tuesday Nov 5, 2019. The teaching on Gurumandala Puja was conducted by priest and co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya.

The participants of the Gurumandala Performance Teaching were Nepalese as well as American, Russian and Japanese Buddhists: Helen Appell, Yuko Okomoto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Aleksei Dobry, Joshua Proto, Leson Baker, Gabriel Quitslund, Uppa Shakya, Dina Shakya and Naveena Shakya.

The teaching on Gurumandala Puja consisted of both the practical and theoretical aspects of the Puja. A Vajra, a set of bells (gan)  and all other required ritual objects were also used by the participants during the teaching. Puja Sankalpa was also prepared. Saptavidhanuttara Puja Sadparmita, offering the Ratnamandala to the Gurus was also carried out.

It is to be noted that Gurumandala Puja ritual is one of the oldest and most important rituals of Newar Vajrayana tradition.

Some of the prime concerns or benefits of Gurumandala Puja are: It teaches you to go to the right path in life, to become spiritually perfect, to bring physical wellness, to give teacher-like feeling to one's own body and to aim for attaining Nirvana, said Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya replying to a question asked by Nepal Oregon News.

The objective of the teaching is not only to familiarize the participants with the rituals of the Gurumandala Puja, but also to provide them information and study about the lines of  chanting and ritualization of strotas of Gurumandala Puja, Prajwal went on saying.

A whole set of book on Gurumandala Puja printed in Sanskrit and English (together with meaning of strotas in English) was provided to each participant.

Probably, this kind of teaching to enhance and disseminate the value of Gurumandala Puja in Portland, USA must be the first one ever in the West, says Prajwal.

Gurumandala Puja starts with paying homage to the Gurus and finishes up with Lokapalabali Puja. Gurumandala Puja consists of three different words: Guru, Mandala and Puja. Guru means a teacher, Mandala refers to a circle and Puja denotes a worship. 

Thus, in the broader sense, Guru refers to the Buddhas, the Dharma and the Sangha while Mandala's meaning goes beyond the body, speech and mind of oneself whereas Puja means rituals and worshipping. Therefore, Gurumandala Puja can broadly be defined as the worshipping of the body, speech and mind for attaining Nirvana.

Gurumandala Puja is an integral and indispensable part of the ritual life of Bajracharyas and Shakyas of the Kathmandu valley. Gurumandala Puja is offered by Newah Buddhists (the Bajracharyas and the Shakyas) every morning.

In his book "Guru, Mandala Wa Gurumandala" (Kathmandu, Nepal Sambat 1124), Yagyamanpati Bajracharya says:"The concept of Gurumandala is abysmal. Gurumandala is assumed as indispensable practice. During any kind of worshipping, Gurumandala rituals are sine quo non." (page 16).

Likewise, in his book "Vajrayana Charya Ye Guru Mandala Puja Ya Rahasya" (Lalitpur, 2003 AD), Mahishwor Raj Bajracharya states:"According to Buddhist philosophy, Vajrayana is a progressive path moving forward under the Mahayana. Vajrayana's means are Tantra, Mantra and Yog Charya and its trail blazer is a Bajracharya. That means a Bajracharya is the teacher of Vajrayana, and all the devotees who follow this path are Mahayanis." (page 2).

Further, Bajracharya says:"The Bajracharyas as teachers lead the Mahayanis to the path of Nirvana as per Vajrayana rituals. This ritual process is started first of all by Gurumandala - Charya." (page 2).

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

Talks on "Jewelry in Nepalese Buddhist Culture" and "Dharani Recitation in Nepalese Buddhist Community" held at Newar Buddhist Temple in Portland, America

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 4 (Nepal Oregon News): The Newar jewelry market has been dominated over the last centuries by members of castes self-identifying as Buddhists, which means that Buddhists or not, Newars have to deal with Buddhists, when they deal with jewels, said Dr Christoph Emmrich during a presentation on "Jewelry in Nepalese Buddhist Culture" organized at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Saturday, Nov, 2019.

Further, those Buddhists understand themselves as being in charge of the Newar jewelry business, just as they take pride in being the largest manufacturers and exporters of religious artifacts in Nepal, Dr Emmrich went on saying.

Dr Emmrich said:"These Buddhist Newar groups are well aware of the significance of jewels for caste and class differences and of the influence of Buddhist material culture on Nepalese society."

It hence behooves us  to trace jewels into territory that may not be specifically Buddhist, but allows for the Buddhist and non-Buddhist to illuminate each other to help us understand how jewels work, Dr Emmrich added.

During his brilliant presentation, Dr Emmrich explored the artisanal fashioning as well as poetic evocation of precious gems and jewelry in the world of Nepalese Buddhists of the Kathmandu Valley.

Dr Emmrich also analyzed the contrast and balance between house holder and monastic, possessor and renunciate, and also offered a reflection on the nuances of gender, languages and the material in Nepalese Buddhist literature and culture.

Acquiring of jewels is celebrated as much as rejected, and the way in which the two are balanced or made to remain at odds is something Buddhist communities have articulated throughout history, particularly in songs and storytelling.  Dr  Emmrich also threw light on mentioning of jewelry in Newah songs. Payo, Tayo and Bijakani are mentioned in the historical Newah song "Rajamati", he said.

Dr Christoph Emmrich is an associate professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto, where he has taught Newar, Burmese, Pali, Buddhist and Jain studies since 2006. His latest monograph "Writing Rites for Newar Girls: Marriage, Mimesis & Memory in the Kathmandu Valley" is forthcoming from Brill.

Replying to a question of a journalist from the Nepal Oregon News, Dr Emmrich said just like jewelry in Nepalese Buddhist culture, Western Christian culture and civilization have also been deeply influenced by the symbolic power and impact of jewelry.

Similarly, another presentation on "Dharani Recitation in Nepalese Buddhist Community" was made by Dr Miroj Shakya.

The ancient roots of Dharani are still obscure, their emergence may partly be connected to indigenous mantric lore that found its way first to Atharvaved and then to both early Bramhanic and Buddhist spell literatures, Dr Shakya said.

Dharani literature has existed for over two millennia in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Typically used to prevent misfortune, remove obstacles, heal and protect, Dharani are also used in life cycle rituals and other practices, Dr Shakya added.

Dr Shakya also discussed origin and evolution of Dharanis in India and Nepal and their widespread use by Nepalese Buddhist practitioners.

Dr Miroj Shakya is an associate professor and co-chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Religious Studies at the University of the West in Rosemead, California. He is part of the Rare Buddhist Sanskrit Manuscript Preservation Project and the Sanskrit Language Working Group, and editor of the "Catalog of Digitized Rare Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts."

Answering to a query by Nepal Oregon News, Dr Shakya said "Yes, Dharani recitation is on the verge of extinction." That is why, information and study of Dharani should be included in schools and colleges, locals of the Kathmandu valley should preserve it and publicize the importance of Dharani literature for its revival, Dr Shakya replied.

Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara informed the audience that with the objective of publicizing the importance of Dharani, the Mahavihara is soon planning to organize a week-long workshop on Dharani recitation. Prior to the presentations, Prajwal also gave brief introduction of Dr Emmrich and Dr Shakya to the audience.

Dr Emmrich and Dr Shakya also replied to some questions asked by the audience at the program which was followed by a potluck dinner.

At the end of the program, which was attended by about 60 Nepalese and American guests, including representatives of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), Nepaa Chhen, NRNA - USA - Oregon Chapter, Nepal Oregon News,  Daya Shakya, vice president of World Newah Organization (WNO), presented WNO publications to both the scholars.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Dashain Celebrated in Portland, America by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO)

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Oct 22 (Nepal Oregon News): A Dashain reception was organized by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) on Sunday, Oct 20, 2019 at Multnomah Arts Center in Portland.

The Dashain program started with playing of Nepal's national anthem on saxophone by Niraj Mali.

Addressing the gathering, vice president of NAO Pradeep Bajracharya threw light on NAO activities and said that NAO has been working together with other  Nepalese community organizations in Portland. (NAO president Bharat Banskota could not make it to the reception as he is in mourning  for his mom's passing away recently).

NAO has been celebrating Bijaya Dasami and Bikram Sambat new year and organizing  summer picnic on a regular basis for last several years, Bajracharya added.

On the occasion, NAO's secretary Pramod Poudel presented annual report while annual financial report was presented by treasurer Manish Karn.

A new executive committee of NAO was also announced on the occasion. Daya Shakya, Bishes Rayamajhi, Trilochan Paudel and Manish Karn are new president, vice president, secretary and treasurer whereas Alisha Mitchell, Dipak Poudel, Gyanu Ratna Maharjan, Keshav Dahal and Padam Jung Thapa are new executive members.

On the occasion, new NAO chief Daya Shakya and all other  newly elected office bearers of the NAO gave a brief introduction about themselves to the audience and expressed the confidence that they would be committed to the betterment of NAO and the Nepalese community in Oregon.

It is to be noted that NAO represents Nepalese population in Oregon and south west part of Washington.

According to NAO sources, the Nepalese community population in this part of the US is estimated to be about 1,000 - 1,200 people.

The Dashain event followed a cultural program in which popular Nepali singer from Sacramento, California Anish Okely and other local singers rendered melodious Nepali songs.

On the occasion, certificates of appreciation were presented to some Nepalese community members for their help and volunteering to NAO. Also, the NAO High School Excellence Award was given away to Bibhor Thapa.

Dashain program which was attended by almost 150 people was conducted by Mahendra Neupane.

Talking to the Nepal Oregon News (NON), the outgoing president of NAO Bharat Banskota said "I wish all the best to the new executive committee for its successful term to bring positive impacts to our NAO community and its friends in Oregon and beyond."

When Nepal Oregon News (NON) asked newly elected NAO president Daya Shakya about his vision, he expressed the confidence that he would try to take NAO to newer heights by carrying out different plans. "We will be working out and looking forward about what we can offer to make Visit Nepal Year 2020 successful",  he went on to add.

(Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya is one of the few  Nepalese journalists in USA)

Talk on "Newah Tradition and Culture" Organized at Nepalese Buddhist Temple in Portland, USA

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Oct 21, (Nepal Oregon News): A charismatic presentation on "Newah Tradition and Culture" by Daya Ratna Shakya was organized on Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019 at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMA) in Portland as part of ongoing tenth anniversary of the NMA.

At the beginning of the program, priest Prajwal Vajracharya of the NMA presented a short introduction of presenter Shakya. Similarly, Vajracharya also performed Sankalpa Vaakya rituals at the program.

Speaking at the program, Daya Shakya underlined the need for preserving, promoting and protecting Newah culture and traditions.

Shakya said:"In ancient context, Newahs used to be melting pot of Nepal valley where people from different parts of the world moved in and then became Newahs."

Shakya expressed the view that Newahs in the USA have kept up praiseworthy and commendable tradition by celebrating a number of Newah days and festivals.

He then gave details about the activities of ancient Newah luminaries Jamana Guvaju, Surat Bajra and Bandhu Datta.

Shakya's presentation discussed the rich cultural heritage of Newah people of Nepal that fell in one of the highly recognized South Asian civilization in ancient Himalayan region, way long before the current Nepali culture was being discovered in modern Nepal.

The primary focus of the first half of Shakya's presentation was a discussion on power of ritual and its vocabulary that the Newah people use in daily life. .

Similarly, the second half of Shakya's presentation specifically focussed on the concept of understanding the works which have been done in past life and its current consequences as well as the way of tracing the future life, a unique technique that has to be discovered in maintaining the fruitful human life.

Daya Shakya - who is also the vice president of World Newah Organization, president of NRN-NCC-USA Oregon Chapter and president of Nepali Association of Oregon - also answered to different questions of the Nepalese and American guests at the program

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in America)

Ninth NRNA Global Meet: Sloganeering, Protests and Chaos

Rabin Man Shakya
Member, NRNA USA Oregon chapter

The ninth global convention of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), which was inaugurated by Nepal's President Bidya Bhandari and which was participated by 2,500 representatives from 81 countries is bogged down in numerous controversies and scandals.

First came the news that said Upendra Mahato has boycotted the NRNA kumbha mela because of over politicization.

Kul Acharya (Britain) has been overtly and covertly supported by Nepali Congress, whereas Kumar Pant (Germany) is supported by the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

NRNA should not be a political platform and NRNs should not be contracted by viruses of political maneuvers and bickering.

The impartial and nonaligned NRNs still do not understand why NRNA movement has been bitterly polarized and overtly politicized ? Is it because of arrogant attitude of Nepal's political parties or because some NRNs are just "followers and tails" of the political parties ? Probably, little bit of both.

Also, there was a news in the media that outgoing president of NRNA Bhavan Bhatta was boarded out of a plane from an international flight because of unruly behavior in the plane owing to intoxication.

Meanwhile, the Nepalese NRNs from Australia were reported to have misbehaved the Nepalese airport officials at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Even the glasses in the immigration section were shattered by those NRNs.

Now the ongoing NRN election looks like a circus scenario where sloganeering, protests, chaos and verbal abuse of rival contestants are rampant.

Also, there is lack of unity and coordination in NRNA in major countries like the US, the UK, Australia, Germany etc. The NRNs keep washing dirty linen in public in these countries. This is bad omen for NRNA.

Ms Chandra Mali's Buri Janko Ceremony ( Bhimratharohan - Nepali style) Celebrated at Hillsboro, America

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Oct 14 (Nepal Oregon News): A senior age  "Janko" religious ceremony or Bhimratharohan of Ms Chandra Lal Mali was held  at Raju and Minu Mali's residence at Hillsboro, Oregon on Friday, Oct 11, 2019.

Ms Chandra Lal Mali is the mother of Raju Mali and Ganga Sharma. Raju Mali is the founder president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) whereas Ganga Sharma is also the former president of NAO.

Ms Mali's other children are Jamuna, Bernadine, Helen, Nancy and Urmila. Ms Mali also has over a dozen grand children plus some great grand children.

The whole Janko related ritual and puja were  performed for about five hours. Janko rituals of Ms Chandra Lal were performed by Buddhist Guruju Prajwal Ratna Bajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland.

Janko related rituals like Gurumandala Puja, Homa Puja, Naag Puja, Kalash Puja and Bali Puja were ritualized by Prajwal Guruju. Prajwal Guruju went onto Samadhi to perform the Janko related rituals to bestow blessings to Ms Mali. Similarly, she was given a symbolic holy bathe to qualify her in divine life amid the presence of her family. Likewise, Baran Chhuyegu and Sagan Beegu rituals were also performed. Mangala Strota was also recited during the Sagan Beegu rituals.

Ms Chandra Lal was given a ride on a chariot drawn by flying horses, the magical steeds that would transport her to paradise or Nirvana, the afterlife destinations secured by the Bhimratha ceremony. Prajwal Guruju sealed the blessings to her by performing Homa Puja. During the Janko ceremony, Ms Chandra Mali was released from religious and ritual obligations, for her sins have been remitted and her Karma purified.

During the Janko ceremony, Ms Mali received respect "Tuti Bhagi Yayegu" from all members of her family. Present at the Janko ceremony were the office bearers and members of Nepali Association of Oregon, Nepaa Chhen and NRNA-NCC-USA Oregon Chapter.

One of the very important ritual part of the Janko ceremony is parading of the honored person around the vicinity of the neighborhood in a colorful procession accompanied by a  Newah style music team playing Dhime Baja. The Janko parade was accompanied by Guruju Prajwal, honoree's family members and a lot of Nepalese Portlanders and was feted with music, flowers, sacred water, vermillion powder and a lot of incense sticks.

So Ms Mali was once again treated like a bride and was pulled out on a chariot around the neighborhood. Janko ceremonies of senior Nepalese people were held in Portland in the past also. In one case, the honored Janko personality was driven in a vehicle-like chariot and in another case, the chariot was carried out on shoulders as per Lalitpur parampara.

This time, Ms Mali was on the small-four-wheel chariot just like in Kathmandu and was pulled away by her children and grand children.

Replying to a query of Nepal Oregon News, Buddhist Gubhaju Prajwal Bajracharya said:"When a man or a woman turns 77 years, 7 months, 7 days and 7 hours, there is a special ceremony to perform. The Bhimratha observance calls on the Goddess of long life - Usnisvijaya - to purefy Karma and bestow the blessings of good health and a long life span."

Similarly, asked by Nepal Oregon News about the importance of Janko ceremony, Nepali community leader in Portland Daya Shakya said:"A special ritual the Bhimratharohan (ascending a chariot of wellness 'bhim' and fearless) is organized to honor a person of the age 77 years, 7 months, 7days and 7 hours according to own faith either Hindu or Buddhist. A symbolic ritual of citation entering to higher level of human being and a qualified person to ride a spiritual vehicle of fearless divine personality is recognized."

A gala dinner party was organized on Saturday the next day at the Multnomah Arts Center in Portland  to celebrate Ms Chandra Mali's Bhimratharohan.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Kuchhi Bhoy: What Exactly Does It Mean?

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Oct 20 (Nepal Oregon News): Kuchhi Bhoy - what exactly does it mean? My daughter asked me during Kuchhi Bhoye celebration at our home in Portland, USA during the Mohani Nakha festival recently.

About fifty years ago, in Nepal, when you go to buy rice, baji (beaten rice), gofuki, edible oil, lentils, beans etc, they were measured by Mana, Kuchhi and Paathi  by the store keeper. In Nepal Bhasa, it is Chhamana, Nimana, Swamana, Pyamana, Nyamana, Khumana, Nhayamana and Chyamana etc. Nimana is also Kuchhi in Nepal Bhasa.

Kuchhi or Nimana Baji (beaten rice) will be over five pounds which will be a lot for a person. So usually some cloths or papers are squeezed inside the Mana before serving Kuchhi Baji on the Lapte. Symbolically, Kuchhi Baji is eaten during that feast, so it is called Kuchhi Bhoy. Kuchhi Bhoy is usually the first traditional feast of the Newah people during the Mohani Nakha.

Traditionally, the Kuchhi Bhoy should be eaten on a big leaf of a banana tree. But if banana leaves are not enough, then a small piece of banana leaf is also put onto the Lapte alongside with the Baji. Putting a piece of a banana leaf into the Kuchhi Bhoy baji is sine quo non for the Kuchhi Bhoy feast. 

Kuchhi Bhoy is unique feast of the Newah people. Kuchhi Bhoy demonstrates the richness of the Newah culinary culture. More than twenty different cuisines are prepared for the Kuchhi Bhoy.

Meat items include: Chhoyala, Dayakaula, Kachila, Pukau, Takha, Sanya Khunya etc. Other items include: Fenugreek, Paunkwa, Bhuti, Butter Squash Pumpkin curry,  Simpu, Aalu Achar, Lain Achar, Cauli Flower curry, Lainkwa, Golveda Tofu curry, Tukancha Tarakari, Musya Palu etc. Also, Sisa Busa (fruits), boiled eggs and small fishes are also served during the Kuchhi Bhoy. Ayala (Newah home-made liquor) is also served from  the Anti. 


Kuchhi Bhoy is purely a family feast held on the Day of Astami, the eighth day of the fortnight as per Nepal Sambat calendar.

Newah Bhoy is always held in a spacious room. A long Suku (mat made of straws) is laid out and, on the day of Kuchhi Bhoy, all the members of the family sit cross-legged in a row for the Bhoy. 

In the Kuchhi Bhoy, like in all other important Bhoys of the Newah people,  the tradition requires that the eldest person in the family takes the place of honor at the top and the youngest at the bottom.

Alongside with the family members, the feasts are also offered to Choye Dyo (the upper god) which is ahead of the eldest person and Kwoye Dyo (the lower god) which is after the feast of the youngest in the family.

Mohani Sinha is also prepared on that day and before the start of Kuchhi Bhoy. The eldest in the family dabs the Black Mohani Sinha on the forehead of the family members.

Kuchhi Bhoy is an auspicious  and important day during the Mohani Nakha. It takes place on Kaula Thwo Astami. On this day, Newah people of the Kathmandu valley take a shower in the morning to purify themselves and put on fresh and washed clothes. Among the Newah Bajrayana families, the female members of the family go to worship Bhagwan Buddha and Ganesh at their neighborhood Mahaviharas and temples. Likewise, the same day, the female members go to worship different Peeths also.

Nala Swonegu, Pachi Marah,  Kuchhi Bhoy on Astami,  Syakko Tyakko on Nawami and Chalan on Dasami and Shree Gha Puni are important days for the Newah people in Kathmandu during the Mohani Nakha.

Well, Dashain and Mohani Nakha coincide on the same days, but Dashain and Mohani Nakha have similarities as well as dissimilarities. Dashain or Bijaya Dasami is celebrated by the Hindus of Nepal and India whereas Mohani Nakha is celebrated only by Newah people of Nepal, no matter they are Buddhists or Hindus.

The Newah people living in the United States of America also celebrate Kuchhi Bhoy and other Mohani Nakha related feasts, but it is not the same as in Nepal, because many things and ingredients required for the feast and festival are not available here.

It is to be noted that according to Hindu mythology, Mahishasur daitya was killed by Durga Bhavani on the day of Bijaya dasami, but Newah people believe that a Daitya called Bhasmasur was killed by the Goddesses on the same day.

Also, Newah Theravada Buddhists celebrate it as the Day of Dhamma Vijaya to commemorate the day on which Emperor Ashoka abandoned violence and started to adopt a policy of peaceful co-existence.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Buddhist Iconographies of Nepal and Tibet Show Many Interesting Differences: Dr Vajracharya

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 29, (Nepal Oregon News): A scholarly talk on "Nepalese Buddhist Art and Iconography: What Makes It Distinct ?" by Dr Gautama Vajracharya and a presentation on "Making Nepalese Buddhist Ritual Masks" by Alysha Graham, an artist,  were organized at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland on Saturday, Sept 28, 2019 as part of the NMM's ongoing tenth anniversary programs.

Prajwal Vajracharya, a priest and co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, on the occasion gave a short introduction of Dr Vajracharya before the start of the talk.

Although based on the same well-known Sanskrit texts Sadhanamala and Nispannayogavali, the Buddhist iconographies of Nepal and Tibet show many interesting differences, Dr Vajracharya said at the program.

Dr Vajracharya, during the scholarly talk, shared and explained these differences in light of his observations of Buddhist civilization and Himalayan geography and climate.

One of the most interesting differences between the iconographies of Nepalese Paubhas and Tibetan Thangkas  is:  More than 75 percent of Nepalese Paubhas depict Toranas whereas Torana is mostly missing in Tibetan  Thangkas, said Dr Vajracharya.

( Torana is a free-standing ornamental or arched gateway for ceremonial purposes seen in the Buddhist and Hindu arts and architecture of Nepal, India and other South Asian nations.)

Replying to a query of Nepal Oregon News about the study of Nepalese Buddhist art and iconography outside of Nepal, Dr Vajracharya informed that the research and study of Nepalese Buddhist art and iconography started in a French University during King Mahendra's rule. Nepalese Buddhist art and iconography are studied in the US, Britain, Germany and some other European countries, he added.

Vajracharya, who was born into a Newah Gubhaju family in Kathmandu in 1940, learnt Sanskrit from Nayaraj Pant and he was also taught to read ancient inscriptions and iconography.

Dr Vajracharya taught History of South Asian Art for 23 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Art History.

Dr Vajracharya, who is a renowned Nepali Sanskritist and art history scholar, is the author of books : (1) Nepalese Seasons: Rain and Rirual (2) Frog Hymns and Rain Babies: Monsoon Culture and Art of Ancient South Asia (3) Himalayas: An Aesthetic Adventure.

Likewise, making a presentation on "Making Nepalese Buddhist Ritual Masks", Alysha Graham, an artist, presented the process of creating masks for Charya Nritya, dance as a spiritual practice. At the program, Helen Appel, co-founder of the Mahavihara gave a brief introduction about Alysha before her presentation.

I grew up in a Gurdjieff community in rural Aurora, Oregon. I am an artist. At age 20, I sat my first 10 day Vipassana retreat taught by S N Goenka. I consider Vipassana to be my root practice and have completed and served 5 ten day courses, Alysha said during the presentation.

At age 25, I found the practice of Charya Buddhist Nepalese deity dance. I also studied the Green Tara and White Tara long forms in Charya through a grant that also included studying traditional Buddhist deity mask making and Thangka painting, Alysha went on saying.

Answering a question of Nepal Oregon News, Alysha said that her inspiration to become an artist came from years of relating closely with nature, her passion for indigenous wisdom, Buddhist philosophy, yoga, health and plant spirit medicine.

Alisha Graham is an artist, Charya dancer and Vajrayana practitioner and recipient of a grant to study traditional Nepalese Buddhist mask making and Paubha painting.

Both Dr Vajracharya and Graham replied to numerous questions asked by Nepalese and American participants at the program. The program which was attended by over 50 American and Nepalese participants was followed by a Nepali style dinner.

(Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in America)

Newar Buddhist Temple - Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's - Tenth Anniversary in Portland, America: Time for Retrospection

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 23 (Nepal Oregon News): Despite the fact that Shakya Muni Siddhartha Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal, Nepal used to be called a Hindu kingdom until recently. Nepal still is a Hindu majority country. At a time when Buddhists of Japan, Korea, Tibet, Taiwan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and so on are working very hard to disseminate the ideas of Buddhism throughout the world, the role of Nepalese Buddhists in propagating and enriching Buddhism abroad is insignificant.

The role and scope of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland, USA which is celebrating its tenth anniversary has to be analyzed against such disappointing background.

The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara - which is the only Nepalese Buddhist temple in the West so far - has moved to centerstage in Nepalese community in Oregon by observing the age-old festivals of the Kathmandu valley and by keeping alive the traditions and culture of the people of Nepal.

The tenth anniversary of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is being celebrated in a grand manner throughout September to November. An opening celebration which consisted of various programs was organized at Henjyoji Shingon Temple in Portland on Saturday and Sunday Sept 21-22, 2019.

At the beginning of the program, various dignitaries of Portland's Dharma communities and some prominent Nepalese Portlanders were felicitated by wrapping Khata on them. The tenth anniversary program was declared open by co-founder of the Mahavihara Helen Appell by lightening diyo on the twarba. 

The anniversary program started with opening chants and prayers by various luminaries of Portland's Dharma communities for an auspicious beginning. An art exhibition and cultural display was also organized on the occasion.

In his welcome remarks, Rev. Kosho Finch of the Henjyoji Shingon Temple said that the objective of the Buddhist Henjyoji Temple is to provide support to all congregrants  in achieving their desired personal and spiritual potential through Shingon Buddhism.

"The Japanese Cultural Academy fosters the study and practice of traditional and evolving Japanese arts," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, priest and co-founder of the NMM said that Dance Mandala was launched in 1996 whereas Nritya Mandala was established in 2009 by Helen Appell and him.. Prajwal threw light on the history of the Mahavihara, the challenges and problems he faced in the beginning.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been working to disseminate values of Newah Buddhism in the West. Similarly, various rituals like rice feeding ceremony, wedding ceremony, Bratbandha, Ihi and Bhimrathrohan rituals are also organized in the Mahavihara, Prajwal said.

The Newah Buddhist temple's ten year history with a slide show of the process and events of bringing Nepalese Buddhism to the West through NMM was able to vividly shed light on the activities of the Mahavihara.

The program was also addressed by Bharat Banskota, president of Nepali Association of Oregon and Daya Shakya, vice president of World Newah Organization and president of NRN NCC USA  Oregon chapter.

One of the attractions of the day's programs was a talk " Nepalese Food Wisdom: Food as Medicine" by Bikram Vaidya. It was a slide-talk journey through the many regions of Nepal's culinary flavors, seasonal foods and their health benefits, culminating in the Kathmandu valley's indigenous foods.

Nepalese wisdom of balancing the five elements through nutrition is shared along with the traditional foods for different festivals of the Valley.

Chef Vaidya was born in the Kathmandu Valley in a lineage of Ayurvedic practitioners. He currently is Lead Chef Instructor at Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland.

Another equally important attraction of the celebration was Nepalese music performance and talk by Dr Subhash Prajapati. Dr Prajapati and his team performed both traditional and folk music from different ethnic groups of Nepal and also featured Newah Buddhist music "Gunla Bajan" of the Kathmandu valley using traditional drums like Dhaa, Nayekhin, Dhimey and Paschima.

Different programs were organized on Sunday, Sept 22 also. "Mudra Movement Workshop" by Prajwal Vajracharya was health through movement with intention, gestures and knowledge of the inner meanings of parts of the body and their five elements, the subtle body can come into balance.

Prajwal in a charismatic way discussed how certain movements and mudras effect health and shared simple yogic exercises for healing for hands, feet and energy channels, as well as the refuge dance for intention.

Prajwal Vajracharya was born into a lineage of Buddhist priests of the Kathmandu valley and was raised in the yogic and ritual art of Charya dance.

A workshop "Making Ritual Objects" by Uppa Shakya, Dina Shakya and Anjali Bajracharya was also organized. The workshop attempted to cultivate a meditative mind and dexterity and health in the hands through the practice of making Nepalese Buddhist ritual objects like Goza, Jajanka and Ita.

Similarly, Dr Subhash Prajapati conducted another workshop on "Sanskrit Scripts and Calligraphy" which explored and practiced sacred Sanskrit writing forms including Ranjana Lipi script developed around 11th century in Nepal.

At the end of the program on both days, the traditional sacred Buddhist dances of Nepal - Charya Nritya - a sadhana (meditation practice) through the embodiment of peaceful, semi-wrathful and wrathful deities, five Buddha energies, offering goddesses and couple dances were also presented before the audience.

The 10th anniversary organized by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was attended by over 100 participants including luminaries of Portland's local Dharma communities, American and Nepalese Buddhists, office bearers and members of Nepali Association of Oregon, Nepaa Chhen and NRN NCC USA Oregon chapter and a representative from Nepal Oregon News.

Glimpses of the program. Sorry could not make it to all the events.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)