Thirteenth Anniversary of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Celebrated with Charya Nritya Dances

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Charya nritya dance 'Vajrapani'

Portland, Nov 11 (Nepal Oregon News): A day-long program was organized on Thursday, Nov 10, 2022 to mark the thirteenth anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM), the first and only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery in the West.

The anniversary celebration kicked off with the Gurumandala Puja and Mamaki Puja which was ritualized by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya.

In the last 13 years, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has continuously served the Sangha or community in many different ways, and credit for this goes to co-founders duo Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya. The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA is the first and only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in 350 years and it is the first Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery built outside of Nepal. 

The Newar Buddhist monastery, since its inception in 2009 in Portland, USA has been instrumental in promoting Newar Buddhism by popularizing Charya Nritya dances, by preserving Newar Buddhist lifecycle rituals, by celebrating Newar festivals and by carrying out lots of other activities.

On the occasion, presenting a brief Dharma talk, co-founder of the Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya said "Nritya Mandala Mahavihara which is the Foundation for Sacred Buddhist Arts of Nepal, is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Charya Nritya and the related traditions of instruments and vocal music, choreography and crafts of making masks, costumes and jewelry used in sacred dances."

Denouncing the wrong claim that Buddha was born in India and that Charya Nritya originated from India, Guruji Prajwal said irrefutable evidences have been found that not only Lord Gautam Buddha but Krakuchanda Buddha and Kanakmuni Buddha were also born in Nepal.

"Charya Nritya is an important part of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. It originated in Nepal Mandala. This ancient dance dates back to more than 1,000 years and is a religious discipline of the Buddhist priests of the Kathmandu valley, who perform the dances as part of their esoteric meditation, practices, ceremonies and rituals," Prajwal Guruji added.

Evening celebration of the anniversary was followed by Buddha Bhajans and Charya Dance Show in person at the Mahavihara and online on Zoom by the members of the Hong Kong Sangha. Buddha Bhajans, such as Lumbini Yatra, Vasundhara, Tri Ratna Lumanki, Najato, Dasaparamita etc were performed by Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema and Satya Bayu.

The Charya dance program started with Refuge and 16-Offering Goddess dance by the Sangha members at the temple. Similarly, a Green Tara Charya dance was presented on Zoom by the members of the Hong Kong Dance Mandal including Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Mary Lau, Jocelyn Lai and Sia Ying Leung.

Likewise, a Charya dance 'Mahavairochana' was performed at the temple by Prajwal Guruji while another solo Charya dance 'Green Tara' was demonstrated on Zoom by Dara Daniels, a student of Helen Appell, who is the co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Similarly, a Charya dance 'Padmanateshvara' was offered at the temple by Anastasia Roderick followed by a group Charya dance 'Prajnaparamita' by members of the Hong Kong Dance Mandal which includes Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Mau-Yee Lau, Lingling Lee, Eliza Lok-Yee Lau, Chin-chin Chang, Eleanor Li and Kerri Ho.

At the end of the program, a dance 'Vajrapani' was presented by Prajwol Guruji at the temple. The thirteenth anniversary program was participated by 25 people from USA and Hong Kong on Zoom and 40 people at the Mahavihara in person, and was followed by a Newar-style potluck dinner. 

Charya nritya dance 'Prajnaparamita'

Charya nritya dance 'Green Tara'

Charya nritya dance 'Padmanateshvara'

Charya nritya dance 'Mahavairochana' (Mahavairocana).

Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members

Group photo of the ladies

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Significance of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism Stressed

Kathmandu, (Nepal Oregon News): Nritya Mandala Mahavihara preserves and shares the traditions of Buddhist practice, arts and culture held by Newar people of the Nepal Mandala. Established in Portland in 2009, our center is the first Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in the West with performance and art-making spaces, and a library of old and new Buddhist texts.

Guruji Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA and a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal said this while addressing a Zoom program 'Jornadas Budistas' (Buddhist Journeys) by University of Salvador -- School of Oriental Studies on Sunday, Oct 30, 2022. Guruji Prajwal's student and Sangha member Joshua Proto was also present on the Zoom program.

Prajwal Guruji's Zoom talk zeroed in on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism including its ancient and medieval history, Charya Nritya and Newar Buddhist lifecycle rituals. The program started with refuge to Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Newar Buddhist tradition is the oldest Buddhist tradition in the world, said the noted Vajrayana Buddhist scholar, adding that based on Swoyambhu Purana and ancient history, there were many Buddhas before the Shakya Muni Buddha: Vipaswi Buddha, Shikhi Buddha, Vishwobhu Buddha, Krakuchanda Buddha, Kanakmuni Buddha and Kashyap Buddha. They all had visited Nepal Mandala to establish Buddhism.

Shakya Muni Buddha was born in Nepal. Before that, Kanakmuni Buddha and Krakuchanda Buddha were also born in Southern Nepal, the Guruji said during the virtual program. Vipaswi Buddha came to Nepal to plant the seed on the lake. That seed was blooming with thousands of petals. Lord Manjushree had the vision and he cut the gorge on the lake and kept the water away.

Emperor Ashoka visited various places in Nepal and established so many Ashoka stupas in the third century, the Guruji said and added that there are hundreds of Viharas and Mahaviharas in the Kathmandu Valley, which acted like schools and colleges in the past.

During the remotely held discourse, Vajracharya also touched on the ancient and medieval Mahasiddhas like Shantikaracharya - the first Bajracharya Guru of Nepal Mandala, Surat Bajra Bajracharya, Lila Bajra Bajracharya, Manju Bajra Bajracharya and so on.

There are two Guheswori temples in Kathmandu, Guruji Prajwal said and added that one of them is Nairatma. In the word Nairatma, neer means blue and atma refers to soul, he said.

During the virtual presentation, Vajracharya took time to emphasize the role of Pancha Buddhas in Newar Buddhism. Pancha Buddhas are: Vairochana, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi and Akshovya.

Touching on Charya giti, the songs from which the dances arise, Prajwal Guruji said Charya gitis tell us about the iconography of deities and yoginis.  In Portland, we dance more than 50 Charya dances, many of which we have created. But there are thousands of Charya dances, Vajracharya stated. "My father, Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, collected 556 Charya in his Charya books volume 1 and 2. Likewise, my brother, who is also collecting ancient Charya gitis, has about 1,500 of them he would like to publish." The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is a popular rendezvous for the classical Charya Nritya dancers from the US and beyond, he said.

Stressing on the need to preserve the age-old lifecycle rituals, the chief pujari of the Mahavihara said that the temple has been doing lots of work to protect and promote the Newar Buddhist lifecycle rituals. From the birth to death, we have a lot of rituals. We have rituals when people are sick and when business is down. Rituals are the part of the life because they teach you a lot in Buddha Dharma in our Buddhist tradition, the Guruji reiterated. 

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Sur Sudha Team Accommodated at the Portland Baha, USA

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Sur Sudha , one of Nepal's most renowned musical bands, was in Portland, Oregon at the end of November, 2022. They gave an amazing and enthralling concert for the Nepalese community in Portland at the Nekusing Memorial Theater at the Hollywood Taekwondo School on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022. The Sur Sudha concert was organized by the Nepalese community in Oregon to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the USA.

The Sur Sudha team which includes Surendra Shrestha (tabla), Raman Maharjan (flute), Sarashwoti Khatri (vocal), Bikas Sunar (guitar) and Binisha Shrestha (tour manager) were all  guests of Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya at the Nritya Mandala  Mahavihara for four days during their stay in Portland.

Similarly, the Mahavihara was also one of the sponsors for the concert of Sur Sudha in Portland. Prior to the departure from Portland, the Sur Sudha team members extended heart-felt gratitude to Prajwal Guruji for the warm hospitality accorded to them.

Sur Sudha team members with Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA

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Pilgrimage Tour to Sacred Sites in Nepal Favorable and Successful

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland,  (Nepal Oregon News): A 30-member US Buddhist pilgrimage tour to sacred sites in Nepal led by co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and 35th generation Vajrayana priest Prajwal Vajracharya has been described and reported  to be very favorable and successful.

Many US members of the pilgrimage to sacred sites in Nepal, who are also Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, have described the visit as very amazing, memorable, fruitful and productive.

The two week pilgrimage took the team members not only to three historical cities of the Kathmandu valley -- Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, but to picturesque places like Chandragiri (15 minute ride in cable car) and Nagarkot.

The team members were also blessed in person by living Goddess Patan Kumari and living God Bhairav during their Nepal trip. Equally unforgettable moments for the team was their visit to Sankhu Vajrayogini and Guru Rinpoche cave in Pharping. Also, the team was lucky to meet Buddhist scholar Glenn Mullin in Kathmandu. Similarly, the team also called on Ani Choying, the famous Buddhist nun and singer.

The Buddhist delegation was welcomed at Nagarjun Institute in Lalitpur where they were honored by wrapping Khata on them. On the occasion, chief of the Nagarjun Institute Milan Shakya handed over 'Prajna Paramita --8,000 verses' to Prajwal Guruji.

However, the following are some remarkable events and functions organized during their trip in Nepal

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Participation at Swayambhu Gyan Mala Bhajan Khala

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): Joshua Proto, Casey Redman, Ashley Low, Mario Mastrangelo, Adam Bidema took an active participation at Swayambhu Gyan Mala Bhajan Khala on Oct 13 - 15, 2022.

Buddha Bhajans like Lumbini Yatra, Basundhara, Najato, Tri Ratna Lumanka and Das Paramita were performed by pilgrimage team members together with other local members of the Swayambhu Gyan Mala Bhajan Khala.

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Pilgrimage Team Calls on Mahayogi Sridhar Rana Rinpoche

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): The visiting US Buddhist pilgrimage team called on Mahayogi Sridhar SJB Rana Rinpoche on Monday, Oct 17, 2022 at Byoma Kusuma Buddhadharma Sangha in Kathmandu.

Mahayogi Sridhar Rana Rinpoche who was born in Kathmandu, Nepal in 1949 is the grandson of the then Rana prime minister late Padma SJB Rana.

All the 30 members of the pilgrimage team were present at the meeting with Ven Rinpoche.

In course of the visit, Prajwal Guruji acquired information about the ongoing activities  at the Byoma Kusuma Buddhadharma Sangha. Discussions on the occasion were focused on various updates about the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland, USA.

Besides the Vajrayana tradition of Tibet and Nepal, Mahayogi Shridhar Rinpoche is a scholar of Chan and Zen Buddhism, Jodo Shinshu, Theravada tradition and the Abhidharma of Mahayana, Vaibhasika and Theravada, and has keen interest in both Zen and Theravada traditions.

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Prajwal Guruji Urges LBU to Include Sacred Buddhist Charya Dances in Its Curriculum 

Kapilvastu (Nepal Oregon News): The pilgrimage team was in Lumbini for two days on Oct 21-22, 2022. The visit of the pilgrimage team to Lumbini was very important because it was here the Tathagata Gautam Buddha was born.

The members of the team were able to visit all important places and all the Mahaviharas of Lumbini.

Likewise, the pilgrimage team was also received by Manik Vajracharya who is the Dean at the Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU). It was Dean Vajracharya who took the huge Buddhist delegation members to all over the Lumbini Buddhist University.

During an interaction program with Dean Vajracharya, the members of the pilgrimage team were briefed about the academic activities of the University and its curriculum and courses of study. On the occasion, the team leader of the pilgrimage group Prajwal Vajracharya urged the LBU authority to include sacred Buddhist Charya dances in its curriculum.

Also, the members of the visiting team demonstrated Charya dances to some of the monks and nuns studying at Lumbini Buddhist University.

Similarly, a refuge dance and 16-offering goddess dance were performed in front of the Maya Devi temple. On the occasion, charya dances Pancha Buddha, Lokeshwor and Green Tara were also performed by the members of the pilgrimage team.

Historical evidences have been found that Krakuchanda Buddha and Kanakmuni Buddha were also born in Lumbini area in Nepal. Guruji Prajwal and his team went to the sites of their birth to pay sacred homage to those Buddhas by performing Refuge and 16-offering dances.

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"Vajrayogini Empowerment Crucial to Newar Vajrayana Buddhism"

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): Guruji Prajwal led the Bijeshwori charya dance along with the US pilgrimage team at the Bijeshwori temple in Kathmandu on Monday, Oct 24, 2022.

Guruji Prajwal said:"We had also magic ceremony at the Vajrayogini initiations. We had a wonderful and amazing way of celebrating the deity. My eldest brother Sarbagya Ratna Vajracharya did all the chanting and rituals during the Vajrayogini empowerment."

While performing rituals and chanting for deity, senior Gubhaju Sarbagya Ratna Vajracharya said that Vajrayogini empowerment is crucial to Newar Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism.

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Mha Puja Celebrations in Kathmandu

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): The  Buddhist pilgrimage team attended  a Mha Puja celebration on the rooftop at the house of Dipendra Shakya at Mhayapi in Kathmandu on Wednesday, 26 Oct, 2022. Dipendra Shakya is the elder brother of Sangha member Uppa Shakya.

Mha Puja is a quintessential part of rich Newar culture. It is an interesting coincidence that Mha Puja, a part of Swanti Nakha is performed to purefy mind and body and  is annually held on the day of new year celebrations of Nepal Sambat era.

The main highlight of Mha Puja is the worshipping of the Mandala to purify the body, soul and mind. Mha Puja literally means worship of the self.

All the Mha Puja rituals - worshipping Mandala, offering marigold flowers, jaki, colors (sinha) to Mandala,  burning of wicks and dewa - were performed during the ceremony. Then, the pilgrimage team members were presented with hard-boiled egg, dried anchovy fish and 'ayela' (wine) which was poured down from a Newar style 'anti' into a small 'khola' and got refill three times in a row followed by a lavish Newar feast.

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Pilgrimage Team Visits Padma Kanya Campus

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): The US Buddhist pilgrimage team visited Padma Kanya Campus under Tribhuvan University and its Dance Faculty in Kathmandu on Thursday, Oct 27, 2022.

On the occasion, Padma Kanya Campus Dance Faculty member Raju Shakya stressed on the need to update dance curriculum and threw light on how the Charya Nritya Buddhist dance tradition is taught in a university setting.

It is to be noted that a short biography of Prajwal Guruji was included in the MA level Charya dance study at the college. The Padma Kanya Campus Dance Faculty students on the occasion performed a Charya dance 'Nairatma'.

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Gurumandala Puja Rituals Performed at Swayambhu

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): A Gurumandala Puja was ritualized at Swayambhu on Friday, Oct 28, 2022 by five members of the pilgrimage team previously trained in the Puja by Prajwal Guruji.

The participants of Gurumandala Puja at Swayambhu stupa were Gabriel Quitslund, Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema, Glenn Cueto and Rebecca Wing.

A set of Vajra and a bell and all other required ritual objects were  used by Gurumandala Puja participants. Puja Sankalpa was also prepared for the participants. Saptavidhanuttara Puja Sadparmita, offering the Ratnamandala to the Gurus was also carried out.

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

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

Probably, this kind of Gurumandala Puja performed by foreigners at Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu must be the first one ever in Kathmandu, said Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya.

 Gurumandala Puja is one of the oldest and most important rituals of Newar Vajrayana tradition.

Gurumandala Puja is an integral and indispensable part of the ritual life of Bajracharyas and Shakyas of the Kathmandu valley.

After the Gurumandala Puja, there was a  Charya dance offering by the members of the pilgrimage team in the four directions at the Swayambhunath stupa.

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Itum Baha Greets US Pilgrimage Team with Charya Dances

Kathmanndu (Nepal Oregon News): Various Charya dances were performed at different Bahas and Bahis of Kathmandu by the members of the pilgrimage team led by Prajwal Guruji. Likewise, an amazing Charya Nritya program -- by Keshchandra Paravat Mahavihara Preservation Society in collaboration with Bajracharya Club -- was organized at Itum Baha, Kathmandu on Friday, Oct 28, 2022.

The program kicked off with refuge dance and 16-offering goddess dances. On the occasion, Charya dance 'Rakta Ganesh' was performed by Joshua Proto, Vajrayogini charya dance was offered by Karen Greenspan and Vajravarahi charya dance was presented by Alysha Pecore. From the Nepali side, Namami Shakya performed Avlokiteshvara charya dance while Green Tara charya dance was offered by Shristi Shakya.

A set of bell and Vajra were given away as souvenirs to all the Charya dancers during the event. Joshua, Karen and Alysha are students of Prajwal Guruji. Charya songs were vocalized by Swayambhu Shakya and Joshua Proto.

Auspicious Khatas were also wrapped on the members of the pilgrimage team on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and senior Charya Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said that Charya is a Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. Portland Baha in the USA has been working very hard for last 13 years to preserve and promote Charya dances and Newar Buddhist rituals, Prajwal Guruji added.

Pragya Ratna Shakya, president of Keshchandra Paravat Mahavihara Preservation Society, spoke about the unparalleled contributions of Prajwal Guruji in preserving Buddhist rituals and traditions and promoting esoteric Charya  dance in the USA and abroad.

Sharing their experience about the Charya dances, students of Prajwal Guruji stressed the need for its preservation and promotion. Four Paubha paintings created  by artist Uttam Shakya (a member of Itum Baha Sarba Sangha) were also displayed on the occasion.

The Itum Baha program was attended over by more than 100 participants including the dignitaries like member-secretary of Lumbini Development Trust Sanu Raja Shakya, vice chancellor of Lumbini Buddhist University Hridaya Ratna Vajracharya, Buddhist scholar Bajra Raj Shakya and Sarju Bajracharya, president of Bajracharya Club and so on. The program was conducted by social worker Shailendra Bajracharya.

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Aksheswar  Mahavihara Felicitates Robert Beer, Prajwal Guruji

Lalitpur (Nepal Oregon News): A felicitation and interaction program with famous writer on Buddhism Robert Beer (UK) and Charya Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was organized by Aksheswar Mahavihara Preservation Committee (AMPC) on Wednesday, Nov 2, 2022 at the Mahavihara, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal.

Certificates of Appreciation were handed over to Robert Beer and Prajwal Guruji. The certificate given to Prajwal Guruji mentioned:"This certificate is presented to internationally acclaimed Charya dancer Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya for his valuable contribution in  Buddhist rituals and traditional Charya dance since several decades."

It added:"His tremendous contribution in this field has assisted to flourish this sacred dance and to spread Buddhism all around the world."

The certificate further said:"Hence we would like to heartily appreciate his high effort in uplifting the glory of this Tantric dance in higher level and also like to wish him for a good time ahead."

Similarly, Rajesh Shakya, president of AMPC honored the members of the US pilgrimage team by wrapping Khata on them.

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Chwammo and Thayepa Lan Handed Over to Prajwal Guruji

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): Mettagaar, a local Buddhist organization of Kathmandu, honored Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya by handing over Thayepa Lan (Traditional Newar Dress for the Seniormost  Personality) amid a function organized here in Kathmandu.

Chief of Mettagaar Shanta Ratna Shakya also handed over a Chwammo to Prajwal on the same occasion. A Chwammo is a Vajrayana Buddhist ritual object that is used during the chanting of Dasparamita (Dan Balen) in front of the Kwa Pah Dyo (Lord Buddha) at a Mahavihara. 

The program to honor the co-founder of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was held on Thursday, Nov 3, 2022 in front of a big idol of Lord Buddha on the premises of Purna Kaji Shakya's house at Tahachal in Kathmandu.

Welcoming Prajwal at the program, Mettagaar chief Shakya threw light on the contributions of Prajwal for promotion of Charya dance and Newar Vajrayana Buddhism abroad.

Sheel Prarthana and Buddha Puja was also performed on the occasion. Sangha Ratna Shakya, general secretary of Shakya Mahavihara Association stressed the need for preservation and promotion of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

Mettagaar chief Shakya who is the father of Portland's Sangha member Naveena Shakya visited Portland, USA in 2018. Shakya also attended the Ninth Anniversary ceremony of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara held in Portland in November, 2018.

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Dharma Talk on Kwa Pah Dyo at Itum Baha

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): A Dharma talk on chanting and rituals to Kwa Pah Dyo (Lord Buddha) by Buddhist scholar Prajwal Vajracharya was organized at Keshchandra Mahavihara on Thursday, Nov 3, 2022.

Underscoring the importance of ritual practice, Prajwal, a 35th-generation Vajracharya priest, said that ritual and chanting is a meditation which is an ancient technology that has been used for thousands of years by people wishing to deepen their spiritual understanding and grow on the spiritual path.

During the Dharma talk, Buddhist scholar and ritual master Prajwal not only threw light on procedures of rituals and chantings at Kwa Pah Dyo, but also focused on the meaning and significance of the chantings like Dasparamita and Bandeshree.

Prajwal also shed light on the various aspects of Toranas and window carvings at the Buddhist Mahaviharas.

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US Team Pays a Visit to JGO Nepal Buddhist Association

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): The US Buddhist delegation led by Prajwal Guruji paid a visit to JGO Nepal Buddhist Association, (South Korea) in Kathmandu on Saturday, Nov 5, 2022. An interaction was held with its chief priest Dr Nabin Vajracharya.

Guruju Dr Nabin Vajracharya is a priest, scholar and researcher of Newar Buddhism. About 200 people gathered at the interaction with the visiting US Buddhist delegation.

Guruju Nabin Vajracharya, who holds a Ph D degree in Buddhism from Uiduk University of South Korea, is also the international coordinator of Nepal Traditional Buddhist Association's central office.

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Interaction Program at Bajracharya Club

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News): Bajracharya Club organized an interaction program in honor of the visiting US Buddhist pilgrimage team on Saturday, Nov 5 at its office at Tahachal, Kathmandu.

About 40 people including academics and diplomats were present during the program.

Sacred Khata was wrapped on Prajwal Guruji, Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema and Taye Desesa. Also, a small Chaitya replica was presented to Prajwal Guruji by Bajracharya Club's president Sarju Vajracharya.

During the interaction, Prajwal Guruji spoke about the importance and relevance of Buddha Dharma while other team members shared their experience about Nepal visit.

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Pan Bwona Bhoye: Death Anniversary Dinner in Kathmandu

Kathmandu (Nepal Oregon News):The first death anniversary dinner (Dakila -- Pan Bwona Bhoye) to commemorate demise of two brothers of Prajwal Guruji -- late Gautam Ratna Vajracharya and late Mahendra Ratna Vajracharya -- was organized on Monday, Nov 7, 2022 in Kathmandu.

 More than 600 guests, friends and relatives were offered Dakila dinner. Some members of the pilgrimage team also attended the Dakila dinner.

    

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Prajwal Guruji and His Team Leave for Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites in Nepal

Portland,  (Nepal Oregon News): A fifteen member US Buddhist team led by 35th generation Vajrayana priest and co-founder of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) Prajwal Vajracharya left USA for Kathmandu on Oct 10, 2022 for a pilgrimage to sacred sites in Nepal.

The Buddhist team led by Prajwal is to visit ancient and medieval temples of the Kathmandu valley, Buddha's birthplace in Lumbini and recieve Vajrayogini empowerment. 

The US Buddhist team visiting Nepal include, among others, NMM Sangha members Joshua Proto, Gabriel Quitslund, Adam Bidema, Ashley Low, Casey Redman, Mario Mastrangelo and Stormi Hoebelheinrich. The team also includes Prajwal's charya dance student and journalist Karen Greenspan from New York.

Similarly, representatives of Hong Kong Dance Mandal Simone, Rebecca, Jennifer, Teresa and Wincy have also left Hong Kong for Kathmandu for joining the pilgrimage to sacred sites in Nepal.

The Buddhist team led by Prajwal is to perform sacred Charya dances at various temple sites and Mahaviharas of Kathmandu. Likewise, the US Buddhist team members are also scheduled to perform Gurumandala Puja rituals at  Swayambhu stupa. The team also plans to visit the dance faculty of Padma Kanya Campus in Kathmandu.

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Dinner Reception on the Eve of Pilgrimage to Nepal

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara hosted a dinner reception on Saturday, Oct 8, 2022 on the eve of pilgrimage to sacred sites in Nepal. October 8 is also the birthday of Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya.

The dinner reception was attended by 40 Nepalese and American guests. Among them were the Sangha members of the Mahavihara, representatives of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) and Nepal Oregon News.

On the occasion, Daya Shakya, president of NAO, came up with a special slide show presentation on "Daya's recent Nepal visit". Daya was in Nepal recently from July 28 to August 31, 2022 for Salanpaa at Itumbahal, Kathmandu -- once in life time event.

Speaking on the occasion, Daya threw light on Itum Baha activities, its historical significance, Gunla festivities, Nitya Puja at the Itum Baha, and interaction with Itum Baha activists.

Daya stressed on the need to work for preservation of ancient sites like Itum Baha and informed that there are 18 Vajrayana Buddhist Mahaviharas in Kathmandu alone. Itum Baha is the largest Mahavihara among them. Itum Baha is rich with ancient heritages, he added.

Furthermore, he said that in Portland, there are many Shakyas and Vajracharyas who belong to one of these Mahaviharas in the Kathmandu valley.

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Sheegha Punhi Observed by Chanting Naamsangiti

Portland,  (Nepal Oregon News): Sheegha Punhi (Kojagrata Purnima) was observed this month by Hong Kong Dance Mandal by reciting Manjushree Naamsangiti in the zoom on Sunday, Oct 9, 2022 owing to the departure of 15 member US Dance Mandal pilgrimage to sacred sites in Nepal.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Manjushree Naamsangiti is one of the most important preachings of Shakya Muni Tathagata. It consists of 167 verses and mantra sentences. Naamsangiti is the quintessence of Buddhism because it summarizes  all the Buddha's teachings.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been organizing Manjushree Naamsangiti Recitation on every full moon day of the month since July, 2020. Also, Naamsangiti is recited daily at the Mahavihara during the month of Gunla (Nepal Sambat Lunar Calendar).

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in USA)

Charya Nritya Dance and Giti Tells Us about Iconography of Deities and Yoginis, Says Vajracharya

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 14 (Nepal Oregon News): Charya Nritya and Giti  (dance and lyrics for Charya nritya) tell us about the iconography of deities and yoginis, about what they are holding in their hands and what they are wearing.

(Glimpses of 'Sacred Buddhist Charya Dances of Nepal')

Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and one of the most senior Charya Nritya Guru in the world, said this while addressing a course on "Sacred Buddhist Dances of Nepal" which was organized from Sept 9 - 13, 2022 by Yangchenma Arts & Music at Pure Land Farms in Topanga, California.

Stating that every little thing the deities hold in their hands or wear have a lot of religious and esoteric meaning, Guru Prajwal said that the Charya giti also tells us about their compassion and power, their ability to enlighten and transform, their willingness to come to the aid of struggling practitioners, leading them to liberation. 

Charya Nritya is a meditational dance that tells us stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities, added Prajwal who is also chief pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Noting that Charya Nritya is a Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years, Guru Prajwal, a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, told the participants that these dances are performed by Newar Buddhist priests known as Vajracharyas as part of their esoteric meditation practices and rituals.

Speaking about the musical instruments used with traditional Newar Vajrayana Buddhist Charya dance, 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest Prajwal said that Tinchu, small hand cymbals and Damaru, small double-headed drum are the only instruments used in the Charya dances.

Informing that, in Portland "We dance more than 50 Charya dances, many of which we have created", the Guru stated:"My father Ratna Kaji Vajracharya collected 556 Charya in his Charya books, volume 1 and 2. Likewise, my brother, who is also collecting ancient Charya giti, has about 1,500 of them he would like to publish."

In discussing the history of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in Nepal, Prajwal also mentioned the visits of Vipaswi Buddha, Shikhi Buddha, Vishwobhu Buddha, Krakuchanda Buddha, Kashyap Buddha and Kanakmuni Buddha to the Nepal Mandala.

He also touched on the ancient and medieval Mahasiddhas like Shantikaracharya, the first Vajracharya guru of the Nepal Mandala, Surat Vajra Vajracharya, Lila Vajra Vajracharya, Manju Vajra Vajracharya and so on.

The short course conducted by Prajwal familiarized the participants with foundational movements, mudras and exercises to train the body and wake up the subtle channels, as well as the complete dances of Refuge, 16 Offering Goddesses and Green Tara. The course laid the groundwork for all future deity dances.

Meditation practice, Buddhism study and practice were also the part of the course. Guru Prajwal's lectures on the sacred dances of Nepal presented comprehensive details on Pancha Buddha (Vairochana, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi, Akshovya), Manjushree, Nairatma, Vajrayogini and other deities.

The course on the Sacred Buddhist Dances of Nepal was an opportunity for Californians to get familiar with foundational training in Charya Nritya dance, a unique Newar Buddhist tradition from Nepal dating back over a thousand years that uses the physical body as a vehicle for liberating the mind. 

By uniting movement, visualization and awareness, the course participants were able to learn to emulate and then fully embody the qualities of diverse Buddhist deities - male and female, peaceful and wrathful - and to genuinely express those enlightened qualities through one's own body, speech, mind and activities.

The course was participated by 15 people in-person. During the course, Prajwal Guruji also answered to many questions raised by the participants.

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Prajwal Designated as WNO's Cultural Ambassador

Portland, Sept 15 (Nepal Oregon News): In a recent announcement, World Newah Organization (WNO)  has named patrons, advisors and cultural and literary ambassadors of WNO. 

The WNO has designated Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya as its Cultural Ambassador (Buddhist Rituals). Similarly, Basov Rajopadhyaya was named as WNO Cultural Ambassador (Hindu Rituals). Likewise, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Sangha member Daya Shakya was named Patron of the WNO.

Not long ago, a special award of appreciation by WNO - USA Chapter was also presented to Prajwal Guruji for his dedicated support and contribution to Newah culture and heritage through continued service and promotion in the USA and abroad.

There is no doubt that WNO's nomination of Prajwal Vajracharya as WNO's Cultural Ambassador and WNO - USA Special Award represent recognition and appreciation for Vajracharya's role and achievement in promoting the value of Newar culture and heritage.

Nepal Oregon News extends congratulations to esteemed Guruji Prajwal for being named WNO's Cultural Ambassador and wishes him further success in spreading the values of Newah Vajrayana Buddhism through Vajrayana Buddhist rituals and Buddhist charya dances.

 It is to be noted that Vajracharya has been honored with numerous awards by different organizations in the past.

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Ihi Rituals for Three Newar Girls Solemnized at the Portland Temple

Portland, Sept 30 (Nepal Oregon News): Ihi rituals of Ira and Ava Maharjan (daughters of Jasmine and Surya Maharjan from Seattle) and Nova Vajracharya (daughter of Sachi and Prince Vajracharya from Seattle) were solemnized by Prajwal Vajracharya, a priest and ritual master of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal, at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, Sept 30, 2022.

Three Newah girls from Seattle attended Ihi ceremony, while Prajwal Guruji  solemnized the Ihi ceremony on Friday, Sept 30, 2022 at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA.

Ihi ritual is a unique tradition in Newah culture where little Newah girls make commitment to the Bel fruit (wood apple).

During the ceremony held at Portland's Newah Buddhist temple, the girls were prepared as little brides dressed in a fancy red and golden colored blouse, saree and shawl.

The Vihara was cleaned for the Ihi ceremony. The little brides walked in around the Buddhist temple. Then, the girls were accorded a laskus (auspicious welcome) at the main entrance of the temple.

After that, the little girls were measured from head to toe by Prajwal Guruji with yellow thread and then garlanded the thread around their neck.

Gurumandala Puja, Mamaki Puja, Kalash Puja and Bali Puja were performed on the occasion by Prajwal Guruji who is the chief priest at the Mahavihara.

Puja Bha Dema consisting of Sinha, Swan, Jaki, Ita, Goja, Dhup etc were carefully prepared for the ceremony. Auspicious Vajra and sacred Bell were used during the Puja by Prajwal Guruji. Sukunda lamps were also lit. Four men sprinkled water on the head of Ihi girls.

After the Jwala Nhayakan worshipping and Sinha Mu praying, Prajwal Guruji gave a dab of Sinha to the Ihi girls. Also, during the ceremony, pratidaan ritual was offered by using bel, paan ko paat, two betel nuts and coins. The fathers of the Ihi girls put them into their laps and the girls were sworn in that they will always do good things in their lives.

Ihi girls were given the touch of the auspicious Vajra and sacred water sprinkled on them from Shankha by the Guruji - wishing them prosperity, happiness and health. Prayings were offered to all the Gods, Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and Dakinis. Dhau Sagun, boiled egg and anchovy were offered to the Ihi girls at the end of the ceremony. Gwe Daan and presents were given  to Ihi girls from the parents.

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Macha Janko (Rice Feeding Ceremony) of American Child Frank Held at Portland Baha

Portland, Sept 29 (Nepal Oregon News): A Macha Janko (rice feeding ceremony) was performed for a little boy Frank, son of Sangha members Ashley Low and Casey Redman at the temple of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Thursday, Sept 29, 2022.

Rice feeding ceremonies of infants from Nepalese community are held very frequently across America. But the Anna Prasana ceremony of an American infant  performed by a Buddhist Gubhaju at a Buddhist temple is very rare in the USA.

During the Macha Janko, a mandala was drawn and Gurumandala Puja was performed by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya. The Guruji used a variety of mantras, repeated offerings of the five elements in the form of flowers, fruit and rice, incense, water and candle light, as well as ritual objects to complete Macha Janko ceremony.

According to Prajwal Guruji, this important lifecycle ceremony is a large family celebration in Nepal, as it is the first time a child is fed solid food. It signifies his movement from infancy to toddlerhood, where he will be more on his own, moving about, learning and absorbing more of the world around him. 

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Yenya Punhi Celebrated by Chanting Naamsangiti

Portland, Sept (Nepal Oregon News): Yenya Punhi (Purnima - Full Moon Day) was observed by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara by chanting Naamsangiti in the zoom. The Naamsangiti chanting was participated by 10 people from USA, Hong Kong and Austria.

According to Prajwal Vajracharya, in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Manjushree Naamsangiti is one of the most important preachings of Shakya Muni Tathagata. It consists of 167 verses and Mantra sentences.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been organizing Naamsangiti Recitation on every full moon day of the month for last three years. Also, Naamsangiti is recited daily at the Mahavihara during the month of Gunla (Nepal Sambat Lunar Calendar).

Likewise, other regular activities of the Mahavihara, such as, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan recitation were conducted on each Wednesday. Dharani chanting was organized, as usual, on every Tuesday and Charya singing practice was held every Friday morning. 

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newar journalist and writer in USA) 

 

Queen Elizabeth Passes Away

Nepal Oregon News reporter

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who was the Queen of the United Kingdom for seventy years, passed away at age 96.

When Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth paid her first state visit to Nepal in 1961 (2017 Bikram Sambat) on the invitation of late King Mahendra, it was Boris Lissanevitch, a Russian and pioneer of hotel industry in Nepal, who flew in cavier from Caspian Sea and lined up 376 elephants to salute Her late Majesty with their trunks.

This is just a piece of history.  The late Queen again was on a state visit to Nepal on the invitation of late King Birendra for the second time in 2043 Bikram Sambat.

Nepal Oregon News expresses heart-felt condolences to the British Royal family. We all have to go one day from this world. Anichavata Sankhara. Wishing Nibbana to the departed soul of Her late Majesty the Queen.

Classical Singing is Based on Improvisations, Says Dhakal

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya

(From left to right: Joshua Proto, Prabhu Raj Dhakal and Michael Stirling during the Raga concert at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.)

Portland, Aug 28 (Nepal Oregon News): A classical Raga concert by Prabhu Raj Dhakal was organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, Aug 27, 2022 at its temple in Portland, USA.

At the beginning of the Raga concert, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, gave a short introduction of Raga singer Dhakal. 

I am very happy that Maestro Dhakal is here at the Temple to perform Raga singing, Guru Vajracharya said.

The enthralling and mesmerizing Raga performance of Prabhu was accompanied on Tanpura by senior American Raga artist and teacher Michael Stirling and Sangha member and Charya giti singer Joshua Proto.

Prior to the starting of the concert, Dhakal spoke to the enthusiastic gathering and said that classical singing is a singing which is based on improvisations.

Laying emphasis on the relevance of Raga singing, Dhakal expressed the view that people need to be aware of classical music's meaning and its role in a civilized society.

I am so grateful to be presenting Raga recital at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the first and only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in the West, said Dhakal.

Maestro Dhakal on the occasion played Swar Mandal (a kind of harp) and gave a spirited rendition of such classical Ragas as Yaman, Raga Bhairavi and Charukesh.

This was the first Raga concert at the Portland Baha -- attended by about 30 people -- after the relaxation of the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines.

Majority of the audience were Americans. Nevertheless, there were also some Nepalese guests at the Raga gathering.

Dhakal, who has been working as a music teacher at Kathmandu University for about three decades, has performed Raga concerts in different European countries, but this is the first time he is giving musical performances in the US cities, and he believes he will again come to the US in future for more Raga recital.

Prabhu Raj is a deeply passionate, experienced and focused singer, musician and teacher following on the footsteps of his father late Sangeet Praveen Nara Raj Dhakal (1920-2004) who was a Maestro of classical music and was an academician of Nepal Government Academy.

Dhakal has received several important awards for his contributions in the classical music and singing, such as, Natikaji Rastriya Sangeet Bishesh Samman, Gold Medal from Narayan Sangeet Ashram, Rangaraw Kadambari Purashkar etc.

Dhakal has so many CDs and albums to his credit. His album 'Khumlay', which was a collaboration with Norwegian artists, was nominated Norwegian Grammy Award.

Meanwhile, Michael Stirling, who is a teacher of Hindustani Voice (Raga Singing) at Portland's Lewis & Clark College and who is a disciple of late master of Indian classical Raga singing Pandit Pran Nath (1918-1996), posted a story on Facebook on Aug 27, 2022 about Dhakal's Raga concert at the Buddhist Mahavihara.

Raga Guru Stirling's Facebook post read like a much-needed shot in the arm for the Raga enthusiasts. He said:"Oh my goodness, what a beautiful evening of  Raga and Buddha Temple. Thanks to Prajwal R Vajracharya, a very wonderful Nepali Raga singer Prabhu Raj Dhakal  gave a stunning and heartfelt recital this evening at Dance Mandal, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara."

Maestro Stirling said:"My student and dear friend Joshua Proto and I accompanied Prabhu Raj on  a pair of my tamburas for the concert. The instruments have never sounded better. What a beautiful evening. The audience was showered with love and Raga."

"It's the second opportunity that I've had to accompany a classical singer since I got sick. Such a wonderful thing to do. Very healing as well as immersive in the very human and musical expression," Stirling went on saying in the Facebook post.

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Dance Mandal Portland Team Performs Charya Dances at Nepal Festival 2022 in Seattle

Portland, Aug 29 (Nepal Oregon News): Dance Mandal team consisting of  Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and his students performed rare Chacha Pyakhan (Charya Dances) with live singing at Nepal Festival 2022.

Dabuli's seventh annual cultural event 'Nepal Festival 2022' was organized at Volunteer Park, Seattle. Dabuli is a 501(c) 3 charity organization. It aims to advance deeper understanding and strengthening of rich music, arts and cultural heritage of Nepal and the Himalayan region to build strong intercultural communities.

The free event, presented by Dabuli in partnership with a number of organizations including Dance Mandal Portland (Nritya Mandala Mahavihara) and Newah Organization of America - Seattle Chapter, showcased traditional and contemporary Newah and Nepalese art, music, dance and more.

The focus of Nepal Festival 2022 was to preserve the Newah and Nepali culture in the community and also provide an opportunity for the broader public to experience the very rich and unique but often inaccessible culture.

Dabuli's Nepal Festival 2022 provided  an artistic platform for different indigenous and ethnic communities of Nepal to demonstrate their traditions and rich cultural apparels.

The event, which showcased the diversity and talent of Newah and Nepalese culture, also featured culturally relevant activities and ethnic food like Momos and Chhoyela Baji.

All the cultural items presented at the Nepal Festival 2022 were stunning, amazing and enthralling but the esoteric Charya dance 'Pancha Buddha' was the one that stole the show.

The Pancha Buddha charya dance was performed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Riyaz Khan.

Likewise, Anna Shustrova also presented a Charya dance 'Vajrayogini', while Anastasia Roderick performed another  Charya dance 'Manjushree' on the occasion.

The vocal singing for Charya dances was provided by Joshua Proto, a senior Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. The whole program at the Nepal Festival 2022 was also conducted by Joshua.

Similarly, Prabhu Raj Dhakal, one of the prominent Raga singers of Nepal presented Kedar Raga  and Mangal Dhun at the Nepal Festival.

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Virtual Foundation Teaching for Hong Kong Sangha Members

Portland, Aug 7 (Nepal Oregon News):  A virtual Foundation Teaching on Charya Dance was organized on Saturday, Aug 6, 2022 for Hong Kong Dance Mandal members. The Foundation Teaching on Charya dance was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya.

Guruji Prajwal, who is one of the senior-most  Charya Nritya gurus in the world, said the foundation teaching lays groundwork for all  to-be continued studies in the tradition of sacred Buddhist dances of Nepal.

Addressing the zoom participants from Hong Kong, Guruji Vajracharya underscored the importance of Charya dance in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

Prajwal, who is a ritual master of both the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms performed by the Newar Vajrayana lineage, told the virtual gathering of Hong Kong Sangha members:"You don't practice Charya as a form of entertainment. But you do it as a form of spiritual movement, as a meditation, as a prayer, as a sadhana."

The Guruji went on saying:"Charya nritya is a Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. It is performed by Newar Buddhist priests known as Vajracharyas as part of their esoteric meditation, practices and rituals."

Guruji Prajwal added:"Charya dance is a meditational dance that tells stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities."

Touching on Charya giti, he said:"Charya giti also tells us about the iconography of deities and yoginis, about what they are holding in their hands and what they are wearing." Charya giti focuses on compassion, liberation, enlightenment and transformation, he said.

Guruji Prajwal threw light on the history of this ancient practice. We must train our bodies in the movements, exercises, hand and foot mudras, and techniques that are the foundations of Charya dance and we must practice the Refuge and 16 offering Goddess dances, the Guruji said.

At the end of the virtual Foundation Teaching, Guruji Prajwal answered to the questions of the participants. The zoom teaching was participated by 20 Sangha members of the Hong Kong Dance Mandal.

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Panjaran (Panchadan) Observed at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

Portland, Aug 26 (Nepal Oregon News):  Newar Vajrayana Buddhist festival Panjaran (Panchadan) was observed modestly at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Thursday, Aug 25, 2022.

Panjaran is also Panchadan which means giving away different kinds of alms, such as, grains and fruits like rice, paddy, salt, peas, bananas, radish etc to people from Vajracharya and Shakya communities.

Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema who are American Buddhists and Aniruddha Shakya, Rabin Man Shakya were given auspicious alms by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya on the occasion of Panjaran.

Daan Gatha was recited by Guruji Prajwal along with the Panjaran participants. At the end of Panchadan program, a Kheer bhojan was offered to Panjaran participants by  Guruji Prajwal.

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Month-long Gunla Dharma Celebrated Amid Naamsangiti Chanting in Portland

Portland, Aug 29 (Nepal Oregon News): Nritya Mandala Mahavihara celebrated month-long Gunla Dharma by reciting Naamsangiti everyday in the zoom for the whole month of Gunla in the Nepal Sambat era.

This year, the month-long Gunla Dharma kicked off on July 29 and ended on Aug 28, 2022.

In Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Naamsangiti is one of the most important preachings of Shakyamuni Tathagata. It consists of 167 verses and mantra sentences.

Guruji Prajwal said:"Gunla is a holy month for Newar Buddhists when they recite the scriptures particularly Naamsangiti, observe fasts and visit places of worship playing devotional music."

"It is one of the most important and auspicious times of the year in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism," added Vajracharya.

The month-long Gunla Dharma Naamsangiti  reciting in the zoom was participated by people from USA, Hong Kong, Nepal and Germany etc and included Guruji Prajwal, Dr Tina Ho, Ling Ling, Dickon, Sabin Bajracharya, Susan Morningstar, Joshua Proto, Lesson Baker, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema, Anastasia Roderick, Dina Shakya, Gabriel Quitslund, Kacey Redman, Ashley Low, Crystal, Naveena Shakya and Rabin Man Shakya.

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Ihi Rituals of a Newar Girl Held in Victoria, Canada

Portland, Aug 22 (Nepal Oregon News): Girls from Newar community in Nepal get married at least three times in their lifetime. The first ceremony called Ihi is where pre-adolescent girls make a commitment to Bel fruit (wood apple).

The Ihi is followed by Bara Tayegu where girls are again married to the Sun God. The ritual is practiced before the girl hits puberty or before her first menstrual period.

A girl named Neeva Shakya attended an Ihi ceremony organized on Sunday Aug 21, 2022 at the home of Rajendra Shakya in Victoria, Canada.

The Ihi ceremony was ritualized by Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest and chief Pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Ihi girl Neeva Shakya is the daughter of Rajendra Shakya and Nina Kansakar Shakya living in Victoria, Canada.

Guruji Prajwal, who is also a scholar on Buddhism, said:"The Ihi ritual has been in practice since hundreds of years. It is an important 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 and healthy and longlasting. Wood apple tree can bring conscious mind."

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Sacred Rituals Performed to Pay Tributes to Late Maharjan and Late Mali

Portland, Aug 16 (Nepal Oregon News): Guru Prajwal Vajracharya performed the Dakila ceremony death rituals for late Jagat Maharjan on Aug 15, 2022 at the residence of Bikas Maharjan, son of late Maharjan.

Likewise, on Aug 16, 2022, Nida Tithi ceremony was performed  by Guruji Prajwal at the home of Raju Mali in Tigard to commemorate  the second anniversary of the demise of his mother late Ms Chandra Mali.

The Gurumandala Puja, Maamaki Puja and others were also conducted during the both rituals by the Guruju. The Shraddh rituals are conducted so that the heavenly journey of the deceased souls after death is comfortable and stress-free. 

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Newar journalist in America)

  

Advanced Teaching on 'Ekajati' Charya Nritya Held

Without Singing and Dancing, There is No Liberation, Says Vajracharya

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, July 12 (Nepal Oregon News): "Charya singing and dancing is an integral part of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. Without singing and dancing, there is no liberation."

Prajwal Vajracharya, a senior Charya Guru and co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) said this while conducting a Charya talk for the members of Hong Kong Dance Mandal.

Charya talk for Hong Kong group was organized in the zoom on July 11, 2022 and was participated by 25 members of the Hong Kong Sagha.

Prior to  starting of the talk, Guru Prajwal also offered chanting rituals to Lord Padmanateshvara. Sixteen offering prayers and nritya was also performed by the Guruji on the occasion.

Underscoring the importance of Charya dance, Rev Vajracharya, who is also a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, said that the Charya dance tradition  is one of the religious arts of the Newar Tantric Buddhist priests of the Kathmandu valley, who perform it as part of their esoteric meditation and rituals since before the time of the Buddha.

Singing is the mantra, dancing is the meditation. When you combine the two - dance and song - that becomes HeVajra Tantra, from where liberation comes. Through it you grow spiritually, and you can liberate yourself from the bondages and limitations, Vajracharya went on saying. 

The veteran Charya Guru made it clear that Charya is not just a dance, it is a teaching, it is preaching as well a philosophy which teaches you a lot of things to move forward in life.

Newah Buddhism and civilization are very ancient and they were not known outside the world, he said."The 12th century was a dark century for Buddhism in Nepal, India and other countries. During the time of setbacks in this period, Buddhism was taken over by other religious regimes and Buddhism was made a minority religion," he said.

Attributing to the causes of hidden culture and hidden nature of Charya dance, he said:"Non-Buddhist regimes in the past centuries have been apathetical to the cause of development of Buddhism in Nepal." Despite hidden nature, this tradition survived and it is alive. That's the beauty about Nepal, Vajracharya stated.

When the Fourth World Buddhist Conference was held in Kathmandu, one Buddhist Charya dance was shown at that time, Prajwal said.

Touching on Charya giti, he said:"Charya lyrics tells us about the iconography of deities and yoginis, about what they are holding in their hands and what they are wearing." Charya giti focuses on compassion, liberation, enlightenment and transformation, he added.

Prajwal Guruji's lecture on sacred Charya dances of Nepal presented comprehensive details on Pancha Buddha, Manjushree, Vajrayogini, Nairatma and other deities.

Similarly, the talk zeroed in on the visits to Nepal Mandala by various ancient Buddhas like Vipashwi, Shikhi, Vishwovu, Krakuchanda, Kashyap and Kanakmuni Buddhas. His talk also shed light on ancient Mahasiddhas like Shantikaracharya - the first Bajracharya Guru of the Nepal Mandala, Surat Bajra, Manju Bajra, Shaswot Bajra and Lila Bajra Bajracharya and so on.

"In Portland, we dance more than 50 Charya dances, many of which we have created. But there are thousands of Charya dances," Vajracharya stated. "My father, Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, collected 556 charya in his book 'Charya Muna' volumes 1 and 2. Likewise, my brother, who is also collecting ancient Charya giti, has about 1,500 of them he would like to publish", the Guruji said.

On a different note, Prajwal Guruji said:" Musical instruments used in Charya nritya  and Charya singing are Taa (two little cymbals) and Damaru (Kanta Dub Dub). Similarly, there are 18 different rhythms and 42 different melodies for Charya singing, he added.

During the talk, Vajracharya also lauded the role and contribution of Hong Kong Dance Mandal in disseminating and enhancing Charya nritya. Similarly, the Guruji replied to various queries raised by the participants.

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"Buddhist Deities Embody Hand Mudras for Purity, Power and Wisdom"

Portland, July 31 (Nepal Oregon News): A four week course on Mudra Yoga which was conducted by Prajwal Vajracharya of Portland and hosted by Yangchenma Arts and Music, Los Angeles, was organized in the zoom from July 9 to 30, 2022. The Mudra Yoga classes were held once a week on July 9, 16, 23 and 30.

40 people from 15 different countries had participated at the Mudra Yoga webinar.

This Mudra Yoga webinar provided the participants with ample opportunities to learn about various Mudras, such as, Tibetan Ayurvedic Mudra and Dhyan Mudra. Throwing light on the iconography of deities, Prajwal who is one of the seniormost  Charya Nritya gurus in the world, also talked about Lalitasana, Santikaramudra, Abhayamudra, Adhaparyanka, Bhumisparshamudra, Dharmachakramudra, Tarpanamudra, Varadamudra, Vitarkamudra, Namaskarmudra etc.

The four-week virtual conference also dealt with the galaxy's role in the Mudra. He also touched on the wheel of life and life cycle rituals.The talk also focused on the functions of the veins during the Mudra Yoga and highlighted about Foot Refloxology chart.

Laying emphasis on the importance of Mudra Yoga, Vajracharya, who is a priest from one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineages of Nepal, said that the Buddhist deities embody hand mudras for purety, power and wisdom. Also, during each webinar, Prajwal Guruji began the practice of Mudra Yoga with the meaning and significance of each finger.

Prajwal Guruji stressed that applying the appropriate gesture can heal the organs, tissues, bones and nerves of the body.

The international webinar emphasized spiritual yoga through subtle fluidity of movement, breath and skillness.

According to Prajwal, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest, Mudra Yoga is an ancient technology that has been used for thousands of years by people wishing to deepen their spiritual understanding and grow on the spiritual path.

The veteran Charya nritya Guru Vajracharya said:"The practice of deity yoga supports an appreciation of the inner beauty of the body and cultivates understanding of our personal mudras as unique expression."

During the four-week virtual talk, Rev Prajwal Guruji guided participants with simple movement gestures and positions from his lineage of deity yoga. The Guruji also answered to questions of the participants in each session.

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Guru Purnima (Dilla Punhi) Observed in Portland, USA amid Chanting of Naamsangiti

Portland, July 14 (Nepal Oregon News): Guru Purnima, which is a day to pay respect and honor a teacher or Guru, was observed on July 13, 2022 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) by reciting Manjushree Naamsangiti.

Manjushree Naamsangiti was recited at the Portland Buddhist temple by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Gretchen, Mario Mastrangelo and Allie. Similarly, there were 20 participants reciting Naamsangiti in the zoom from USA, Hong Kong, Canada and so on.

Guru Purnima is also known as Dilla Punhi among the Newah people of Nepal.

"Guru Purnima is not just a regular purnima for the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, it is a special Purnima because it is related to a Guru. And our Mahavihara at Portland, USA is not just a regular temple, it is also a temple of learning Charya dance," said its co-founder Prajwal Vajracharya.

In Buddha Dharma, there is a great place of honor and respect for teachers or Gurus. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter were inundated with Guru Purnima greetings and best wishes.

 Notable among them was the one posted on July 13 in the Facebook by Sangha member Joshua Proto to his Gurus Prajwal Vajracharya and Michael Stirling.

 Joshua's post said:"Happy Guru Purnima to my dear Gurus on the path Prajwal R. Vajracharya and Michael Stirling. I would not be where I am today without you both, and for that, I'm deeply grateful. I wish my teachers Michael Stirling and Prajwal R Vajracharya simply the best on this Guru Purnima. Thank you both for your endless generosity and connection to lineage."

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Kids of Sangha Members Take Part at Dharma Camp, Mandala on Mountain

Portland, July 30 (Nepal Oregon News): Arya Tara Shakya and Veena Shakya,  daughters of Uppa and Suva Shakya, Amrita Nakamura Rybak, daughter of Corinne and John Rybak and Shreya Maharjan, daughter of Rajesh and Bijaya Maharjan participated at Dharma Camp, Mandala on the Mountain.

Mandala on the Mountain, also known as Dharma Camp, was a week-long summer camp for kids organized at Molalla Retreat by Dharma Rain Zen Center (DRZC) from July 24-29, 2022 for kids aged nine through eighteen who are interested in Buddhism.

According to DRZC, the camp experience combines traditional camp activities, such as, swimming, crafts, sports, and a campfire, with Buddhist practices like meditation, a chanted morning service, silent breakfast, and mindful work practice.

"Campers come from a variety of traditions and have different levels of familiarity with Buddhism,  but are willing to participate in our forms for the week of camp," DRZC added.

Participation of the kids of the Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, a temple of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in Portland, at the Dharma Camp, Mandala on the Mountain at Molalla Retreat is a testimony of growing interest of our kids to Buddhism and other camp activities, said Mahavihara's co-founder Prajwal Vajracharya. 

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Advanced Teaching on 'Ekajati' Charya Nritya

Portland, July 25 (Nepal Oregon News): An impromptu advanced class  of Charya dance 'Ekajati' was organized for members of the Hong Kong Dance Mandal on Sunday, July 24, 2022. 

The zoom teaching on 'Ekajati' charya dance  was conducted by senior Charya Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya performing 'Ekajati' Charya dance.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Guruji said:"This dance is named after the deity 'Ekajati'. This is one of the ancient classical Charya dances. This dance is performed as a devotion to the deity Ekajati."

Addressing the zoom gathering, Prajwal Guruji expressed the view that Dance Mandal USA and Hong Kong Dance Mandal should join forces to promote and preserve classical Charya dances like Ekajati.

The virtual teaching presented a detailed and comprehensive  description of Ekajati classical Charya dance.

 Ekajati is also known as one of the most powerful and fierce protectors in Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, he said.

Ekajati is also known as Blue Tara, Vajra Tara or Ugra Tara, said Vajracharya who is also a priest and ritual master of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal.

Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"Ekajati is a semi-wrathful protector deity, blue in color and awesome to behold. She is beautiful and splendorous with her short and stout body, huge belly and angry face. Ekajati is a mask dance."

Ekajati wears a tiger skin, bone ornaments and snakes and is destroyer of all fears. Ekajati dances upon negative forces that fuel the path to enlightenment, said the Guruji.

Prajwal Guruji added:"In this dance, symbolic movements of hands and fingers are skillfully timed with general body movements and facial expressions."

During the advanced class of Charya dance 'Ekajati', Prajwal Guruji provided the zoom participants with the Charya giti 'Ekajati'. He also demonstrated movements of Ekajati charya dance for the participants. 

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Online Course on Kurukulla Concludes

Portland, July 2 (Nepal Oregon News): A five-week live online course on Kurukulla Singing and Dancing organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara from June 3 concluded on July 1, 2022.

The Kurukulla Singing and Dancing  course was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Mahavihara.

Empowerment chanting of deity Kurukulla was bestowed - to the virtual participants from various countries as well as to the Sangha members who were present at the temple - by Prajwal Guruji who is a 35th generation Vajrayana priest.

 On the occasion, Gurumandala Puja was also performed by Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members.

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Month-long Gunla Dharma Kicks off in Portland

Portland, July30 (Nepal Oregon News): Gunla Dharma kicked off from Friday, July 29, 2022 onwards for a whole month. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA has been observing Gunla Dharma for last four years.

The Mahavihara celebrates the Gunla Dharma month by chanting Naamsangiti everyday for the whole Gunla month. From Friday, July 29, the reciting of Naamsangiti in the zoom has started at the Mahavihara in Portland.

The first day of reciting of Naamsangiti was taken part by 15 participants on July 29, 2022 from Oregon, California, Hong Kong and Canada.

Throwing light on the importance of reciting Naamsangiti during the Gunla month, Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya said that there are a lot of important Newah festivals during this month.

Meanwhile, the regular  Dharani recitation is being held virtually every Tuesday, while Charya singing practice continues to be organized in the zoom every Friday. Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan take place each Wednesday remotely at the Mahavihara.

Dharani recitation was launched at the end of 2019 by Prajwal Guruju with the objective of promoting the meaning and importance of Dharani literature. In the beginning, Dharani was recited at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara by Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members. But after the start of Covid-19 pandemic in Oregon in March 2020, the Dharani started to be recited in the zoom. Recently, on the request of the Dharani participants, Prajwal Guruji launched the translation project of Dharani literature from Sanskrit to English starting from the first week of July 2022. On each Tuesday, during Dharani recitation, Prajwal Guruji is also translating the stanzas of Dharani line by line. 

(Rabin Man Shakya is one of the few Nepalese journalists in USA)

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