Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Celebrates 12th Anniversary of Its Establishment

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 11 (Nepal Oregon News): The official twelfth anniversary of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara kicked off on Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021 with Gurumandala Puja and Homa Puja which was ritualized by Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and included seven Buddhist practitioners of the community performing the ritual to re-empower deities represented in the temple: Anna Shustrova, Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Gabriel Quitslund, Naveena Shakya, Adam Bidema and Riaz Khan.

During the Gurumandala puja, among other rituals, a long pasuka (sacred thread) was used, spread and passed over to all the Gurumandala participants and other guests.

Pataa Chhayegu from the temple's pinnacle (gajur) in all four directions was also carried out as a part of the twelfth anniversary celebrations. 

At the end of the Puja, Rev Guru Prajwal handed over small pieces of sacred flowers and sacred Kokha to the Sangha members and dabbed Hyaungu Sinha on their foreheads.

In the last 12 years, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has continuously served the Sangha or community in many ways, and credit for this goes to co-founders duo Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya.

The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, Oregon is the first and only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in 350 years and it is the first monastery built outside of Nepal.

Nepalese Portlanders see 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, the Mahavihara is definitely 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 temple's establishment twelve years ago.

Meanwhile, evening celebration of the anniversary was followed by Buddha Bhajans and international Charya dance show in the zoom. In this way, a devotional song on Vasundhara was performed at the temple by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Riaz Khan, Ashley Low, Casey Redman followed by another Buddha Bhajan 'Lumbini Yatra' which is a 600 year old song.

Similarly, Buddha Bhajans 'Tri Ratna Lumanki' and 'Das Paramita' were performed by long time practitioner Buddha Laxmi Shakya from San Diego, California.

On the occasion, the international Charya dance show was presented by classical Charya artistes from Nepal, USA, Hong Kong, Brazil and Japan. Vesta Corradini from Brazil presented a Charya dance 'Green Tara' while Joshua Proto from the USA demonstrated a Charya dance 'Rakta Ganesh'.

Likewise, Yuko Okomoto from Japan appeared in the zoom performing the 'Lokeshvara' charya nritya. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's co-founder Helen Appell offered the charya dance 'Vajrayogini' in the zoom whereas Bobby Romansky danced 'Padmasambhava' at the temple. 

Similarly, an enthralling dance 'Arya Tara' was performed by Hong Kong Sangha members: Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Man-yee Lau, Saldon Wu, Lingling Lee, Sophie Chan, Chin Chin Chang, Simone Ng, Eliza Lok-yee and Monita Lau.

A Charya dance 'Vasundhara' was performed by Anna Shustrova at the Vihara while Uppa Shakya from Hermiston, Oregon presented a dance on 'Yogini Mandala'.

Mahavihara's co-founder Guru Prajwal Vajracharya performed Ekjati dakini dance at the temple. 16 offering goddess dance was performed at the Portland Baha by  Anna Shustrova, Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Anita Laxmi Shrestha and Riyaz Khan.

Similarly, 16 offering goddess dance was also performed by Hong Kong Sangha members: Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Man-yee Lau, Saldon Wu, Lingling Lee, Sophie Chan, Chin Chin Chang, Simone Ng, Eliza Lok-yee Lau, Monita Lau, Kerry Ho, Lai-chu Chan, Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Mary Lau, Rebecca Howe, Jennifer Tang, Yuk-ling Chung.

The 12th anniversary day long program was participated by 31 people from different countries in the zoom and 20 people at the Mahavihara and was followed by a Nepali style lunch and dinner.

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Talk on "The Critical Role of the Viharas and Mahaviharas in the Newar Vajrayana Buddhism" Organized 

Portland, Nov 6 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual talk program on "The Critical Role of the Viharas and Mahaviharas in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism" was organized by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Nov 5, 2021. It was on the second day of Lunar Calendar's first month: the day of honoring the brothers by sisters for liberation from sufferings from Kaya, Vak and Chitta. The speaker of the program was Ven Rajendra Man Bajracharya who is also the chairman of Vajrayana Federation of Nepal.

Prior to the beginning of the presentation, Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara gave a short introduction of the key-note speaker Ven Rajendra Man Bajracharya. Prajwal  informed the zoom audience that more than two dozen book titles have been authored by Ven Rajendra Bajracharya on different subjects of Buddhism, Newar culture and traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Ven Rajendra Bajracharya said:"When we talk about the Buddhist monasteries of Nepal, first of all we must understand what Vajrayana is. Till the life time of Lord Buddha, there were three sects of Buddhism -- Shravakayana, Pratyak Buddhayana and Samyak Sambuddhayana."

"Vajracharya is a caste. But real Vajracharyas are those persons who daily practice rituals, do recitations of Nava Sutra Grantha. Whatever is mentioned in Nava Sutra Grantha, Pancha Rakshya Grantha, Sutra Grantha, they apply them in their life. That is why Vajrayana Buddhists are those persons who have  got the Buddhist ordination," the Buddhist scholar went on saying.

Throwing light on the importance of Chibah Dyoh in Newah Vajrayana Buddhism, he said that Prajwal's father Ven Ratna Kaji Vajracharya had elaborately and very deeply researched on the Chibah Dyohs of the Kathmandu valley.

Chuka, Nani, Nani Baha, Bahi, Vihara and Mahavihara are all categorized on the basis of educational level. Mahaviharas can be ranked at the university level education, he said.

 So far, there are 954 Viharas and 46 Mahaviharas in Nepal, he added. Bajracharya's talk also presented a detailed and comprehensive description about the role of Viharas and Mahaviharas in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

The talk vigorously dealt with the educational standards and levels within the three different sects of Buddhism. The talk also zeroed in on various ritual and educational activities carried out at the Viharas and Mahaviharas of the Kathmandu valley. 

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Discussion on the Building of the Vihara Held

Portland, Nov 7 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual conference "Discussion on the building of the Vihara" was organized on Saturday, Nov 6, 2021. Speaker duo at the zoom meeting were Helen Fox Appell, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and Mayo Aarons, an architect. (But he likes to call himself a carpenter). 

The zoom gathering was moderated by Corinne Nakamura, a board member of the Mahavihara. During the discussions, Helen and Mayo threw light on the history of the Mahavihara, the challenges and problems they faced in the beginning of its construction.

Actually, the short history of 12 years of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the history of Charya dance school, history of rituals and celebrations of Newar festivals.

The Mahavihara which is the only Newar Buddhist temple in the USA so far has moved to the centerstage in Nepalese community in Oregon by organizing scholarly presentations on rituals, by promoting Charya dances, by observing age-old festivals of the Kathmandu valley and by keeping alive the wonderful traditions and culture of Newar people. Nevertheless, the Mahavihara was the brainchild of Helen Apell and Prajwal Vajracharya, not the Newar community living in Oregon.

During the virtual interaction program, Helen and Mayo spoke about their first encounter with Prajwal and about their introduction with the Newar Buddhism.

The interaction with Helen and Mayo dealt with the history of how the Mahavihara was built. "During the construction of the temple, there was a big fire that took place because of a improperly stored gas can," Mayo told the zoom audience.

A lot of discussions were zeroed in on gods, goddesses, and carved windows and wooden Toranas that were brought all the way from Nepal and also on ceiling of the Mahavihara. Their talks also focused on the origin and concept of the Vihara, construction process of the temple and its consecration in 2009.

In fact, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the first Mahavihara built in the entire history of Newar Mahaviharas after the last one was built in Nepal 350 years ago. But Helen said:"We certainly did not think of it as the first and 350 years or any kind of Mahavihara at all. We really just wanted a place that was a real temple for the  Temple Dance. We wanted to be able to dance in a ritual environment and that was the main thing." 

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Houseal Stresses Need for Preserving Ancient Dances

Portland, Nov 7 (Nepal Oregon News): While addressing a zoom talk on 'Importance of Dance in the World', a part of the ongoing 12th anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, Nov 6, 2021, Joseph Houseal, director of Chicago based non-profit 'Core of Culture Dance Preservation' has stressed the need for preserving and promoting ancient classical dances like Charya.

During the virtual interaction program, Houseal took time to applaud role and contributions of Russian immigrants Mikhail Baryshnikov and George Balanchine for enriching classical ballet in America.

The rising of modern dancing in America was very much around these personalities and also Ted Shawn, Ruth St Dennis, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham and so on," he went on saying.

Throwing light on the ancient dancing, Houseal said:"When Christianity became powerful, the theology separated the body and the soul."

Finding the importance of dancing, that is the real thing, Houseal said and added:"Some of the people in our Mudra project, modern dancers are really connecting with that. The West does not have a tradition like Prajwal's. We do not have the ancient tradition. But we do have modern people who are intelligent and really good dancers. They want to understand it."

He went on saying:"And how do you let people like me that do not know anything about anything. Meet someone like Prajwal who knows everything about ancient tradition. And other dancers are in the same place. We want to talk to you and we want to know what your experience is. Are we having the same experience ? The way you describe your dancing experience. That is the way we are describing our experience."

So it is very interesting balance of trying to understand how people are coming to these traditions, he said and added:"I think with Prajwal's temple now in 12th anniversary, the symbol of the world is beginning to understand  the importance of it."

Prajwal brings his ancient traditions to the world. That is really what we are celebrating here. The only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple outside of Nepal and have any connection, he said.

Houseal further said:"This is huge, unprecedented act, any connection to it at all in all of the history of 2500 year history of Buddhism. There is no parallel to what Prajwal has done."

Prior to the beginning of the talk, Ven Prajwal Vajracharya gave a brief introduction of Joseph Houseal to the zoom audience.

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Virtual Interaction among Pujaris, Charya Dancers and Sangha Members Held

Portland, Nov 8 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual interaction about the devotional acts among the Pujaris, Charya dancers and Sangha members organized on Sunday, Nov 7, 2021 by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, a part of its 12th anniversary celebration, was a unique and unprecedented event in the history of the Mahavihara.

Unprecedented in the sense that never ever has this kind of interaction been organized in the past where Sangha members, Charya dancers and Pujaris have come together to share their feelings, emotions about the Mahavihara and inspirations from it.

Prof Dr Miranda Shaw who is a prominent scholar on Buddhism was the facilitator for discussions while the program was coordinated by Corinne Nakamura, a board member of the Mahavihara.

The virtual interaction program was participated by nine people at the Portland Baha while 20 other participants took part through the zoom.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev Prajwal Vajracharya said:"We have so many volunteers, supporters and helpers with us to move forward with the temple."

Giving a short introduction of Dr Miranda Shaw, Prajwal said:"Miranda is the one who introduced me to America in 1990s, involved me to different organizations, Buddhism in America conference at her own university".

Expressing her happiness to be the facilitator of the virtual interaction,  Dr Miranda Shaw said:"The way I think about this is as kind of a  celebration to add to the celebration of what  this community means to each of us individually and then that adds up to what it means to all of us."

The participants who took part at the virtual interaction directly from the Mahavihara were: Prajwal Vajracharya, Anastasia Roderick, Aniruddha Shakya, Joshua Proto, Ashley Low, Casey Redman, Adam Bidema and Riyaz Khan.

Other participants of the zoom interaction included Prof Dr Alexander von Rospatt, Helen Appell, Terry Shatterthwaite, Kuon Hunt, Jone Rybak, Anna Shushtrova, Uppa Shakya, Dave Sage, Vikram Vaidya and Laxman Shakya.

All the participants used the moment to share how the Mahavihara benefitted them, what kind of influence in their life by their participation in this community and what the temple community has meant for them.

On the occasion, co-founder of NMM Helen Appell emphasized the need for preserving and protecting the ancient and medieval Newar Buddhist rituals and Newar Buddhist Charya dances.

Underscoring the importance of the Sanskrit language, Kuon Hunt, a board member of the Mahavihara threw light on the role played by the Newar Buddhist temple to enhance and enrich the Sanskrit in the community.

The virtual interaction facilitated by Prof Dr Shaw proved to be very useful for the Mahavihara's Sangha members, Pujaris and Charya dancers, as all of them poured their heart to each other.

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Virtual Talk on 'Living the Vihara'

Portland, Nov 9 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual talk program 'Living the Vihara' by Suva Shakya, an irrigation engineer, from Hermiston Oregon was organized on Monday Nov 8, 2021 by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Suva's talk gave a detailed description of how he came to the US and how he met Guru Prajwal and Helen Appell.

His talk also dealt with the life cycle rituals performed at the Mahavihara    and about what the Portland Vihara meant to him and his family. Suva also spoke about the process of Vihara construction and about its consecration in 2009.

Underscoring the importance of the Viharas in his life, Suva mentioned three Viharas: (1) Kalimpong Dharmodaya Vihara in India (2) Itum Baha in Kathmandu and (3) Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

Reminiscing about Dharmodaya Vihara in Kalimpong, India, he said that they celebrated Buddha Jayanti, did Gunla Bhajans and had Guthi roles.

When Dalai Lama visited the Dharmodaya Vihara in the 80s, he was within few feet of him, Suva recollected.

"But it was at the Itum Baha in Kathmandu where my Chuda Karma (a part of lifecycle rituals) was performed," he added.

"And it is at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland where Macha Janko, Ihi ceremony and Bara Tayegu ceremony (lifecycle rituals) of my daughters were performed by Guru Prajwal," he added.  

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Noted Paubha Artist Vajracharya Passes Away

Portland, Nov 20 (Nepal Oregon News): Noted Paubha artist of Nepal Gautam Ratna Vajracharya who has been practicing Newar Buddhist Paubha painting for more than four decades has passed away on Friday, Nov 19, 2021 at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Late Vajracharya who was suffering from diabetes was 61.

Nepalese Paubha arts sector has lost a great Paubha artist in Vajracharya's demise.

Antyesthi samskara (funeral sacrament/funeral pyre) was held on the same day at Shobha Bhagavati Karna Deep on the banks of river Bishnumati in Kathmandu with full ritual traditions.

Late Vajracharya is the elder brother of Guru Prajwal Vajracharya who has also lost another one of his brother in Kathmandu about three months before. Guru Prajwal was in mourning for a week. The Guru performed Durgatiparishodhana Dharani for liberation of the deceased soul everyday for a week in front of the Buddha at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Late Vajracharya was born on June 13, 1960 to late Asta Maya Vajracharya, a housewife and father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, a Buddhist scholar and ritual master.

Late Gautam Ratna's foray into Newar Buddhist Paubha art started when he was still a teenager. He did not go to any art school. He learnt the art lessons from his father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya.

Late Gautam Ratna who started to participate at national art exhibitions of Nepal since 1977 had bagged several national awards and prizes.

Late Vajracharya had won first prize at the 15th National Art Exhibition in 1979 and best prize at 22nd National Art Exhibition in 1988 sponsored by Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA). Late Vajracharya had a painting exhibition at the 15th World Buddhist Conference held at Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, Nepal.

Late Vajracharya had also participated at SAARC countries folk festival in Pakistan in 1987. However, late Vajracharya's magnum opus of 108 Avalokiteshvaras are displayed at Osaka Museum in Japan. His paintings are collected at the National Museum of Nepal, Lahore Museum in Pakistan and Osaka Museum in Japan.

According to Guru Prajwal Vajracharya, late Gautam Ratna has been creating priceless Paubhas all his life. Mostly, his paintings are in Japanese museum. They have been collecting his Paubhas for last 40 years. He has painted all Mandala based on texts in Sadhana Mala and Nispannayogavali.

"Many books on his drawings and paintings were published in Japan. We also have some of his priceless paintings at our Portland Baha," Guru Prajwal added.

Late Vajracharya is survived by his wife who is the elder sister of our Sangha member Ekmananda Vajracharya. 

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Sakimila Punhi Observed in Portland

Portland, Nov 20 (Nepal Oregon News):A Halimali Bwoyegu program (artistic display of different fried grains including wheat, puffed corns, fried soya beans and peanuts and different kinds of fruits) was organized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, Nov 19 2021 to celebrate Sakimila Punhi.

Shedding light on Halimali Punhi, Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said:"Sakimila Punhi is one of the full moon days in Nepal Sambat calendar when the Newar people eat boiled arum, sweet potato and different fried grains and perform Naamsangiti chanting."

On the occasion, Durgatiparishodhana Dharani was chanted by Guru Prajwal along with other Sangha members for liberation of the deceased soul of late Gautam Ratna Vajracharya, a noted Paubha painter of Nepal.

Manjushree Naamsangiti was also chanted by Prajwal Guruju and 15 other Sangha members who were present at the Vihara to mark the Sakimila Punhi. Likewise, 20 other participants from the US, Hong Kong, India chanted Naamsangiti too in the zoom.

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Purification Ritual for New Clinic Held

Portland, Nov 29 (Nepal Oregon News): A purification ritual was held by senior priest Prajwal Vajracharya for 'Wellbridge Acupuncture Clinic' of Sangha member Jone Rybak at South East Powell Boulevard on Sunday, Nov 28, 2021.

In the Buddhist tradition, a purification ritual is conducted before people move into a new house or office. The purpose of the ritual is to purify the building, to ensure safety and prosperity of the house or office, said Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

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Weekly Activities in Vihara Continue

In November, as usual and as always, Dharani chanting in the zoom was conducted once a week every Tuesday. Similarly, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan singing practice were held on each Wednesday. Likewise, the practice of singing Charya giti was performed on every Friday. 

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Nepal Sambat is a Great Sambat

 Naveena Shakya

Portland, USA

Happy Nepal Sambat

New Year to everyone,

Let us celebrate our national holiday

Nepal Sambat new year

Keeping our Newah values

And Newah traditions in mind

Newahs in Nepal 

And Newahs living across the world

Celebrate the Happy New Year

Nepal Sambat with great enthusiasm and joy

Nepal Sambat is a great Sambat

 Nepal Sambat is peoples' Sambat

Nepal Sambat is a great Sambat

It is full of Newah festivals

And cultural events

Nepal Sambat is a remarkable Sambat

Not named after any king or queen

Not after any ruler

Not after any conquerer

Not after any religion

Nepal Sambat is a glorious Sambat

 It is the only Sambat in the world

 Named after a country -

A glorious country  Nepal Mandala

Nepal Sambat is a great Sambat founded 

Not by a ruler or a king.

 It was established by

Sankhadhar Sakhwa

An ordinary trader

Who also freed the debts 

Of the poor people of Nepal Mandala.

Bura Buri Janko of Prof Ellington and Prof Iltis Held

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

 

Portland, Oct 4 (Nepal Oregon News): The Bhimratharohan (Buraburi Janko) of Prof Dr Ter Ellington, an ethnomusicologist and his spouse Prof Dr Linda Iltis, an anthropologist performed at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Sunday, Oct 3, 2021 as per the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist rituals was a unique cultural event in Portland, Oregon.

This is the second Bhimratharohan of a couple from the US performed at a Newar Buddhist Mahavihara by a Newar Buddhist Guvaju in the USA. Buraburi Janko rituals of Ter and Linda were performed by Buddhist Gubhaju Prajwal Vajracharya.

One of the important ritual part of the Bhimrath ceremony is parading of the honored couple around the vicinity in a procession. So Ter and Linda were once again treated like a bridegroom and bride and were carried on a colorful chariot-like vehicle around the streets of Portland close to Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Throwing light on the importance of Bhimratharohan, ceremony, Rev Guru Vajracharya says:"When a man or woman turns 77 years, 7 months, 7 days and 7 hours, there is a special ceremony to perform. The celebration may also be held for a couple when either the husband or wife reaches that age. The Bhimrath observance calls on the Goddess of long life - Usnisavijaya - to purify Karma and bestow the blessings of good health and a long life span."

Meanwhile, Prof Dr Linda Iltis said in a statement released immediately after the completion of Bhimratharohan:" We are so grateful to Prajwal Vajracharya, to Subhash Prajapati and Srimati, Laxman Shakya, Ani Shakya, Anastasia, Bobby and all the friends of Dance Mandal Mahavihara for all their help in making our Bhimratharohan for Ter's 77 years, 7 months, 7 days, 7 hours, 7 minutes a reality and an amazing experience."

Linda went on to say:"Mahabhagya to all who attended as well including Jill Poris and Ed Hershberg and the people who welcomed our procession in the streets of Portland."

It is to be noted that both Ter and Linda speak Nepal Bhasa and Nepali fluently.

  --The Path of Yogic Singing and Sacred Dance --

Portland, Oct 10 (Nepal Oregon News): A four week Charya dance course "The Path of Yogic Singing and Sacred Dance" which kicked off in the zoom on Oct 9, 2021 was wrapped up on Oct 30, 2021.

The Charya dance course, which was held once a week on Saturdays, was organized by Yangchenma Arts & Music, California.

Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara said:"In the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal, it is taught that there can be no liberation without singing and dancing -- the physical body and the voice are the tools of transformation with which we awaken and free our minds."

The four weeks Charya dance course included: (1) Four live 2-hour interactive webinars with Prajwal Vajracharya and Joshua Proto (2) Audio files of Charya dance songs (3)Articles on the history and tradtion of Charya dance (4) Additional resources

"The objective of the course was to familiarize the participants with the yogic song (charya giti) and the accompanying sacred ritual dance (charya nritya) of Vajrasattva, the Buddha of purification in order to purify and heal our own body, energy, mind and emotions," said Rev Guru Prajwal.

The Charya dance course consisted of both the practical and theoretical aspects of the Charya dance on Vajrasattva, added Vajracharya.

In the first part of each weekly class, participants were instructed in the oral tradition of Nepalese Ragas (musical modes), Talas (rhythmic cycles) and were taught the traditional melodic song of Vajrasattva.

Over four classes, participants were able to be familiar with cultivating their voices, matching the pitches of the Raga, and keeping time in the second part of the class participants were able to learn the complete ritual dance of Vajrasattva, and finally the song and dance were merged together.

  --Avalokiteshvara Day Observed in Hong Kong--

Portland, Oct 11 (Nepal Oregon News): Avalokiteshvara Day was observed by Dance Mandal Hong Kong Charya Nritya Sangha on Sunday, Oct 10, 2021 by offering various Charya dances on the zoom.

During the virtual program, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya has expressed the belief that celebration of Avalokiteshvara Day will add new vigor, enthusiasm and positive energy among all.

To mark the Avalokiteshvara Day, various Charya dances were performed in the zoom by the members of the Hong Kong Sangha. Likewise, refugee and 16 offerings dances were also performed during the virtual program.

Dance on 'Manjushree' was carried out by Kerry Ho. Kerry who was helped by Eliza still needs more practice. Kerry is very attractive, many Hong Kong Sangha members laughed at him saying that many housewives are eager to take photos with him.

'Kurukulla' was offered by Simone Ng and Eliza My during the zoom event. Simone has improved a lot. Her energy is different from Eliza. Simone sometimes felt timid and stepped back. Eliza wore different costumes in Kurukulla and Vajrayogini. Eliza wanted to help Simone to bring out her inner qualities. This pair is just like the elder sister helping and bringing younger sister out to play.

On the occasion, Charya dance 'Vajrayogini' was performed by Eliza My. Eliza said that she was in deep meditation while she was dancing Vajrayogini. She paid attention even to a tiny gesture. Also, she was aware of her breathing while dancing.

Dance on 'Vajrasattva' was supposed to be presented by Lau Monita and Eliza Lok Yee. Eliza Lok Yee has improved a lot with her dedication. We can observe that she and her partner have different inner qualities while dancing even though their gestures and movements are similar. Monita could not make it to the event. Monita shared with Dr Tina at the performance night that she was proud of Tina. She and Saldon were singing Singhamukha happily when Tina was dancing.

A dance on 'Prajnaparamita' by Ling Ling Lee attracted attention of many viewers. Ling Ling's performance was commended by all Hong Kong Sangha members. This is the first time Ling Ling performed a full dance with the Sangha.

A dance on 'Green Tara' was supposed to be introduced by Sophie and Chin Chin. Chin Chin was not able to show up that night. Sophie finally discovered her weakness in sense in space. She gained more confidence to practice full dance now when she practiced it line by line.

Dance on 'Yogini Mandala' was demonstrated by Saldon. Saldon practiced this dance starting from early September. She said that she chose this dance because she was not familiar with it. She wanted to understand it more deeply. She was focused on the Dakinis instead of being interactive with the audience when she was dancing.

Dance on 'Singhamukha' was displayed by Dr Tina Ho. She says:"I feel some sudden creative gestures especially when I paid attention to the music. The energy of the music drives me to be more expressive in some gestures and body movements, such as, the claw of Singhamukha, the swinging of waist and hip. The Sangha members feel like I was just like a kitten meowing. I think this may be because  I am still in the form of Singhamukha rather than in the real nature of this dance. The audience was enjoying in the joyful rhythm and music of this dance."

Meanwhile, in a statement, Dr Tina Ho of Hong Kong Dance Mandal Sangha has expressed her sincere gratitude to Guru Prajwal Vajracharya saying that the Guru has taught them nearly 20 Charya dances within the past two years.

Dr Ho added:"When I looked back on these years, from not having so much interaction to seeing each other on zoom multiple times a week, it is amazing."

"Many memorable moments we shared everywhere and you never feel bored. You have an energetic personality to drive us to a joyful and happy way of living. Your lineage is spiritual but practical, experienced, obviously and esoteric. It still has an enormous unveiled parts for us to explore and experience," Hong Kong Sangha's prominent activist went on saying. 

(With input from Hong Kong Dance Mandala's Dr Tina Ho)

 --Ihi Rituals of Two Newar Girls Organized at Portland's Baha --

Portland, Oct 12 (Nepal Oregon News): 8 year old Samata Shrestha from Seattle, Washington and Sophia Singh Tronstab from Hermiston, Oregon attended an Ihi ceremony held at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, Oregon on Monday, Oct 11, 2021.

The Ihi ceremony is an important part of lifecycle rituals of Newar women. The ceremony at Portland Baha was conducted by ritual master Pundit Prajwal Vajracharya.

Rev Guru Vajracharya says:"This ritual has been in practice since hundreds of years. The Ihi ceremony is a crucial part of Newar tradition where the young pre-adolescent girls make a commitment to the Bel fruit (wood apple). The Bel fruit has a peculiar quality of remaining fresh forever, healthy and long lasting. Wood apple tree can bring conscious mind."

--Shradh Rituals Performed in Honor of Late Maharjan --

Portland, Oct 11 (Nepal Oregon News): A 45th Day Shradh ritual ceremony was performed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Sunday, Oct 10, 2021 to honor late Jagat Maharjan.

Shradh ceremony was ritualized by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya in presence of late Maharjan's sons Prakash and Bikash. Barkhi Phukaya Yayegu (mourning period) ritual was also conducted by the Guruju.

Mamaki Puja was performed by Guru Vajracharya during the Shradh ceremony. The Shradh rituals are conducted so that the heavenly journey of the deceased soul after  death is comfortable and stress-free, says Guru Vajracharya. 

  --Virtual Program on 'Mudra & the Diamond Sphere' --

Portland, Oct 22 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual program on "Mudra & the Diamond Sphere" was organized by Core of Culture, Chicago and hosted by Yangchenma Arts and Culture, California.

'The Mudra & the Diamond Spheres' series presented three short films, six live dance performances, and three dialogues with distinguished scholars working in the fields of Indic, Newar and Tibetan culture.

According to Joseph Houseal, director of Core of Culture, these films explored the mysteries, powers and evolution of mudra in tantric Buddhism, in order to illuminate the performance of the Vajradhatu ritual at Tabo monastery where Core of Culture will document their ancient ritual within a one thousand-year old Unesco world heritage site. 

During the program, there was a visceral artistic screen dance of three ancient sacred movement traditions: Indic, Newar and Tibetan.

Houseal further said:"Instead of an intellectual explanation of our work this past year in Indic, Newar and Tibetan endangered cultures, our project is offering new short dance films produced by artistic teams in Los Angeles, London, Montana and Europe."

On the occasion, among other performances, a Charya Nritya based on Nispannayogavali, Mahavairochana was brilliantly performed by Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and chanted by Joshua Proto.

'Mudra & the Diamond Spheres' is a four-year initiative of Core of Culture, an organization assisting the preservation of Buddhist ritual heritage in dance and movement.

'Mudra & the Diamond Spheres' receives lead support from the Robert H N Ho Family Foundation and additional support  from the Kipper Family Foundation.

--Virtual Charya Nritya Course for Singaporeans --

Portland, Oct 26 (Nepal Oregon News):  A virtual, once-a-week Charya dance course is being organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on every Friday for the students of Singapore.

The ongoing virtual course for Singaporeans  focuses on the foundation part of the Charya dance.

Underscoring the relevance of Newar Buddhism, Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara said that Charya dance and Newar Buddhism are intricately interrelated.

This course for Singaporeans lays the groundwork for all continued studies in the tradition of sacred Buddhist dance of Nepal, says Rev Guru Vajracharya.

Singaporean participants will learn the history of this ancient and medieval practice, and train our bodies in the movements, exercises, hand and foot mudras, and techniques that are the foundations of Charya dance and also will practice the Refuge and the 16 offering Goddess dances, added Guru Vajracharya.  

  

Yenya Punhi, Among Other Events, Observed in Portland by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in September

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

Disseminating the value of Newar culture and tradition in America: Chariot of Living Goddess 'Kumari' being pulled on the Portland streets at a participation by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara during the Starlight Parade in June, 2023.

Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) is the backbone of the Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in the USA and its co-founder Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya is the mainstay of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in the West. 

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

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 by Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya 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.

Many Nepalese Portlanders have mentioned it as one of the quintessential aspects of Rev Prajwal Guruju's unrelenting commitment for preservation of Charya dance, Newar Vajrayani Buddhist rituals and Nepalese arts and culture. In fact, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has made celebrating the Newah festivals and observing lifecycle rituals centerpiece of its activities.

Nepalese Portlanders see Nritya Mandala Mahavihara as the cultural and religious bulwark, a temple of veneration and an outlet  for their cultural and socio-religious activities. After all, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is definitely the pioneering Newar Vajrayani Buddhist 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.

Actually, the short history of 12 years of Portland Buddhist Baha is the history of Charya dance and giti school, history of Newar rituals and Nepalese festivals and history of various creativities.

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, when other Nepalese community organizations were slowing down, the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is abuzz with various rituals, events and programs every day, every week and every month:

   --Yenya Punhi Observed at the Portland Baha --

Portland, Sept 21, (Nepal Oregon News): Yenya Punhi which is one of the biggest street cultural festivals of Kathmandu was celebrated here on Sept 20, 2021  at the Nepalese Buddhist temple in Portland, USA with the recitation of Manjushree Naamsangiti.

It is to be noted that the Mahavihara has been organizing Manjushree Naamsangiti Recitation on every full moon day of the month. Also, Naamsangiti is recited daily at the Mahavihara during the month of Gunla (Nepal Sambat Lunar Calendar).

Naamsangiti on the occasion was recited by Rev Guru Prajwal and 10 people at the Mahavihara, while 10 other participants from Hong Kong, India, California and Oregon also took part in the zoom.

At a time when a lot of heritage, historical and religious scriptures are on the verge of extinction, disseminating the sacred tantras and preachings is essential to keep them alive, said Rev Prajwal adding:"That is why our Mahavihara is dedicated to protect, promote and preserve these sacred things."

   -- Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Vajra Dance Offerings --

Portland, Sept 23, (Nepal Oregon News): Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Vajra Dance offerings were performed by activists and Sangha members of the Dance Mandal Hong Kong Charya Nritya Sangha on Sept 22, 2021 in the zoom.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara threw light on the importance of Charya Nritya and said that Charya dance is a meditational dance that tells stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities.

Prajwal Vajracharya is highly revered and respected in Hong Kong as the main lineage holder outside Nepal.

Various Charya dances were performed on the occasion in the zoom: Singhamukha (Dr Tina Ho), Vajrayogini (Eliza My), Yogini Mandala (Saldon), Prajnaparamita (Ling Ling Lee), Manjushree (Kerry Ho), Kurukulla (Eliza My and Simone Ng), Vajrasattva (Eliza Lau and Lau Monita), Tara (Sophie and Chin Chin). Likewise, refuge and 16 offerings dances were also performed during the virtual program.

Singhamukha dance on the occasion was performed by Dr Tina Ho of the Hong Kong Sangha. Dr Ho says:"The lion faced dakini (Singhamukha) symbolizes an enlightened female like a lion king. Her red body represents love and compassion. There is also the skull rosary/mala which represents the understanding  of the various feelings and moods of sentient beings (51 mental factors) and snake (naga) represents the treasure."

   -- Macha Janko Ceremony Held --

Portland, Sept 10, (Nepal Oregon News): A Macha Janko (rice feeding) ceremony  of Aayush Lohani (son of Anjip and Soniya Lohani) was held at their home in south east Portland on Sept 9, 2021.

The rice feeding ceremony was solemnized by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

During the Macha Janko rituals, a Mandap was drawn and Gurumandala Puja was performed by Guru Vajracharya. The Guru chanted mantra, offered worship to Lord Ganesh. Sukunda, Vajra, Gan (bell), and other ritual objects were used during the Macha Janko ceremony.

The rice feeding ceremony is a celebration in Nepal in which a child is first fed rice, according to Guru Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, the chief priest at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Macha Janko or rice feeding ceremony is an important part of lifecycle rituals, said Pundit Vajracharya who is also a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

   -- Rev Prajwal Vajracharya Bereaved --

Portland, Sept 16, (Nepal Oregon News): Mahendra Ratna Vajracharya, brother of Rev Guru Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, passed away in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Sept 15, 2021. He died of cardiac arrest. Late Vajracharya was 58.

Antyesthi samskara (funeral sacrament/ funeral pyre) was held on the same day at Indrayani Karna Deep on the banks of river Bishnumati in Kathmandu with full ritual traditions.

Late Vajracharya was born to mother late Asta Maya Vajracharya, a housewife and father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, a Buddhist scholar and ritual master.

Late Mahendra Vajracharya who had graduated as a Shastri from Varanasi, India was also a Sanskrit scholar. He also edited a magazine 'Dhi' devoted to Tantric philosophy.

Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was in mourning for a week. Guru Prajwal performed Durgatiparishodhana dharani for liberation of the deceased soul everyday for a week in front of the Buddha at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Nepal Oregon News is saddened to know about the untimely demise of Rev Guru's brother, and extends heart felt condolences to the Guru and other family members. May the departed soul be reborn in the Sukhavati Bhuvan.

  -- Charya Singing Practice Every Friday --

Portland, Sept 24, (Nepal Oregon News): Charya Giti practice is one of the many important activities being carried out by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. Charya Giti is a complicated and esoteric classical singing that requires a lot of dedication and patience.

Charya Giti practice is organized every Friday at 8 AM in the morning in the zoom, and participants include people as far as from Hong Kong, Germany, Canada, India, Washington, California and Oregon and so on.

Charya Giti practice is a deity yoga practice in simple Sanskrit, for which Guru Prajwal will provide lyrics. These songs focus on the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Dakinis and philosophy of Vajrayana Buddhism.

  --Dharani Chanting on Tuesday Once a Week --

Portland, Sept 28, (Nepal Oregon News): The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been organizing weekly Dharani recitation in the zoom on each Tuesday at 6.30 PM for last couple of years with the objective of publicizing the importance Dharani. This is the only chanting program of this kind in the West, and helps to preserve this special heritage.

Typically used to prevent misfortune, remove obstacles, heal and protect, Dharani are also used in lifecycle rituals and practices. 

  -- Sadhana Practice Each Wednesday --

Portland, Sept 29, (Nepal Oregon News): Sadhana is a Sanskrit word that means spiritual exercise. Sadhana practice can bring positive change into one's life and has many benefits for mental as well as physical health. It can also be performed in order to attain detachment from worldly things.

 Sadhana is a spiritual practice in which the practitioner invokes divinity, identifying and absorbing it into  himself. It is the primary form of meditation in Vajrayana Buddhism. This Sadhana time also includes a Dharma talk by Guru Prajwal.

 --Buddha Bhajan Recitation on Every Wednesday --

Portland, Sept 29, (Nepal Oregon News): Buddha Bhajan Recitation is another interesting addition recently in the activities of the Mahavihara. The  Buddha Bhajans are recited and led by Buddha Laxmi Shakya of San Diego, California.

The Buddha Bhajans start at 7.30 PM on every Wednesday and the virtual program is usually attended by 15 - 20 people every week.

The zoom program is followed by a Dharma talk by Rev Guru Prajwal that throws light on the importance of Buddha Bhajans like Dasha Paramita, Lumbini Yatra, Namo Buddhaye, Najato, Vasundhara Sharanam and Buddham Sharanam Gachhami and so on.

 -- Virtual Talk on Yogic Song and Sacred Dance --

Portland, Sept 30, (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual talk on "Yogic Song and Dance" was organized on Sept 30, 2021 by Yangchenma Arts and Music, California.

The talk on yogic song and sacred dance was presented by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Prajwal Vajracharya and Joshua Proto.

The talk by Guru Vajracharya and Proto is an introduction to the upcoming four-week course "The Path of Yogic Singing and Sacred Dancing: Purification and Healing with Vajrasattva."

Addressing the zoom gathering, Guru Vajracharya said:"In the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal, it is taught that there can be no liberation without singing and dancing -- the physical body and the voice are the tools of transformation with which we awaken and free our minds."

Talking about the importance of Charya Giti and Charya Nritya in the Dharma, Joshua Proto said that he was excited to share his insights from both practices to help participants discover the sound of their voice and the embodied wisdom it contains.

The talks presented a detailed introduction to yogic song (Charya Giti) and ritual dance (Charya Nritya) as practiced in the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition for the purpose of healing body, energy, mind and emotions. 

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in USA)

    -

Dakila Rituals of Late Chandra Mali Performed

 Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News):  A Dakila ceremony was performed on Friday, August 27, 2021 at the home of Raju Mali in Tigard, Oregon to commemorate the first anniversary of Ms Chandra Mali's demise.

Dakila ritual, a religious act of paying annual tributes to the dead soul, was performed by Rev Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya, chief priest of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Guruju Prajwal on the occasion using Gan (Ritual Bell) and Vajra (Thunderbolt) chanted religious rituals  praying for the soul to be reborn in the Sukhavati Bhuvan.

Laukik Pinda was made, Gurumandala and Mamiki Puja were performed by Guruju Prajwal. The Puja consisted of offering flowers, Sinha, raw rice, water and Dhun (Nepali incense sticks). The religious ritual during Dakila tradition involved a number of objects -- Dhun, Dewa, Sukunda, Ita, Goja Jajanka etc.

Late Ms Chandra Mali is the mother of Raju Mali and Ganga Sharma who are both the former presidents of Nepali Association of Oregon.

It is to be noted that late Chandra Mali's Buri Janko (Bhimratharohan) was held in October, 2019 and religious rituals were performed by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

Newah Oregonian Maharjan Passes Away, Funeral Rites Held

Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Jagat Maharjan, a long-time Newah Oregonian passed away owing to heart related complications on Thursday, August 26, 2021. He was 85.

According to Guru Prajwal Vajracharya, two Bura junkos, (Bhimratharohan and Devratharohan) which are very important parts of life cycle rituals, were performed during his life time.

Antyesthi samskara (funeral sacrament) was held on Aug 27, 2021 at Aloha Funeral Home and Crematory, Aloha, Oregon.

Funeral rites and rituals ceremony were conducted by Ven Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. 

During funeral ceremony, Ven Guruju Vajracharya offered Gurumandala ritual, chanted mantras -- Kaak Pinda, Swan Pinda and Preta Pinda -- so that the soul of the deceased would not be hampered by the  Bhuta Preta.  The Guruju also chanted rituals:"May he be reborn in Sukhavati Bhuvan."

On behalf of the Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), its president Daya Shakya extended condolences to the bereaved family and said that Maharjan's demise is a big loss to the Nepalese community in Oregon.

Late Maharjan is survived by his wife Krishna, daughter Shanti and sons Prakash and Bikash.

Late Maharjan was born at Dupa Tole in the Lalitpur district, Nepal. He was an active community member of the Dupa Twa. Late Maharjan was the first person at Dupa Tole to pass the SLC examinations.

Both Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) and Nepal Oregon News (NON) express deep condolences to the bereaved family members of late Maharjan. Let Tathagata Shakya Muni's teachings help them garner enough strength to bear the loss. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace. Annichabata Sankhara.

In Charya Practice, Singing is Mantra and Dancing is Meditation and Healing, says Vajracharya

Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): When it comes to the Newah Vajrayana Buddhism and Charya Nritya, in the West, Rev Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya is a name to be reckoned with.

Addressing a global zoom event "Healing Our Earth -- Celebrating Dance" on Sunday, Aug 22, 2021, Rev Guruju Vajracharya said:"In Charya practice, singing is the mantra, while dancing is the meditation and healing.  When you combine the two -- Charya giti and Charya nritya -- that becomes He Vajra Tantra, then the transformation takes place."

Pundit Vajracharya went on saying:"Charya dance, which dates back to more than thousand years,  is a meditational dance that tells stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities. Through it you grow spiritually, and you can liberate yourself from the bondages and limitations."

Shedding light on Mudra Yoga, the veteran Charya guru said that the Buddhist deities embody hand mudras for purity. power and wisdom. " We begin our practice of Mudra Yoga with the meaning and significance  of each finger. Applying the appropriate gesture can heal the organs, tissues, bones and nerves of the body," said Rev Vajracharya.

He said:"There are many, many ethnic groups in Nepal and each ethnic and indigenous group has its own songs and dances. Charya Nritya is an ancient dance form that used to be exclusively performed by Vajracharyas within the Newar community."

The global virtual program was hosted by Honey Kalaria and moderated by Sharron Rose.

On the occasion, giving a short introduction about Prajwal, Kalaria said that he is a priest of one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineages of Nepal and a ritual master both of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms performed by the Newar Vajracharya lineage.

Presenting her remarks before the virtual audience, Kalaria said:" Prajwal began his training in Charya Nritya at eight years old, receiving formal instruction mainly from his father, the Buddhist scholar and ritual master late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya."

"Prajwal is now the premier teacher, practitioner  and performer of the tradition and is a veteran of several world tours with beginning and advanced students around the globe," she said adding that he and Helen Appel founded Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland in 2009 to preserve and expand this rare art form and its related traditions.

Likewise, expressing her views about Rev Guruju Prajwal, Sharron Rose said:"I have seen his performances and dances, they are so beautiful, so amazing. We are old friends. The embodiment and transmission of deities in dances -- that is so unique. This is a very special form of dance. I am grateful to you (Prajwal) for keeping it alive."

da Vinci's Little Angels Learn How to Make Charya Dance Steps

Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News):  A summer programming that gave little students access to the magic of ballet and other dances of   different countries was organized by Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT)'s Education and Community Engagement department.

According to Oregon Ballet Theatre's online newsletter, kindergarten through fifth grade students tried their toes in Folklore Ballet, traditional Nepali dance, Afro-Brazilian dance and Hula.

Each class celebrated the diversity of people and culture that make up dance, the online newsletter further said.

Rev Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was quoted as saying in the OPB's online newsletter:"I very much enjoyed teaching students classical Nepalese dance Charya Nritya. It requires much concentration and discipline to learn this dance. The students loved Hand Mudras -- magical hand and feet movements that facilitate the flow of energy that connect the body. It was enjoyable to share dance of Nepal."

During the summer classes taken by Rev Guruju Prajwal  at da Vinci Arts Middle School in north east Portland on July 20, 27 and Aug 3, he gave little students a basic introduction about Nepal, its rich culture, arts and traditions.

Guru Prajwal threw light about the hand mudra and dance movements of the Charya Nritya to  little  kids in a playful manner.

"It was a matter of great satisfaction for me, and for Nritya Mandala Mahavihara to have an opportunity to teach little kids the age-old esoteric dances of Nepal," Guru Prajwal told Nepal Oregon News. 

Nepalese Wedding Ceremony Solemnized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

 Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News):  There was a time when Nepalese living in America had to go to Nepal for performing important lifecycle rituals like wedding, Ihi, Bara Tayagu, Bratabandha, Bhimratharohan etc. 

Not anymore. These important lifecycle ceremonies are performed at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland, the only Nepalese Buddhist temple in the West. A number of weddings and other important lifecycle rituals of Nepalese as well as Americans have been performed at the Mahavihara in the past, says Prajwal Vajracharya, chief priest and co-founder of the NMM.

Meanwhile, a marriage ceremony of Umesh Lal Joshi and Karina Marhatta was solemnized on Friday, July 30, 2021 at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. Both Umesh and Karina are from Nepal but are from different ethnic and cultural background, but they have made an important decision to hold each other's hand and share their future as a husband and wife confirming the old adage that marriages are made in heaven.

Sharada Joshi, mother of Umesh had come to the US all the way from Nepal for her son's wedding ceremony whereas Trishna Marhatta, the bride's mom had come from the America's East Coast.

There were about 35 guests at the wedding ceremony at the Mahavihara from Nepal, Oregon, California, Canada and US East Coast.

First of all, the wedding ceremony kicked off with the Sthapana Puja in which chief priest of the Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya not only offered ritual materials and objects but  he also purified them. Also, he purified his own body, mind and speech.

A Nepali bride wears red sari which is embroidered with gold thread and dotted with sequins. And when bride  Karina and groom Umesh entered the ritual space inside the Mahavihara, priest Vajracharya guided them through a symbolic purification of their body, mind and speech during the Gurumandala Puja.

Nepalese wedding rituals are unique and unprecedented in its culture and traditions. Jwola Nhayakan Shinhamu was an interesting aspect of the wedding ceremony in which the priest reflected the good energy created during the ritual to bride Karina and groom Umesh.

Kisli was prepared with rice, coins and betel nuts, while Karina and Umesh prayed for good health and long life together. Tika consisting of yogurt, rice and vermillion powder was prepared by Guruju. Then, Guruju gave a blessing to the bride and groom.

Next, Swayambar was the most important component of the wedding ritual in which the bride circled the groom and placed a flower garland over his head and vice versa. Guru Vajracharya says that the circling binds their energies together.

After that, the bride and the groom exchanged wedding rings. As an essential ritual, the groom then put Abir (vermillion powder) on the bride's head. According to Guru Vajracharya, red color symbolizes a promise as deep as bloom.

Soon after, it was time for Kanyadan (My daughter is your daughter). The bride's parent gave her daughter to the groom.

Later, there was Gwaya Sayeke ritual (sharing betel nuts) in which the groom's family welcomed the bride and introduced their family for life-long relationship.

Thereupon, during the Dhau Sagan ritual, priest Prajwal gave blessings for happiness, prosperity and joy to the bride, groom and all family members.

At the same time, under Shiffala Lwakegu ritual, the heads of the bride and groom were banged together and groom's mother poured rice, flowers and fruits over their heads. 

The wedding rituals concluded with Khen Sagan in which wine, fish and eggs were offered to the bride, groom and their families.

Online Classes on Vajrayogini Nritya Wrap Up

 Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): An eight week live online course on "Sacred Buddhist Dance of Nepal: Vajrayogini" organized by Yangchema Arts and Music concluded on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

The Vajrayogini dance course was conducted by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

35 participants from 15 different countries took part at the two month long Vajrayogini dance course which was held each Saturday for one and half hour.

On the concluding day, the participants were given Dikchhya an act of empowerment by Guru Prajwal.

Delivering the concluding remarks, Guru Prajwal said:"Vajrayogini is the quintessence of a selfless Dakini who always works for the happiness and prosperity of the sentient beings."

In this course, Guru Prajwal taught the foundational movements, and exercises to train the body and wake up the subtle channels, as well as the complete dances of Refuge, 16 Offering  Goddesses, Avalokiteshvara and groundwork for all future deity dances.

Also, on July 17, 2021, Prof Dr Myrinda Shaw, author of books on Vajrayogini, was the guest lecturer for the participants of the course. Prof Dr Shaw threw light on different aspects of Vajrayogini's form and mandala.

Macha Janko (Anna Prashana) is an Important Part of Lifecycle Rituals, says Vajracharya

Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Macha Janko, Anna Prashana, Pasni -- these are the words used for rice feeding ceremony to a child in Nepal. The rice feeding ceremony is a celebration in Nepal in which a child is first fed rice, according to Guru Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, the chief priest at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Macha Janko or the rice feeding ceremony is an important part of lifecycle rituals, said Vajracharya who is also a scholar on Newah Vajrayana Buddhism.

Guru Vajracharya went on saying:"Although centuries old tradition, modern science has established the fact that child's digestive system is capable of processing solid food when he or she is approximately six months old which is why Macha Janko is held for when a baby turns six months old but it can vary between daughters and sons."

Guru Prajwal added:"This ceremony is held at five months for daughters and six months for sons. An auspicious date and time is chosen by an astrologer, special costumes are worn during ceremonies."

Meanwhile, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was in San Diego, California recently to perform Macha Janko rituals of Alex, son of Bhima and David and grand son of Portland's Daya Shakya.

During the Macha Janko rituals, a Mandap was drawn and Gurumandala Puja was performed by Guru Vajracharya. The Guru chanted mantra, offered worship to Lord Ganesh. Sukunda,  Vajra, Bell and other ritual objects were used during the Macha Janko rituals.

The ritual outfit worn by the baby was made of red silk embroidered with golden threads. The baby was also adorned with gold Sikha, Churi, Marcha and silver ornaments like Kalli (anklets). After offering praying to Lord Ganesh, the baby was offered rice pudding with varieties of food.

It is believed that the child gets similar food throughout his or her life as the food offered on the Macha  Janko day.

A Thayebhu -- a huge feast with rice, eggs, dhau ayala and 64 different kinds of cuisines were offered on the occasion. The event was graced by about 30 people.

During the ritual, the baby was offered toys, candy, pen, note book, book, cell phone and stethoscope on a kisti, but the baby chose to grab a stethoscope. 

It is believed that the first thing the baby grabs or touches determines his or her future destination.

Role of Vajradhatu Practice in Newar Buddhism Stressed

By Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): A scholarly presentation entitled "Vajradhatu Practice in Newar Buddhism" was made by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in the zoom program hosted by Yangchema Arts & Music, California and organized by Core of Culture, Chicago on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. 

The virtual event was participated by 65 distinguished personalities including professors and academic figures.

Guru Vajracharya, foremost exponent of the oldest known form of Buddhist ritual expression, during the presentation, expanded on his earlier talk about 'mudra', by presenting "Diamond Spheres, the Vajradhatu," as it is lived and practiced in Newar Buddhist traditions.

An erudite scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Guru Prajwal examined the dimensions and realities of Vajradhatu rituals in Nepal and demonstrated how essential the act of embodiment is to Buddhist practice. The Newar traditions precede the Tibetian Vajrayana by hundreds of years.

Addressing the zoom gathering, Guru Prajwal, also a Buddhist Gubhaju (priest), said:"Vajra means thunderbolt or diamond sphere or essence and is used as a ritual object to symbolize the undestroyable diamond power and irresistible force of thunderbolt."

Underlining the effects of Vajra, he said that a common Vajra has only 4 Dhars (stripes) while an extended and intricate Vajra has 8 stripes, and when both Vajras are united, it becomes a Vishwo Vajra (global Vajra).

Speaking about Dhatu, he said:"Dhatu is a Sanskrit term for the seven fundamental elements of the body: Rasa Dhatu, Rakta Dhatu, Mamsa Dhatu, Medha Dhatu, Asthi Dhatu, Majja Dhatu and Shukra Dhatu."

When Vajra and Dhatu are united together, it becomes Vajradhatu, said Vajracharya and added:"Vajradhatu is a metaphysical space inhabited by 53 deities including Pancha Buddhas -- Vairochana, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, Akshovya, Ratnasambhava, 16 Mahabodhisattvas, 16 Bhadrakalpa Bodhisattvas, 8 Offering Goddesses and 8 Dvarapalas."

According to Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, the whole universe is moving about and revolving around the Vajradhatu's fundamental principles, Guru Vajracharya went on saying.

He said:"Vajradhatu rituals and practice date back to thousands of years in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. There are more than 4,000 Vajradhatu Chaityas in Nepal. Similarly, there are a number of Dharma Dhatu stupas in the Kathmandu valley. Swayambhu stupa is the most ancient Dharmadhatu stupa of Nepal."

The subtle difference between Vajradhatu and Dharmadhatu chaityas is: a vajradhatu chaitya consists of 53 deities while in Dharmadhatu chaitya, we can also find the spouses of deities -- the Tara deities too, he added.

Talking about Vajradhatu and Dharmadhatu, Guru Prajwal said that Dharmadhatu is more complex and intricate than the Vajradhatu.

Gautama Buddha was born in Nepal. The previous Buddhas before Siddhartha Gautama Buddha -- Vipashwi Buddha, Shikhi Buddha, Vishwobhu Buddha, Krakuchanda Buddha, Kanakmuni Buddha, Kashyap Buddha -- all of these great Buddhas had visited  Nepal Mandala being a holy and sacred place. Similarly, Vajradhatu as well as Dharmadhatu originated in Nepal. Despite all this, Nepal is taking a backseat in the Buddhist sphere, he said.

He concluded:"The historical irony of Nepal is -- Nepal has been ruled by non-Buddhist kings  since 12th century onwards and  important records and evidences about Buddhism have been destroyed or lost."

Prior to the presentation, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was introduced to the virtual participants by Joseph Houseal, Director of Core of Culture.

Guru Prajwal's presentation was a part of "Mudra & the Diamond Sphere: Part Two", lecture series along with Dr Thinles Dorje and Dr Vena Ramphal". 

This was Core of Culture's international cultural preservation initiative with lead support from the Robert H N Ho Family Foundation and additional support from the Kipper Family Foundation. 

Prajwal Vajracharya is a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and ritual master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms. Prajwal began his training in Charya Nritya, the dance aspect of Newar Buddhism, from the age of eight, receiving formal instruction from his father, the Buddhist scholar and ritual master Ratna Kaji Vajracharya.

Guru Prajwal is now the foremost teacher, practitioner and performer of the tradition. He is a veteran of several world tours. He teaches beginning and advanced students around the globe. He founded Dance Mandal in 1996, and the Foundation for Sacred Buddhist Arts of Nepal to preserve and expand this rare ancient form of Buddhism and its related traditions.

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