Portland's Newar Buddhist Temple 'Nritya Mandala Mahavihara' Observes Fourth World Newah Day

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 28 (Nepal Oregon News): At a time when Newar culture, Nepal Bhasa, Nepal Sambat and Newar people are being constantly undermined and encroached by the state, the bold decision of the World Newah Organization in July 2017 to observe the last Saturday of March as the World Newah Day is very commendable and praiseworthy.

This year, the fourth World Newah Day was celebrated in the USA, the UK, Canada, Japan, Spain, Nepal and many other countries by various Newar organizations.

Likewise, because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a virtual program was organized by Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) to mark the Fourth World Newah Day on Saturday, March 27, 2021.

Unlike traditional Nepalese programs that are presided over by an individual and graced by a chief guest, Portland's Fourth  World Newah  Day event was launched without any participants being given special status.

The emphasis of the Portland's World Newah Day program was focused on showcasing the rich Newar arts, culture, Newar Buddhism, Newar culinary, Newar music, dance, and poetry. 

Portland's World Newah Day zoom event offered a wide spectrum in terms of participants: Newahs, Russians, Americans, Chinese and so on and in terms of age group: teenagers, adults and senior most persons having undergone the two jankos.

The virtual program of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara dedicated to the Fourth Worth Newah Day was participated by 50 people from USA, Canada and Hongkong.

The virtual World Newah Day program was a mixed literary, cultural and musical pot pourri  of everything: poems, songs, Buddhist chanting, culinary show, charya dancing, talks etc.

The remotely-held program, which kicked off with Newah national anthem presented  by Prabin Tamrakar from the East Coast of the USA, was followed by a Buddhist Refuge Dance performed at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia  Roderick, Bobby Romansky and Aniruddha Vajracharya.

Similarly, a Mahankaal dance was also performed on the occasion at the Mahavihara by Prajwal, Joshua, Anna, Stacie and Bobby. 

Refuge charya dance

"Jaya Namo Shree" a Buddhist chanting was performed by Sangha member Joshua Proto at the Mahavihara while Gabriel Quitslund, also a Sangha member, chanted Dash Paramita "Dan Balen" during the World Newah Day event.

Prajwal Vajracharya of the NMM recited a poem "Hey Pasa Pi" underlining the need for preserving Newar arts and culture while Sangha member Naveena Shakya throwing light on Buddha's teachings read a poem entitled "My Three Friends: Shila, Samadhi and Prajna"

All the performances and presentations were amazing and awesome, but a dance on Vajravarahi performed by Dr Tina Ho and her team from Hong Kong Dance Mandala was the item that stole the show. 

"Thaun Waila Kanhe Waila" was the song in Nepal Bhasa presented on the occasion by Shashindra Bajracharya from Eugene, Oregon along with his daughters Yasha playing a Nepal drum and Selina playing on guitar.

Octogenarian Newah ladies Amrit Bajracharya from Eugene and Devi Laxmi Maharjan from Portland also spoke on what they thought about being Newah in the USA. "Even in the USA, we are following the rituals, culture and tradition of Nepal," they said.

While Daya Shakya, former vice president and founder member of WNO shed light on the history of WNO, Season Shrestha, its president, spoke on the need to raise the Newar awareness.

Yagya Man Shakya, president of Newah Organization of America  laid emphasis on the importance for preserving Newar culture and festivals while Dr Rabin Man Shakya, a journalist from  Nepal Oregon News threw light on the pioneering journalists of Nepal Bhasa.

One of the interesting highlights of the on-line program was a presentation on how to make Chatanmari by well-known chef Bikram Vaidya

Prof Dr Linda Iltis from Washington made an interesting presentation on Jala Pyakhan while Prof Dr Ter Ellingson during another presentation threw light on Nasa Dyah or Padma Nateshvara.

The Fourth World Newah Day program in the zoom was moderated by Daya Shakya.

(Nepal Oregon News reporter Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in America)

Dharani Literature One of the Most Important Aspects of Newar Buddhism, says Dr Shakya

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Feb 3, 2021 (Nepal Oregon News): A regular weekly Dharani recitation was held in the zoom on Tuesday, Feb 2 2021 at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM). Dharani  and other mantras were chanted by Pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya followed by other participants  from different states of the USA and other countries. 

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya informed the zoom participants that the Mahavihara has been organizing Dharani recitation in the zoom for over a year with the objective of publicizing  the importance of Dharani.

Also, speaking on the occasion, Dr Miroj Shakya - who is an associate professor and co-chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of the West in Rosemead, California - said:"Dharani literature is one of the most important and most interesting aspects of Buddhism in general and Newah Buddhism in particular."

Expressing the view that the ancient roots of Dharani are still obscure, Dr Shakya said that 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 literature.

Throwing light on the historical importance of Dharani, Dr Shakya said that 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 lifecycle 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.

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Zoom Teaching on Singha Mukhi charya dance

Portland, Feb 7, 2021: A teaching on Singha Mukhi charya dance for Hong Kong Sangha students by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was organized on the zoom on Saturday, Feb 6, 2021.

The Raga for this Charya song  is Travali and Tala is Trihura, Pundit Vajracharya said speaking on the occasion.

During the zoom teaching, Prajwal threw light on the intricate and subtle meanings of the various mudras, gestures of hands, feet and body as well as meanings and significance of each finger in the charya dance.

Informing that Singha Mukhi is a mask dance, Prajwal said that the lion-faced Dakini is a secret form of Vajrayogini.

Singha Mukhi is red, fearless and very wrathful deity, emphasizing that enlightenment is not a a passionate state, but rather a state of wholeness in which one has access to all the energies and capacities of one's being,  Guru Prajwal said.

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NMM firm to promote and preserve cultural values of Nepal, says Vajracharya

Portland, Feb 14, 2021: Promoting, preserving and protecting traditional and cultural values of Nepal in the USA are not easy work, but Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland is giving it a shot. Its establishment in 2009 in Portland has paved the way for Nepalese Portlanders and beyond to carry on with lots of lifecycle rituals and cultural ceremonies just like the way it is done in the Kathmandu valley.

Priest and co-founder of NMM Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya said this while addressing "e-heritage", a virtual conversation hosted by World Newah Organization, USA chapter on Saturday, Feb 13, 2021. The program was virtually attended by a number of people from different states of the USA, the UK, Canada, Hong Kong and Nepal.

Laying emphasis on the importance of preserving Newah Buddhist heritage, Prajwal said that Nritya Mandala Mahavihara which is the Foundation for Sacred Buddhist Art of Nepal, is dedicated to the preservation and protection 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.

Many dignitaries and Dharma luminaries have visited the Mahavihara in the past like Dalai Lama's personal interpreter and Dalai Lama's teacher and many renowned Rinpoches etc, Prajwal said. 

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Shree Panchami observed in Portland, USA with Naamsangiti chanting

Portland, Feb 17, 2021: Shree Panchami was observed on Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland, USA with the chanting of Naamsangiti in the zoom.

15 people from Hong Kong, Canada, Oregon and California took part at the virtual program in which Naamsangiti was recited by Pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya and followed by other participants.

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of NMM Prajwal Vajracharya said that Shree Panchami is one of the important days for Newah Buddhists. Any of the rituals including lifecycle rituals like wedding can be performed on this day without looking for an auspicious day, added Prajwal saying that people visit Swoyambhu on the day of Shree Panchami to offer worship to Lord Manjushree.

He went on saying that Shree Panchami is also known as Manjushree Day among the Newah Buddhists.

Throwing light on the importance of Naamsangiti, Prajwal said that Naamsangiti is called Manjushreenaamsangiti. "The gist of Naamsangiti is that Manjushree Bodhisattva is the embodiment of all knowledge", Vajracharya added.

It is to be noted that Buddhists and Hindus offer worship to Lord Manjushree and Goddess Saraswoti on the day of Shree Panchami otherwise also known as Basant Panchami.

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Zoom teaching on Vajravarahi dance

Portland, Feb 21, 2021: Prajwal Vajracharya, who is a versatile Charya nritya guru, has trained the people with Charya dance in all the continents of the world.

A teaching on Vajravarahi Charya dance by Pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in the zoom was organized for the Hong Kong Sangha students on Saturday, Feb 20, 2021.

15 participants took part at the Charya dance training in the zoom.

In Newah Buddhism, Vajravarahi is one of the most important female deity who protects Newah temples and buildings. Varahi refers to any of the four boar-headed deities who preside over the Kathmandu valley.

Pundit Vajracharya said:"Vajravarahi is always in the center of Nepal Mandala. A wild boar's head is there on the right side of Vajravarahi's head or on the top of her head. Four to ten of her toddlers are fed with her breast simultaneously."

Vajravarahi is the deity of compassion. But when she was chased by evil creatures, she would hide under the ground, protected herself with the help of her boar's mouth. She is the deity who can make things good out of bad, Prajwal said.

Vajravarahi is the mother of all Dakinis and she is invoked to destroy enemies, Prajwal went on saying. She is the Dakini who can move ahead transforming malice and malevolence into compassion and kindness, he added.

On the occasion, Prof Dr Miranda Shaw from California also expressed her views on Vajravarahi. 

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"Manjushree Bodhisattva's roar awakens the world"

Portland, Feb 21, 2021: A talk on "Manjushree Bodhisattva's roar awakens the world" was organized on Saturday, Feb 20, 2021 in the zoom by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association. First half of the talk was conducted by Dr Tina Ho of the Hong Kong Sangha while second half was addressed by Pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

About 35 people from USA, Hong Kong, Germany and Canada took part at the virtual program. On the occasion, Dr Tina Ho, while making a brilliant presentation, said that Manjushree is one of the most important iconic figures  in the Mahayana Buddhism and is also known as the Bodhisattva of great wisdom.

Manjushree's wisdom captures the essence of esoteric Buddhist texts like Manjushreemulkalpa and Manjushreenaamsangiti, Dr Ho went on saying.

Dr Ho also added:"Manjushree leads the devotees to understand the core of the Vimalakirti Sutra's non-dual method." 

Through visual pictures and many exquisite icons, the zoom participants were able to get an overview of Manjushree's appearance in different cultural areas.

Addressing the zoom meeting, Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara said:"Lord Manjushree is the Bodhisattva of wisdom, and holds a sword in his right hand to cut off delusion, and a Prajnaparamita text in his left hand."

Prajwal expressed the view that just like Lord Buddha was born in Nepal, Lord Manjushree was one of the most powerful icons who always strengthened cordial ties between China and Nepal since the ancient times. 

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Anna Shustrova's Charya dances at Portland's NMM

Portland, Feb 22, 2021: A solo Charya dance of Anna Shustrova, a Sangha member was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland on Sunday, Feb 21, 2021. Sunday was also Anna's birthday which was celebrated at the Mahavihara with face covering, with limited number of people, social distancing and other pandemic guidelines. The birthday was ritualized by Guruju Prajwal. Anna's Charya dance was watched by 30 people in the zoom.

The program kicked off with the Refuge Dance performed by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto and Anna Shustrova. On the occasion, Anna presented three dances: (1) White Tara (2) Vajravarahi dakini dance and (3) Singhamukhi dance (dakini with lion-face).

Sangha member Joshua Proto sang Charya giti very skillfully for the dances and also played Taa (two little cymbals), while Kanta Dub Dub (Damaru) was played for the dances intermittently by Prajwal Vajracharya.

The Charya dances performed by Anna was beautiful and fascinating, and were able to reflect the stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities.

Addressing the zoom viewers, Prajwal Vajracharya underlined the importance of Charya dance in Newah Buddhism.

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Immerse yourself in dance, prayer and radiant health

Portland, Feb 29, 2021: "Motivation is very important factor in Charya dancing. You do not practice Charya as a form of entertainment. You do Charya as a form of spiritual movement, as meditation, as prayer, as sadhana."

Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara said this during a virtual talk on "Immerse yourself in dance, prayer and radiant health" organized in the zoom by Tara Dhatu, New York on Feb 28, 2021.

Charya dance itself is considered as meditation. Charya is a process of immersing yourself in dance, spirituality and prayer, Prajwal added.

Tara Dhatu is a non-profit organization, an international community, and a sacred vehicle for the liberation of all beings. Tara Dhatu is dedicated to the inspiration and uplifting of humanity through the spiritual arts of music, meditation, prayer and service.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in USA)

Virtual Dharma Talk on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in China and Nepal

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 21 (Nepal Oregon News): A Dharma talk on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in China (Dunhuang) and Nepal was organized by Hong Kong Institute of Buddhist Studies Association in the zoom on Saturday, March 20, 2021. 

55 people from the USA, Hong Kong, Canada and Germany took part at the zoom conference on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Tina Ho from Hong Kong Sangha  said that Avalokiteshvara means "the lord who looks down with compassion."

Dr Ho went on saying: Guanyin  is the Chinese name for Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Guanyin is a  Bodhisattva who "observes the sound of the world." Guan means "to observe (the world)" and Yin refers to "the sound", she said.

Giving the historical accounts about the Bodhisattva, Dr Tina Ho said that the scriptures about Guanyin were translated into Chinese as early as the 3rd century. The worship of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in China began around the 5th or 6th century. Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva has been widely recognized in China by the fifth century.

She said: From the Tang dynasty (618-917 AD) to the beginning of the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD), Avalokiteshvara still appeared as a male figure and often had a beard in the ancient Chinese paintings.

Dr Ho also threw  light on Dunhuang Avalokiteshvara by great Chinese artist Zhang Daquin,  and  said:"The cave temples of Magao Grottoes were built in the 4th century and lasted for about a thousand years until the 14th century. In other words, it is the latest cave temple in Dunhuang Grottoes. "The Avalokiteshvara with Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes" on the north wall of cave 3 is known as the masterpiece of the wall decoration of the Dunhuang grottoes."

Dr Ho also highly eulogized Nepal's princess Bhrikuti's  contributions in disseminating Buddhism in Tibet.

Also, speaking on the occasion,  Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya made a detailed and comprehensive analysis about the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in Nepal.

When we talk about Avalokiteshvara in Nepal, we have to basically focus on Bunga Dyo and Janbaha Dyo, he said adding: Bunga Dyo Karunamaya is Rato Machindranath Avalokiteshvara and Janbaha Dyo Karunamaya is Seto Machindranath Avalokiteshvara.

Bunga Dyo Jatra is a chariot festival honoring the Mahayani Buddhism deity of compassion - Avalokiteshvara - in Lalitpur, and Janbaha Dyo festival is observed in Kathmandu, Nepal, Prajwal told the zoom conference participants.

Pundit Vajracharya also went on to tell the zoom participants a mythology about how a king, a priest and a farmer (jyapu) with a Karkotaka Naga went to Kamarup Kamapakshya to bring in the Karunamaya for bringing rain to the drought-hit Nepal Mandala at that time.

Prajwal also told zoom participants about the mythology and history of Bhoto Kyenegu Parampara during the Bunga Dyo Jatra.

Avalokiteshvara is a compassionate Bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings and who works relentlessly to help those who call upon Karunamaya's name,  Vajracharya went on saying.

Prajwal added: The sun and moon are said to be born from Avlokiteshvara's eyes, Shiva from his brow, Brahma from shoulders, Vishnu from his heart, Saraswoti from his teeth, the winds from his mouth, the earth from his feet and the sky from his stomach.

Karunamaya (Avlokiteshvara Bodhisattva) is also mentioned in the Chakan Dyo Jatra event. It was because of Karunamaya's blessing that Singha Sartha Bahu, a Newah trader doing business in Tibet successfully made a successful comeback to Kathmandu after his business accomplishment in Lhasa.

(Some more pictures related to Avalokiteshvara in Nepal and China shown during their presentations)

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

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Greets New Year 2021 with Purification Rituals amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Jan 2, 2021 (Nepal Oregon News): The Nepalese Buddhist temple in Portland - Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) - bade farewell to 2020 and greeted the new year 2021 by performing and chanting Gurumandala Puja on Friday, Jan 1, 2021.

Very limited number of people joined the Puja - which was conducted by Mahavihara's priest and co-founder Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya - for purifying and reviving the old energy of the previous year and for overcoming obstacles and opening up fresh new potential through the annual New Years's purification ritual at the Mahavihara because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Mandatory social distancing, covering of face and other pandemic guidelines were strictly followed during the New Year purification puja at the Portland Baha. This kind of New Year purification puja is chanted at the Mahavihara once every year, says Guruju Prajwal. The Puja helps you to move forward with new vigour and enthusiasm all year along, he adds.

The participants at the New Year purification puja were: Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Naveena Shakya, Alexei Dobry, Gabriel Quitslund and Dr Rabin Man Shakya. Besides the limited number of participants because of ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the religious program was participated by 15 other people on the zoom from Oregon, California, Hong Kong and Nepal.

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Cultural significance of Bura-Buri Janko stressed

Portland, Jan 9, 2021: A virtual talk on 'Bura-Buri Janko (Bhimratharohan - Honoring Old Age Ritual Ceremony in Nepal' by Hom Shrestha, a Ph D student in Canada, was organized by Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, Jan 8, 2021.

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya said:"When a man or woman turns 77 years, 7 months, 7days 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 Bhimratha observance calls on the goddess of long life - Usnisavijaya - to purify karma and bestow the blessings of good health and a long life span, Prajwal added.

Kuon Hunt, member of the Board of Directors of the NMM gave a short introduction of Hom Shrestha on the occasion.

Hom Shrestha, a Ph D scholar doing research on Bura-Buri Janko at Laurentian University in Canada, speaking on the occasion threw light on the cultural and traditional significance of Bura-Buri Janko.

Highlighting on the historical and cultural background of Bura-Buri Janko, Shrestha said that Bhimratharohan is an important part of the lifecycle ritual of a human being.

The virtual interaction on Bura-Buri Janko was attended by 15 participants from the USA, Hongkong and Canada. Prof. Dr Linda Iltis of University of Washington was also among the participants. The talk was followed by an interaction between Hom and participants.

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Vajracharya stresses need for preservation of Nepal's ancient heritage

Portland, Jan 10, 2021: Ancient temples and stupas in the Kathmandu valley are important parts of Nepal's national heritage. It is so painful to say that many of the historical monuments are in the dilapidated condition and many have been stolen away.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's (NMM) co-founder Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya said this during a virtual presentation 'e-heritage' organized by World Newah Organization (WNO), USA chapter on Saturday, Jan 9, 2021.

Vajracharya, during the live virtual presentation, said that Nepalese traditions like Rice Feeding Ceremony, Ihi, Bara Tayegu, Chuda Karma, Brata Bandha, Ihipa and Bhimratharohan are important lifecycle events which have so much meaning.

Dwelling on the rich historical heritage of Nepal, he said it is the spirituality that helped to create so many unique and intricate masterpieces of arts and culture in the past. 

In his talk, Vajracharya, who is also a scholar of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, confirmed Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's readiness, as always,  to get involved as much as possible in matters concerning preservation of Charya dance, lifecycle rituals and festivals of the Newah people.

In fact, the NMM's contribution for preserving and promoting Nepalese Buddhist heritage and rituals in the USA is known to everyone in the Nepalese community in America and beyond.

Prior to the virtual talk, Pramesh Shrestha of the World Newah Organization (WNO), USA chapter gave a short introduction of pundit Vajracharya who is also the director of Heritage Division, WNO, USA chapter.

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Zoom Teaching on Vasundhara

Portland, Jan 24, 2021: In what have been commendable and praiseworthy activities, a zoom teaching on Vasundhara was organized by Hong Kong Sangha on January 23, 2021 followed by a Vasundhara weekly celebration.

A beautiful and intricate Vasundhara dance was offered by a Hong Kong Sangha member on the zoom. During the Vasundhara week, an art workshop on Vasundhara coloring was also organized in Hong Kong.

During the teaching on Vasundhara, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya threw light on the cultural aspects of Nepal's Vasundhara and mandala of Vasundhara.

Laying emphasis on the importance and meaning of the mudras of the Vajra dance of Vasundhara , Prajwal also said that the Vasundhara Bodhisattva has three faces and six arms, holding different Dharma objects in her hands and possessing different abilities.

Newah Buddhists believe that Vasundhara's worship brings wealth and stability. Vasundhara is like the mother who bred the earth and cultivated our hearts. She is also a Bodhisattva with great compassion, Prajwal added.

Zoom teaching on Vasundhara was participated by 25 people from the USA, Hongkong and Canada.

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Dharani recitation contributing to preservation of heritage

Portland, Jan 27, 2021: A regular Dharani recitation was held on Tuesday, Jan 26, 2021 by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on the zoom. In the beginning, Guru Bandana was chanted by Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya.

After that, Graha Dasha ya Paath, Saptavidhan Puja - The Seven Limb Prayer (from the Bhadracharya desana), Dharani (Buddha, Bodhisattva's Mantra and Dharanipada) recitation and Prajnaparamita Hridayam Sutra were chanted by Prajwal Guruju and other participants.

There is no doubt that NMM's Dharani recitation - which is the only one chanting program of this kind in the West - has proved to be a significant leap forward in contributing to the preservation of heritage.

Earlier, speaking about Dharma awareness among the youth, pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya stressed the need for parent's encouragemment and involvement in inculcating the value of Dharma on youth's mind.

Throwing light on the role of Dharma in the everyday life of human beings, pundit Vajracharya added that it can help in many ways to reduce the impact of stress and pressure of life.

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Sadhana practice brings positive changes in life

Portland, Jan 28, 2021: At a time when the whole world is bogged down in coronavirus crisis and so many countries are facing tumultuous  political and economic dilemma, more and more people in the world are bracing for meditation, yoga and Sadhana.

Sadhana practice brings positive changes in life and it has lots of benefits for mental as well as physical health. Sadhana is also performed for attaining detachment from worldly things. Sadhana is a Sanskrit word that means spiritual exercise. Sadhana is a spiritual practice in which the practitioner invokes divinity, identifying and absorbing it into himself - the primary form of meditation in Vajrayana Buddhism.

Sadhana practice is one of the many activities which has continuously been conducted by Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara for last several years.

Likewise, a regular Sadhana practice was also held in the zoom on Wednesday, Jan 27 at the NMM in Portland. Twelve people from Oregon, California, Hong Kong and Canada participated at the Sadhana practice in the zoom.

Speaking on the occasion, before the beginning of Sadhana practice, pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya threw light on the importance of Chakra in Sadhana.

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Naamsangiti - one of the most important preachings of Lord Buddha, says Vajracharya

Portland, Jan 29, 2021: "In Vajrayana Buddhism, Manjushree Naamsangiti is one of the most important preachings of Shakya Muni Tathagata. It consists of 167 verses and mantra sentences," pundit Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) said at a Naamsangiti recitation ritual in the zoom organized on Thursday, Jan 28, 2021 to mark the Full Moon Day. 

15 people from Canada, Hongkong, Nepal, California and Oregon took part at the Naamsangiti recitation ritual. through the zoom.

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

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 Prajwal Vajracharya adding,"That's why NMM is dedicated to promote and preserve these sacred things."

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

Three Month Weekly Zoom Course on 'Sacred Buddhist Charya Dance of Nepal' Kicks off at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 12 (Nepal Oregon News): Little is known about when the Charya Nritya - which is an ancient dance form that used to be exclusively performed by Vajracharyas within the Buddhist Newah community in Nepal - exactly originated.

But Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, says that this Buddhist ritual dance which is an essential part of Newar Buddhism dates back to more than a thousand years.

Charya dance - which was on the verge of extinction in the 1960s - has again made a comeback. Tremendous strides have recently been made towards its preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the Charya dances and credit for it goes to luminaries like late pundit Asha Kaji Vajracharya, late pundit Ratna Kaji Vajracharya and Guru Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya and so on.

For the past 11 years, Prajwal has served as the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's co-founder. His students - mainly the American Charya dancers and American Vajrayana Buddhists - describe him as a versatile teacher, compassionate human being, charismatic speaker and a very hard working person.

Today, Charya Nritya's presence and popularity is already strong and effective in Nepal, the USA and other countries. The top priority of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is to further popularize, enrich and enhance it. Lately, the Charya Nritya seems to have undergone a complete transformation.

"Sacred Buddhist Dance of Nepal" is a three month weekly course with pundit Prajwal Vajracharya. This course is offered live on zoom from Feb 20 to May 8, 2021 every Saturday. 90 minutes class on zoom every Saturday on Charya dances is, so far, participated by 50 students from 15 countries across the world, says Vajracharya.

This course is a three part training in Charya Nritya dance, a unique Newari Buddhist Nepali tradition dating back over a thousand years, that uses the physical body as a vehicle for liberating the mind, he says. By uniting movement, visualization and awareness, he says, a student learns to emulate and then fully embody the qualities of variety of Buddhist deities - male and women, peaceful and wrathful - and to genuinely express those enlightened  qualities through one's own body, speech, mind and activities.

Part one of this course is 'Foundations' which lays the groundwork for all  to-be- continued studies in the tradition of sacred Buddhist dance of Nepal, Prajwal adds. "Participants will learn the history of this ancient practice, train our bodies in the movements, exercises, hand and foot mudras, and techniques that are the foundations of Charya dance and practice the Refuge and the 16 offering Goddess dances", Prajwal informed the Nepal Oregon News.

He further went on saying:"In part two of this course, participants will learn the dance of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion, and practice the art of embodying and expressing his enlightened qualities through our gestures, facial expressions and physical movements, paired with focused awareness."

In part three of this course, he says, students will learn the dance of Tara, the female Buddha of Liberating Activities, and practice how to embody and express her all-pervasive enlightened qualities through body, energy and mind.

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

Bura-Buri Janko: A Quintessence of Newar Culture

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Jan 9 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual talk on 'Bura-Buri Janko (Bhimratharohan - Honoring Old Age Ritual Ceremony in Nepal' by Hom Shrestha, a Ph D student in Canada, was organized by Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, Jan 8, 2021.

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya said:"When a man or woman turns 77years, 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."

Bura Buri Janko is a traditional and religious  honoring for senior Newar citizens that has been carried out since many, many centuries ago, Vajracharya said adding Bura Buri Janko is a quintessence of Newar culture.

The Bhimratha observance calls on the goddess of long life, Usnisavijaya, to purify karma and bestow the blessings of good health and a long life span, Prajwal added.

Kuon Hunt, member of the Board of Directors of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara gave a short introduction of Hom Shrestha on the occasion.

Hom Shrestha, a Ph D scholar in Canada doing research on Bura-Buri Janko, speaking on the occasion threw light on the cultural and traditional significance of the Bura Buri Janko.

Highlighting on the historical and cultural background  of  Bura Buri Janko,  Shrestha  said  that Bhimratharohan  is  an important  part of  the  life-cycle ritual of a human being.

Bura-Buri Janko is an ongoing 5,000 years old ritual tradition, Hom said and added that it is a ritual practice of spiritually and a culturally based  worship in Newah culture.

According to  Shrestha, important ritual functions on Bura Janko procession include: welcome ceremony, (lasakusa), homa or yojna (sacred or holy fire), Kalash Puja, Argha Puja (offer holy water) for the celebrant to wash his or her both feet with the Kalash water, milk, roasted rice and coins and bow down to touch feet by forehead for blessing, wearing a new pair of gold ear rings, celebrants mount or climb the palannquin or chariot, paraded through the neighborhood on a palanquin or chariot (four-wheel cart), Bettali chikegu (covering head of celebrant family with white turban cloth), Sacred dish (Thayebhu - large plate with stand), khen sagan (offering of egg, fish, meat, ginger and bara).

"To get old in Nepal is to become a God", Shrestha said adding that aging is a spiritual process in Newah tradition and also growing into old age is an eternal truth.

Laying emphasis on the cultural significance of the Bhimratharohan, Hom expressed the view that Bura Buri Janko which is a celebration of longevity and aging wellness, and honoring old age in a divine realm, is for enhancing the compassionate transcendental life for elder or senior people in a holistic aspect of spiritual, emotional and intellectual wellness.

The virtual interaction on Bura Buri Janko was attended by 15 participants from the USA, Hongkong and Canada.  Prof. Dr. Linda Iltis of University of Washington was also among the participants. The talk was followed by an interaction between Hom and the participants.

Living and studying in Canada since 2014, Hom Shrestha is an emerging indigenous scholar (Masters in Interdisciplenary Health Program, Honors B. A. in Specialized Gerentology) that belongs to the indigenous clan of the sacred land of Nepal Mandala.

Shrestha also volunteers at Laurentian University and has participated in the CIHR - funded dementia research activities in Ontario. 

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

     

 

Charya Giti Practice Going on at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Despite Covid-19 Pandemic

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 7, (Nepal Oregon News): The Covid-19 pandemic has had a far-reaching effect on so many aspects of community activities. On the one hand, coronavirus crisis has a negative impact on the community activities, but on the other hand, Covid-19 is being referred to as the "great technology accelerator."

Today more than ever, the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is more active in the community organizing more virtual interactions, more chanting, more singing and more teaching, all in the zoom. 

As a matter of fact, Charya Giti practice is one of the many important activities being carried out by Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Charya Giti is a complicated and esoteric classical singing and 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, Canada, Germany, Washington, California and Oregon and so on.

Charya Giti is performed and led by Joshua Proto, a Sangha member and an American Buddhist and participated by others in the zoom. 

When you listen to Joshua's Charya Giti singing, it is so amazing and wonderful. Joshua sings Charya songs just like the Gurujus of Nepal. Sometimes, Charya giti is performed by devotees in Hong Kong too. As a whole, the program is set and managed by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya. As a matter of fact, Joshua is Prajwal's student.

Charya Giti is usually performed by the Newah Buddhist priests who are known as Vajracharyas or masters of the Vajrayana.

The Vajracharya Gurujus dance Charya Nritya in a state of deep meditative awareness in order to embody the living presence of the compassionate, peaceful and fierce divinities of the Vajrayana Buddhist pantheon.

Prajwal Vajracharya, who is a pioneering teacher of Buddhist Charya dance in the West, says:"The deities are described in esoteric Sanskrit songs known as Charya giti, which are sung as accompaniment to the dance."

Charya giti are sung in a variety of raga (melodies) and tala (meter) and are accompanied by cute little cymbals known as Taa and sometimes by Kanta Dub Dub (damaru).

Throwing light on the subtleties and intricacies of the Charya giti, Pundit Vajracharya said:"The songs begin with a flowing raga, followed by a more metrical section that includes description and praise of the deity and usually consists of changing verses and a fixed, repeating refrain."

Sometimes, a Dharani praise invocation, or Mantra, is inserted near the beginning or end, Prajwal added.

Prajwal went on saying:"Each dance embodies forth a different Buddhist deity, such as, Manjushree, Avalokiteshvara, Vajrayogini or Vajrapani."

However, Prajwal also said that the central purpose of the dance is to support the Vajrayana practice of deity yoga, or visualizing oneself as a deity.

This practice involves a mental process of seeing oneself as having the appearance, ornaments, inner qualities and awareness of the deity one is envisioning, he said.

Charya giti practice reminds me of various Buddhist rituals in Nepal in the past. Taking a trip down memory lane, when I was a young boy, I used to listen to some of the Charya giti performed by our Rev. Gurujus at the Aagan Chhen of the Ratna Mandala Mahavihara at Naghal Tole in Kathmandu. I just listened to them, I did not understand anything at that time because it was a secret and esoteric singing and Gurujus would not explain anything about it.

Now because of availability of the translation of the singing, I came to understand a little bit about it.

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

Vajracharya Emphasizes Need for Preservation of Nepal's Ancient Heritage

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Jan 10 (Nepal Oregon News): Ancient temples and stupas in the Kathmandu valley are important parts of Nepal's national heritage. It is so painful to say that many of the temples and stupas are in the dilapidated condition, many have been stolen away.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's (NMM) co-founder Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya said this during a virtual presentation 'e-heritage' organized by World Newah Organization (WNO), USA chapter on Saturday, Jan 9, 2021.

Vajracharya during the live virtual presentation said that Nepalese traditions like Rice Feeding Ceremony, Ihi, Bara Tayegu, Chuda Karma, Bratabandha Wedding and Bhimratharohan are important life cycle events which have so much meaning.

Dwelling on the rich historical heritage of Nepal, he said it is the spirituality that helped to create so many unique and intricate masterpieces of arts and culture in the past.

In his talk, Prajwal confirmed Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's readiness, as always, to  get involved as much as possible in matters concerning the preservation of Charya dance, life cycle rituals and festivals and traditions of the Newah people.

In fact, the NMM's contribution for protecting and promoting Nepalese Buddhist heritage and rituals in the USA is known to everyone in the Nepalese community in the USA and beyond.

He emphasized that Swayambhu stupa is considered to be the oldest historical monument in the Kathmandu valley. " But I do not know how old. All the evidences have been burnt or thrown away in the rivers. Swayambhu Nath existed before civilization started in the Kathmandu valley," he said.

The virtual interaction between Vajracharya and other zoom participants was interesting and useful because he also displayed pictures of many temples, stupas, Vahas, ritual objects and so on. He also explained their religious and cultural significance.

Noting that cultural and traditional values have always been sacred to the Newah people, Prajwal threw light on the preponderance of historical monuments, stupas and temples in the Kathmandu valley.   He said :"Every five minutes walk, you find the Viharas, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are living there."

Prajwal also shed light on various parts of the stupas and temples. Speaking of Toran, which is a big decorative and metallic piece on the entrance of the Vihara, he said:" There are lots of areas for study and research in Toranas alone. Usually, five Buddhas are carved in a Toran."

Speaking about ancient masonry, metal and wood carving,  and, other arts and architecture in medieval Nepal, he said these are the things which provide tourists with unprecedented opportunities for sight-seeing and delving into the  past history.

A number of scholars from around the world come to Nepal to learn something. So many books have been published about the arts, heritage and culture of Nepal. So many scholars are doing Ph Ds and other research works about the Nepalese arts, culture and rituals, Prajwal said.

Prajwal also recollected important contributions made by late pundit Asha Kaji Vajracharya and his father late pundit Ratna Kaji Vajracharya in promoting the value of Newah Buddhist culture and rituals.

Prior to the virtual talk, Pramesh Shrestha of the World Newah Organization (WNO), USA chapter gave a short introduction of pundit Vajracharya who is also the director of Heritage Division, WNO, USA chapter. 

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