Sangha Members Celebrate Vihara's 15th Anniversary with Various Events

Rabin Man Shakya

(Prajwal Vajracharya performing Vajrapani Charya nritya dance)

Portland, Nov 10 (Nepal Oregon News): A day-long program was organized on Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 to mark the 15th anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the first and only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery in the West. The anniversary celebration kicked off with the Gurumandala Puja and Homa Puja in the morning.

(Chief priest of the Vihara Prajwal Guruji chanting rituals for Gurumandala and Homa Puja)

Gurumandala and Homa Puja were elaborately conducted by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest. Other participants of the Gurumandala Puja were Sangha members: Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema, Gabriel Quitslund and Naveena Shakya. To mark the occasion, 108 butter lamps were lit and illuminated.

(Gurumandala Puja participants - from left to right - Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema, Anastasia Roderick, Naveena Shakya, Anna Shustrova, Riyaz Khan and Gabriel Quitslund)

(Deep Prajwalan)

After that, Sangha members and other guests welcomed the 15th anniversary of the Vihara with Refuge dance for 108 consecutive times. Refuge dance, which is a performance of Buddha Bandana dance through Charya Nritya, was performed 108 times continuously by American and Nepali devotees. Buddhist practitioners take refuge daily in the Buddha, the teacher, the Dharma, the teachings and the Sangha, the community. In Charya Nritya, a practitioner takes refuge  through embodiment of these "three jewels" - the Buddha, as the teacher of meditation, Shakya Muni Buddha; the Dharma teachings as Manjushree weilding his wisdom sword and text, the Sangha as the supportive community in the form of the lord of compassiion.

Evening celebrations of the anniversary started with Buddha Bandana Bhajans: Jaya Namo Shree, Dasparamita Purna Yana, Najato Namo Buddhaye and Anitya Lumanke Nu. Buddha Bandana Bhajans were beautifully performed by Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Susan Morningstar.

The anniversary celebration wrapped up with the international Charya dance presentation. Refuge Dance and 16 Offering Goddess Dance were presented by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Susan Morningstar, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema and Corinne Nakamura-Rybak. Sixteen Offering Godess dance, also known as, Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit, are sixteen dance postures representing various musical instrument offering as well as other sense offerings. They are personified as the sixteen goddesses of sensual enjoyment who show honor to the central deities of the Mandala through their pure offerings. 

After that, Rakta Ganesha Charya dance was presented by Joshua Proto. The image of Rakta Ganesha  (Red Ganesha) is generally found along with Mahakala at the entrance of monasteries in the Kathmandu valley as a protective deity. He has an elephant head, three eyes and ten arms. This is a mask dance.

Little later, Charya Nritya dances "Pancha Tara" and "Singhamukha" were performed by the Sangha members of Hong Kong Dance Mandal on the zoom. Pancha Tara dance was offered by Dr Tina Ho, Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Sanniti Leung, Nora Ng, Dickon Kong, Wing Yee Lam and Valisha Ping.

Pancha Tara creates a three dimensional Mandala of five colored Taras. It is beautiful to see myriad emanations of the Goddes Arya Tara and the different activities of each deity. According to Praises of Twenty-One Tara, it is said that Tara has 21 forms of ultimate emanations. Each of the Tara has its specific color that serves a specific function -- White Tara represents ultimate purity and enlightenment. Green Tara is the first Tara, the beginning of every other Tara. She is regarded as the Goddess of luck when depicted with other Taras. It is believed that Yellow Tara who represents Avalokiteshvara's wrathful form and is thought to have been born from his scowl, is the protector of compassionate and loving people. Blue Tara who is the powerful companion of Green Tara is frequently seen in artwork and is thought to guard both the Taras and all good beings. The original Tara's strength of love is symbolized by the Red Tara. 

Singhamukha charya dance was performed by Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Lau, Saldon Wu and Lingling Lee. Singhamukha is a lion-faced female Buddha who is red in color, fearless and very wrathful, emphasizing that enlightenment is not a passionate state, but rather a state of wholeness in which one has access to all the energies and capacities of one's being.

Likewise, Padmasambhava Charya Nritya was presented by Bobby Romansky. Padmasambhava is wrathful and smiling, wrathful like Vajrapani. His two eyes are always wide open straightforward - always awakening the people.

Similarly, another one of the Tara dance -- Arya Tara, White Tara, Avalokiteshvara -- was performed by Anna Shustrova, Pepper Koscis and Adam Bidema. Avalokiteshvara is a compassionate Bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings, and who works tirelessly to help those who call upon his name. Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of universal compassion and has the softest, gentlest and most fluid of dances represented in the Charya nritya tradition.

Moreover, Khadgayogini charya dance was displayed by Anastasia Roderick. This deity is called Khadgayogini because she holds a Khadga (sword) in one of her hands. Khadgayogini, who is red in color, is a semi-wrathful Dakini. She is four-handed or six-handed goddess. She holds lotus, Kapala, Khadga, Kartri on her different hands and wears tiger's skin. Khadgayogini is short in height and has a conspicuous belly. She is an embodiment of compassion but she also can eliminate the evil forces. 

(Anastasia Roderick offering Khadgayogini charya nritya dance)

Next, Vajrayogini charya dance was rendered by Riyaz Khan. This dance is named after Goddess Vajrayogini. It is one of the ancient classical Charya dances  of Nepal. According to TantricVajrayana Buddhism, there are four yoginis or Tantric Goddesses in the Kathmandu valley. In this dance, symbolic movement of hands and legs are skillfully timed with general body movement   and facial expressions. This dance shows beautiful mixture, strong sense of protection, preservation, anger and peaceful emotions.

Finally, ferocious Vajrapani charya dance was performed by Prajwal Guruji. Vajrapani is a wrathful Bodhisattva dark blue in color, with bloodshot eyes and an angry glare. He holds a bell in his left hand and a Vajra in his right, and wears a tiger skin garment, snakes wrapping around his body, and ornaments made of bones and skulls. Wrathful deities dance upon the negative forces they have overcome and laugh with glee as they feast on raw painful negativity, the very means to enlightenment.

Board member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Kuon Hunt was the master of ceremony during the Charya nritya dance presentation. About 80 people took part at the anniversary ceremony. Among them were the Sangha members of the Vihara, community members and representatives of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), Nepa Chhen, NRNA - Oregon chapter and Nepal Oregon News. The participants and guests at the Vihara's 15th anniversary celebration were provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

(Riyaz Khan dancing a Vajrayogini charya nritya)

(Adam Bidema presenting Avalokiteshvara charya nritya dance.)

(Anna Shustrova carrying out White Tara charya nritya dance)

(Pepper Koascis giving  performance of Arya Tara charya nritya dance) 

(Bobby Romansky displaying Padmasambhava charya nritya dance)

(Joshua Proto offering Rakta Ganesha charya nritya)

(Sangha members and community participants)

(Buddha Bhajan songs being rendered by Anastasia Roderick, Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema and Susan Morningstar)

(Helen Appell, Ambika Shakya offering Refuge charya nritya dance)

(Sangha members doing the Refuge charya nritya dance.)

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Virtual Presentation on Newar Buddhism Held

Portland, Nov 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual presentation on "An Introduction to Newar Buddhism" was organized on Friday, Nov 15, 2024. The on-line presentation was skillfully offered by Matthew Ang from Singapore.

On the occasion, Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara welcomed the virtual participants and gave a short introduction of Math Ang.

Stressing on the need for promoting Newar Buddhism in America, Prajwal Guruji said that the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been carrying out a lot of activities, programs and events to enhance Newar Buddhism and culture in USA.

Singaporean Matthew Ang considers Prajwal as a teacher and says:"Teacher's father Ratna Kaji Vajracharya is a well known scholar who has published many books on Newar Buddhism, is an internationally recognized lineage holder of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. He was the one who brought out Newar Buddhism to the world against normal norms back then." 

According to Matthew, he met with Prajwal Guruji and got acquainted with Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in 2020.

Throwing light on the legend of the Swayambhu Purana of the Kathmandu valley, Matthew said:" During his visit to Nepal Mandala, Bodhisattva  Manjushree  sensed a radiant and powerful lake. Manjushree surveyed the lake, realized its spiritual benefits, and sliced through the hill, draining its water to make way for pilgrims and human settlement. Then, Manjushree established  Buddhism in Nepal and became the first Vajracharya, or a teacher of Tantric path, followed by Shantikaracharya."

Matthew also shed light on suppression of Newar Buddhism by major and powerful dynasties for 800 years.

Furthermore, underscoring the importance of Gurumandala puja in Newar Buddhism, he said:"The Gurumandala puja, the most ubiquitous and fundamental of all Newar Vajrayana Buddhist rituals is at its root a healing ritual, and can be used to remove impediments and bodily ills. Combined with the chanting of appropriate, powerful Mantras (Dharani), it can provide a healing powerhouse  of energy in only an hour and a half or two hours. This can be done in the temple or in the home."

Moreover, talking about the importance of Sanskrit in Newar Buddhism, he said that ancient Tantric texts are still from the original Sanskrit language. Famous Sadhanamala text, Pragyaparamita Sutras are also in Sanskrit. All the Charya gitis are in Sanskrit, he added.

Ang pointed out the significance  of Kaya (body), Vak (speech) and Chitta (mind) Mudras, and threw light on the use of Mudras for healing purposes. Addressing the remotely-held program, Ang also focused on Protection Mantras, Seed Syllable Mantras, Protection Mudras and so on. Speaking about Chakras in Newar Buddhism, he zeroed in on awakening Chakras, esoteric and syllable mantras and added that each Chakra has different Mantra. "Lifecycle rituals are quintessential in Newar Buddhism", he went on saying.

Matthew Ang also stressed on the need to further popularize and promote Newar Buddhism in the world. Matthew's talk presented a detailed description of Newar Buddhism, deity yoga and Charya Nritya and so on.

At the end of the online interaction program, Ang answered the questions of the participants. The zoom presentation was attended by about 25 participants from different countries including the Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association. Prominent guests at the remotely-held program were the founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Helen Appell and Prof Dr Miranda Shaw. Since Nov 15 was also the Full Moon Day, the presentation was followed by Manjushree Naamsangiti Chanting. 

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Macha Janko - Quintessential Newar Lifecycle Ritual

 Dewa Ratna Vajracharya's Rice Feeding Ceremony (Anna Prasana) Held in Kathmandu

Rabin Man Shakya

Kathmandu, Oct 24 (Nepal Oregon News): A Macha Janko (rice feeding ceremony) was performed  for a little boy Dewa Ratna Vajracharya (son of Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya and Teya Vajracharya) in Kathmandu on Thursday, Oct 24, 2024.

(Macha Janko ceremony of Dewa Ratna Vajracharya, son of Teya and Prajwal Vajracharya in Kathmandu, Nepal. Also seen in the picture is Japanese Charya nritya dancer Yuko Okomoto.

During the Macha Janko ceremony, a Mandala was drawn and Gurumandala Puja and other Newar Vajrayana Buddhist rituals were performed by senior Guruju Siddhi Muni Bajracharya.

The senior Guruju used a variety of Mantras, repeated Tantric offerings of the five elements in the form of flowers, fruits, rice, incense and water, as well as multitude of other Newar Vajrayana ritual objects to complete Macha Janko ceremony.

The religious and traditional rituals performed during the Macha Janko ceremony were elaborate, using so many traditional utensils and ritual objects, and were accompanied by cultural and esoteric elements that made it both a significant and enjoyable experience for the entire Vajracharya family in Kathmandu.

Also, during the ceremony, senior Guruju Siddhi Muni Bajracharya gave away flowers and dabbed 'Sinha' on the forehead of Prajwal Guruji, Teya, Dewa and all the relatives of Prajwal Guruji.

Renowned Japanese Charya Nritya dancer  Yuko Okomoto and Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA board member Uppa Shakya were also present during the cultural and traditional event of Dewa Ratna Vajracharya's Anna Prasana ceremony.

The rice feeding ceremony celebrates the child's first solid food. Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, noted that "Although this is a centuries-old tradition, modern science has now established that a child's digestive system is best able to process solid food when he or she reaches approximately six months."

Macha Janko's important ritual is to feed rice pudding for the first time in child's life, so baby Dewa was fed rice pudding from a small spoon by all the members of the Vajracharya family in age order.

One of the highlights of the Anna Prasana ceremony was the presentation of a large tray or kisti  to young Dewa. It is widely believed that the first thing the child takes or touches from the tray is an indicator of his later vocation in future life. On this tray were a variety of objects and toys. Baby Dewa  chose the Vajra and Mala with his right hand and the ritual bell with his left.

The elephant-headed deity - Ganesha - is the most important God for Macha Janko ceremony. Senior Guruju Siddhi Muni Bajracharya concluded the day with prayers to Ganesha for the removal of all obstacles from the life and growth of young Dewa.

This important lifecycle ceremony is largely a family celebration in Nepal, as it is the first time a child is fed solid food. This ceremony 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, says Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya.

Macha Janko (Nepal Bhasa), Pasni (Nepali) or Anna Prasana (Sanskrit) are words or names used for a toddler's rice feeding ceremony.

Kathupwa Chayekegu ritual (Vocal Chord opening ceremony) was held the next day of the Macha Janko ritual. Dewa's aunt took him to the nearest Ganesha temple and offered rituals to the deity for the child's health, prosperity and removal of obstacles. Then, baby Dewa was fed the top part of the 'Gwoja' which is also an essential item during the rituals.

Finally, a dinner reception was also organized in the evening  to mark the  the Macha Janko ceremony the same day at a Party Palace in Kathmandu. More than 300 people -- local dignitaries, friends and relatives -- took part at the Macha Janko dinner party. 

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Charya Nritya Blooms at Aksheswar Mahabihar

Lalitpur, Oct 29 (Nepal Oregon News): During a visit of Prajwal Vajracharya (co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA) to Nepal recently, a beautiful, brilliant and mesmerizing Charya Nritya program 'Chacha Bija' was organized on Tuesday, Oct 29, 2024 by Dance Mandal Nepal at Aksheswar Mahabihar in Lalitpur, Nepal.

At the program, Prajwal Vajracharya presented Vajravarahi charya dance. Vajravarahi is one of the most important female deities in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. She is the central deity in the Five Dakini Mandala and is the deity of compassion, but when chased by evil creatures, she can hide under the ground, protecting herself with the help of her boar's mouth. Vajravarahi is one of the manifestations of Vajrayogini. Vajravarahi is red in color and stands on a reclining body of Bhairava in dancing posture. She holds a Kartri in her right hand on level of head and holds a Kapala filled with blood in her left. The deity carries a Khatvanga stick surmounted by three skulls. She wears a garland of fifty severed heads and various gold ornaments.

Similarly, Vajrayogini charya dance was offered by Sangita Shakya. This dance is performed especially as a devotion to the Goddess Vajrayogini in Sankhu. Vajrayogini is a main female Buddha. She is semi-wrathful and bright red, dancing joyfully without shame or fear and glorifying in her femaleness. She drinks the nectar that fuels her in the intensity and clarity of an uncompromising motivation to cut through ignorance while embracing all accessible energies.

Likewise, Avalokiteshvara charya dance was performed by Namami Shakya. Avalokiteshvara charya dance is the embodiment of universal compassion and has the softest, gentlest and most fluid of the dances represented in the Charya dance tradition. This is an ancient form of deity yoga meditation for physical transformation, refinement of emotions and spiritual awareness.

 On the occasion, Charya giti for the Charya dances were vocalized by Swayambhu Ratna Shakya, Tanmaya and Suman Kapali.

Refuge dance and Sixteen Offering Goddess Dances were also presented at the program which was attended by 150 personalities from different walks of life. The chief guest on the occasion was Mr Narayan Kaji Shrestha who is the former Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal and Senior Vice Chairman of CPN - Maoist Center.

Aksheswar Mahabihar is an ancient Buddhist monastery. It is located at Pulchowk near the huge stupa one of the four famous stupas built by Emperor Ashoka, in the western outskirts of the old town of Patan (Lalitpur), Nepal during the Kirati period. 

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Prajwal Guruji Performs 'Vajrasattva' Charya Dance at Nepal Yoga Festival in Pokhara

Pokhara, Oct 16 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Vajracharya, a well-known Charya dancer and international teacher, during his recent visit to Nepal addressed a workshop on Newar Buddhism and Charya Nritya at a program 'Nepal Yoga Festival 2024' on Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 at Purna Yoga Retreat in Bhakunde,  Pokhara organized by Nepal Yoga Festival, Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) and its Pokhara chapter.

On the occasion, all the participants of the 'Nepal Yoga Festival 2024' performed Refuge Charya Dance led by Prajwal Guruji. Similarly, the Guruji also presented a beautiful and esoteric Charya dance 'Vajrasattva'.

Vajrasattva is central to Newar Buddhist meditative and ritual practice. Newar Vajrayana priests revere Vajrasattva as the primordial teacher, the source of Tantric teachings they practice.

Vajrasattva is also considered  the essence of all the peaceful Buddha families. Vajrasattva is peaceful in appearance, white in color, with one face and two hands, seated in Vajra posture. The proper right hand holds an upright gold Vajra at the level of the heart. The left hand holds a Vajra handled bell turned at the left hip.

Nepal Yoga Festival 2024 aimed to attract both domestic and international visitors. Various sessions were facilitated  by world-class instructors, with Yoga led by teacher Manohar Shrestha. The lineup also featured Grammy-nominated artist Manoj Singhe, Peter Sterios and a classical dance performance from acclaimed dancer Leena Malakar's group.

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Prajwal Guruji Stresses Importance of Mudras in Charya Nritya

Lalitpur, Oct 30 (Nepal Oregon News): A talk program by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya on "Importance of Mudras in Charya Nritya" was organized on Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 by Young Men's Buddhist Association - Nepal (YMBA-Nepal) at YMBA Dhamma Hall in Lalitpur. About 40 people - among them local dignitaries, intellectuals and students - attended the YMBA-Nepal's program on Charya and Mudra.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA said:"Charya Nritya is a Newar Vajrayana Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. Charya nritya is a meditational dance that tells us stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities."

Talking about Mudra and Charya, Prajwal Guruji said:"Charya is a dance of the Mudras and a moving meditation which helps us develop a deeper understanding of Newar Vajrayana Buddhist deities."

Prajwal Guruji's presentation at YMBA-Nepal emphasized the importance of Mudra through subtle fluidity of movement, breath and stillness.

Prajwal Guruji added :"The practice of deity Yoga supports an appreciation of the inner beauty of the body and cultivates understanding of our personal Mudras as unique experience."

Prajwal Guruji, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest, during the presentation, discussed how certain movements and Mudras effect health and create transformations in our bodies, how it heals our hands, feet and energy channels.

During the presentation, the Guruji stressed on the need to embody Kaya, Vak and Chitta, and underscored the importance of awakening and connecting through learning the Kaya Mudra, Vak Mudra and Chitta Mudra.

Kaya is the body, Vak is the speech and Chitta is the mind, Prajwal Guruji reiterated  and added that any Mudra that is made cannot be separated from Kaya, Vak and Chitta. "Our every gesture is connected  with body, speech and mind," he went on saying.

On the occasion, welcoming the guests and giving a short introduction of Prajwal Guruji, president of YMBA-Nepal Asha Ratna Shakya said:"Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya is a Guru of Charya Nritya and he has been teaching Charya Nritya since many years back to his numerous students from all over the world."

Meanwhile, writing on the social media platform on Monday, Oct 28, 2024, YMBA-Nepal said:"YMBA-Nepal would like to express our deep sense of gratitude and sadhubaad to Mr Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya - cofounder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and a Charya Guru - for exploring about the "Importance of Mudras in Charya Nritya" (Buddhist Devotional Dance) of Newar Buddhism.

YMBA-Nepal  added in its Facebook post:"It was so interesting that many participants had queries and the Guruji replied the answers beautifully."

YMBA-Nepal's Facebook statement further said:"At today's presentation, we also had the special guest at YMBA, he is Mr Dewa Ratna Vajracharya, son of Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya (only 5 months and some days old). In the history of YMBA-Nepal, he appears as the youngest and cutest guest ever. He was born on last Buddha Purnima, a very special day."

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Role of Charya Nritya in Newar Buddhism Emphasized

Lalitpur, Oct 26 (Nepal Oregon News): A talk program on 'Role of Charya Nritya in Buddhism' by Prajwal Vajracharya was organized by Lotus Research Center (LRC) in Lalitpur, Nepal on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024. Twenty people, among them - local dignitaries, intellectuals and students - participated at the program.

On the occasion, speaking about Charya Nritya's history, Prajwal Guruji said:"Charya is a unique Newar Buddhist tradition dating back over a thousand years that uses the physical body as a vehicle for liberating the mind."

The Guruji  further added:" In Charya dance, by united movement, visualization and awareness, one learns to emulate and then fully embody the qualities of the variety of Buddhist deities - male and female, peaceful and wrathful - and to genuinely express those qualities through one's body, speech and activities."

Underscoring the role of Charya Nritya as a key to enlightenment and transformation, Prajwal Guruji emphasized on the importance of Charya in embodying the deity and in understanding inner, outer and sacred mudras.

The Guruji went on saying:"In Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, it is taught that there can be no liberation without singing and dancing, the physical body and the voice are the tools of transformation with which we awaken and free our minds."

Prajwal Guruji made it clear that Charya dance is not just a dance, it is teaching, it is preaching and meditation as well as a philosophy yielding deep understanding and guidelines for moving forward in life.

Lotus Research Center is a non-profit and non-government organization registered in 1993 under the Institution Registration Act of Nepal. It has an objective to preserve and promote Buddhist culture of Nepal Mandala (Kathmandu valley).

LRC has launched Lotus Academic College for Buddhist studies since 2007 which provides Post-Graduate Diploma level course on Buddhist Studies.

LRC, the parental organization of the college, has decades of experience in the field of research and study of Buddhist art and culture. It has also been developing a digital archive of Newar Buddhism with multimedia contents.

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Powerful Flute and Tabla Performance Livens Portland Baha

Portland, Oct 25, (Nepal Oregon News): A powerful flute performance by world famous bamboo flute master Steve Gorn and Tabla playing by renowned multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Friday, Oct 25, 2024.

The enthralling and mesmerizing flute performance of Steve was accompanied on Tabla by Benjy. And there is no doubt that Steve and Benjy are musicians with a penchant for Hindustani classical music.

Steve Gorn has  performed Indian classical music on Bansuri Bamboo flute in concerts and festivals throughout the world. A disciple of Sri Gour Goswami of Kolkata, India, and Pandit Raghunath Seth of Mumbai, he is well known to audiences in India and the West.

He has been widely praised by critics and leading Indian musicians as one of the few Westerners recognized  to have captured the subtlety and beauty of Indian classical music.

A Grammy winner and five times Grammy nominee, Steve Gorn is creating a new idiom, a music that combines the essence of classical  Indian tradition with a contemporary world music from a virtuoso mastery, generating a vibrant fusion, alive and accessible to Western ears.

Benzy Wertheimer is an award winning musician, composer, vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist  equally accomplished in Tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar and keyboards.

Benjy has performed and recorded with such artists as Krishna Das, Deva Primal, and Miten, Jai Uttal, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell, Tabla Master Zakir Hussein, and renowned bamboo flute master G. S. Sachadev. 

He has also opened for such well-known artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter and Narada Michael Walden. Benjy is a founding member of the internationally acclaimed world fusion ensemble 'Ancient Future'.

The concert was one of the rare opportunities for a limited number of audience at the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland to dive into the ocean of raga with bamboo flute master Steve Gorn and multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer.

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Nepalese Portlanders Gather for Mha Puja Celebrations in America

Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 Brings Joy to Nepalese Portlanders

By Rabin Man Shakya

(Newah ladies and gentlemen during the Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year celebrations in Portland, USA) 

Portland, Nov 3 (Nepal Oregon News): A group Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat New Year 1145 was observed in Portland, USA on Saturday Nov 2, 2024 by Nepa Chhen, a non-profit committed to enrich and enhance Nepalese arts, culture and traditions in the US.

According to Pramod Karanjit, secretary of Nepa Chhen, 95 Mha Puja Mandalas were drawn on the floor for each participant. Cheerful Nepalese Portlanders were seen sitting cross-legged in front of their respective Mandalas.

The Nepalese gentlemen were seen wearing 'Daura Suruwal' and 'Sakkali Dhaka Ya Tapuli' while the Nepalese ladies were dressed up in Haku Patasi and other sarees.

Most of the cultural and ritual procedures were followed while performing the collective Mha Puja ceremony which took place at Nekusing Memorial Theater, US World Class Taekwondo Hollywood in Portland.

All the Mha Puja participants were given a dab of colored paste 'Sinha' on their foreheads, provided sacred thread 'Kokha' and a bag of Masala Pwo' and fruits.

Then, the Nepalese Portlanders were presented egg, fish and wine which was poured down from a Newah-style 'Anti'. After that, a traditional Newar feast 'Bhoye' was served.

The Nepalese Portlanders were seen wishing each other Happy Mha Puja and Nhu Dan Ya Bhintuna.

Mha Puja celebration in Portland, USA is also a sure way to enliven and enhance the Newah traditions and customs, demonstrating the aspirations of the Nepalese Portlanders to keep up the Newah traditions alive.

There is no doubt that 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 purify mind, body and spirit, and this cultural ritual is annually held on the day of new year celebration of Nepal Sambat.

It is to be noted that Nepal Sambat -- a national lunar calendar of Nepal -- kicked off in 879 AD during the rule of King Raghav Dev to commemorate the reimbursement of all debts of the people by a Newah trader Shankhadhar Sakhwa who was declared a national hero (Vibhuti) of Nepal on Nov 18, 1999 by the then His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

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Michael Stirling, Exponent of Hindustani Raga Singing in Oregon, Performs at Vihara

 By Joshua Proto and Rabin Man Shakya

(From left to right: Joss Jaffe, Joshua Proto, Michael Stirling and Lucy Stirling performing at the Vihara in Portland on Thursday, Sept 5, 2024.)

Portland, Sept 5 (Nepal Oregon News): An Indian Classical Music concert featuring Portlland's very own representative of the Kirana Gharana - Michael Stirling - was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Thursday, Sept 5, 2024. This was the second Raga concert  at the Vihara by Michael Stirling this year. Stirling, no doubt, is an exponent of Hindustani Raga singing in Oregon, USA.

Prior to the starting of the Hindustani Raga concert, Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara gave a brief introduction of Michael Stirling, Joss Jaffe and other artists.

Michael Stirling, the lead vocal artist, was joined by multi-instrumentalist and tabla maestro Joss Jaffe. Lucy Stirling and Joshua Proto also accompanied Michael on tambura and with voice. 

The performance kicked off first with alaap in Raga Multani. The note-by-note unfolding of this desert Raga matched the heat of the day as it was one of the hottest evenings in Portland to date this year.

With the sound of Michael's voice, the tambura's drones, and Joss's tabla filling the temple, the distinction between the long shadows and waves of heat from the day became inseparable from the vibrations of Raga Multani surrounding the audience.

Following the alaap, was both a short vilambit and then drut composition, where Michael's voice effortlessly extended the characteristic atmosphere and mood of Raga Multani in combination with Joss's excellent and consistent laya. 

Following Raga Multani, was Raga Puriya Dhanashree, a lovely evening Raga and a staple in the Kirana Gharana. Once again, Michael demonstrated a technical and emotional embodiment of the alaap that enlightened the spiritual and serene atmosphere.

Both vilambit and drut compositions were displayed as well.

Finally, there was a brief discussion of mood and artist expression as it pertains to this art form before closing the concert.

There were over 30 attendees and each one expressed their gratitude to Michael, Joss, Lucy and Joshua for their artistic display as well as expressed gratitude to co-founder, Spiritual Director and Head Priest Prajwal Vajracharya, Teya Vajracharya and Dewa Vajracharya for hosting this musical offering at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Meanwhile, writing on his social media platform on Friday, Sept 6, 2024, Michael said:"Thanks to all who came out to the Vihara last evening. Was a high level crowd of listeners and lovely time. Our band of artists deeply appreciated your presence and reception of our music."

Michael further added in his Facebook post:"Most importantly, thank you to Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya for his kindness, generosity and hard work. We all appreciate you very much! Among others, look who we got to sing  for, baby Dewa ! Thank you."

Michael Stirling is an instructor of Raga singing at Sun Gate Studio and adjunct faculty at Lewis & Clark College, Portland.

He is a singer of North Indian Classical vocal music of the venerable Kirana Gharana. He is a disciple of the late Master of Classical Indian Raga singing, Pandit Prem Nath (1918-1996) and a student of Nathji's senior disciple , the legendary composer / performer,  Maestro Terry Riley. 

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Naga Puja Held at Forest Refuge, Damascus, Oregon

By Teya Vajracharya and Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Sept 27 (Nepal Oregon News): A Naga Puja, (worshipping of snakes) was held at Forest Refuge, Damascus in Oregon on Friday, Sept 27, 2024. Forest Refuge at Damascus, OR is the residence of Ms Helen Appell who is the founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

The purpose of Naga Puja, which was ritualized by  35th generation Vajrayana priest Prajwal Vajracharya, is to honor the Nagas, recognize them as great protectors of nature and make offerings to show gratitude for them.

Naga Puja is a elaborate ritual in Newar Buddhism performed to honor Nagas (serpents), and make offerings to land spirits.

Wherever there is beautiful nature, there are Nagas. During the puja, Naga Samadhi proceeded, respecting Nagas in their rightful places.

Also, during the Naga Puja at the Forest Refuge, priest Prajwal Vajracharya arranged Naga vessels in the four directions with a Naga Mandala in the center.

After Samadhi, honoring the Nagas, offerings were placed  in the four directions, dispersed on the beautiful Forest Refuge land.

In Buddhism, Nagas represent Dwesha or anger. When the earth is polluted or harmed, the Nagas are filled with rage.

Nagas are land protectors and usually dwell near water, rivers and oceans etc.

Because the earth has been polluted, the spirit protectors of the land are unhappy and in their anger they create obstacles in places where nature is being altered by human presence and any activities performed will be unsuccessful.

Naga Mandala includes 36 different types of Nagas. Offerings include milk, honey and butter representing sweetness and cleanliness to counteract the defilements of this living world.

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Lama Dorje's Teachings on Tara Jigpa Kunkyop Empowerment Held at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

By Joshua Proto and Rabin Man Shakya

Portlland, Sept 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A three-day teaching on Tara Jigpa Kunkyop, Terma and Sun Wu Kong empowerment by Lama Dorje (an American Buddhist Lama from Georgia) was organized on Friday - Sunday, Sept 13-15, 2024 at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

On Friday, Sept 13, Lama Dorje's talk focused on pure vision and Terma and Sun Wu Kong empowerment while on Saturday, Sept 14, emphasis was laid on teachings and empowerment of Tara Jigpa Kunkyop. Similarly, Sunday, Sept 15 was devoted to Tara Jigpa Kunkyop practice session, song offering, serkyem. 

Addressing the gathering at the Mahavihara, Lama Dorje said:"The forms of Arya Tara emanated to liberate beings are endless. Though she is well-known as arising in her Green and White forms, many other collections have appeared overtime, in various sets of eight, twenty one and one hundred and eight names."

Lama Dorje further went on saying": In the many teachings brought by Padmasambhava to the lands he traveled, Tara is known in both Kama and Terma lineages. That is, those preserved from the time he came and those hidden for the benefit of the future."

Explaining about details on Tara Jigpa Kunkyop, Lama Dorje said: One of these Terma traditions is called Tara Jigpa Kunkyop, which means "the one who protects from all fears." In this profound Mandala, many forms of Tara are brought together to protect from a variety of outer, inner and secret terrors and misfortunes.

Further, Lama Dorje, during the presentation, noted: This Terma was originally revealed by the Terton Yakchar Gyalpo, but lost overtime. Later, the Master Rongpa Terton revealed it again. This lineage continued for a while until only the Agama, or oral transmission remained, while the empowerment lineage no longer existed, making practice virtually impossible.

Lama Dorje further shared:"In the later 19th century, the Great Guru Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo revived this lineage through Yang Ter, or bringing to life a tradition that has been lost. It was then included in the massive Rime collections of Termas.

Lama Dorje Sherab received Lama empowerment in the context of various traditions, particularly the Guhyagarbha, eight Kagye, and other Sarma and Nyingma systems from masters, such as, Trulshik, Namdrol, Garchen and Gosher Gyaltsen Rinpoche.

Lama Dorje's root Guru, Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche, guided him on which empowerments to take and how to train them. Lama Sherab studied under Khenpo Drimed in Shedra, learning Tibetan and receiving the five treasures of the Rime tradition compiled by Jamgon Kongtrul.

Under Norbu Rinpoche, he compiled a retreat of the three roots, received blessings to teach and give empowerments, and underwent extensive training and empowerments in Anuyoga and the three series of Atiyoga.

In 2020, Lama Dorje co-founded the Tantric Revolutionary Center, now a non-profit organization with Lama Federico Andino from Argentina where they are committed to bring Buddha Dharma to all beings with no exceptions and is proud to serve future Bodhisattvas of all ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identifications. 

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Paru Bhoye Organized at Vihara

Sept 4, Portland (Nepal Oregon News): A month-long Maha Manjushree Naamsangiti recitation held everyday at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA to mark the auspicious Gunla Dharma month, came to an end on Wednesday, Sept 4, 2024.

The month-long Naamsangiti was held in-person at the Mahavihara and on the zoom. In total, about 30 people from the USA and other countries took part at the Naamsangiti recitation on different days.

Naamsangiti on the last day of Gunla Dharma month was recited by Rev Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and eight other people at the Vihara while Stacie, Tina, Markus, Crystal, Angela, Ling Ling, Dina, Daya and Rabin took part at the Naamsangiti recitation on the zoom.

On the final day of the Gunla Dharma, before the recitation of Naamsangiti, Prajwal Guruji threw light on the importance of Yenya Punhi and Indra Jatra.

Similarly, a Paru Bhoye dinner was organized at the Mahavihara on Friday, Sept 6, 2024 for the in-person and zoom participants of the month-long Naamsangiti recitation. 

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Tara was There Before the Advent of the Buddha and Buddhism: Vajracharya

Third Virtual Teaching on 'Pancha Tara' Organized

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Aug 2, (Nepal Oregon News): Tara was there well before the advent of the Buddha and Buddhism. Tara represents enlightened activities of all the Buddhas and that is why Tara is called the mother of all the Buddhas.

Prajwal Vajracharya - who is a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and a ritual master master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms - said this while making a third presentation on Pancha Tara.

The zoom program on Pancha Tara, which was organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association on Friday, Aug 2, 2024, was attended  online by 15 participants.

The teaching on Pancha Tara kicked off with the praying for deity Tara - Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha.

According to Prajwal Guruji, the emphasis this time was laid on the Mantra and Sadhana aspects of Tara.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Guruji threw light on Guhyasamaj Tantra, Hevajra Tantra, Kalachakra, Chakrasambhara Tantra as well as the Tara deities in the Dharani recitation.

Prajwal Guruji's virtual teaching also presented an elaborate and comprehensive details about Lochani, Tara, Mamaki, Pandara, Vajradhatveshvari and so on.

Prajwal Guruji further went on saying that chanting Tara mantra hundred thousand times with the motivation of Bodhichitta  will cause aversion of obstacles and hindrances. 

Underscoring the importance of Tara deities, Prajwal Guruji said that in Hevajra Tantra, it is mentioned that Lochani, Mamaki, Pandara and Tara represent the four elements: earth, water, fire and air.

There are 108 Taras according to Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Prajwal Guruji said and informed that 21 of them are prominent ones.

Tara means liberating from Samsara. In Sanskrit, Tara means star. Tara brings forth life and she is the Great Compassionate Mother, and embodiment of wisdom and the great protectress, the Guruji told the zoom participants.

During the remotely-held teaching, Prajwal Guruji said each Tara is different and explained about the meaning and forms of Green Tara, White Tara, Vasudhara, Kurukulla and other Taras.

At the end of virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji answered to a number of queries of the participants.

During the online presentation, the Guruji demonstrated precious pictures and Thangkas of different Tara deities.

During the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji chanted 'Pancha Tara'  charya giti and also explained participants about the meaning of the Pancha Tara charya giti.

At the end of the virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji together with the Sangha members presented the 'Pancha Tara' charya dance.

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Prajwal Guruji Enthrals NAO Cultural Night Audience with 'Vajrasattva' Charya Dance

(Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya presenting a Charya dance 'Vajarasattva' at a program organized by Nepali Association of Oregon in Portland, USA on Saturday, Aug 31, 2024. Also seen is Joshua Proto singing Charya giti for the Charya dance. Charya giti is written in Sanskrit.)

Portland, Aug 31 (Nepal Oregon News): A cultural night was organized on Saturday, Aug 31, 2024 at the International Convention Center in Portland, USA by Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) in collaboration with Nepal Seattle Society from Washington and Nepal Cultural Society of British Columbia.

The NAO cultural event which kicked off with the national anthems of Nepal and the USA was attended by scores of Nepalese community members and some Americans. The chief guest on the occasion was the Charge d'Affaires of Nepalese Embassy in USA His Excellency Kumar Raj Kharel.

On the occasion, Prajwal Vajracharya, a noted Charya Guru and Charya dancer presented a Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva'. The Guruji's ancient and esoteric Charya nritya was liked and appreciated by the audience. Charya giti (singing) on Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva' was  very skillfully chanted by seasoned Charya singer Joshua Proto, a Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland.

The Charya Nritya 'Vajrasattva' is a part of  the broader Charya Nritya tradition in Nepal with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. Charya Nritya is performed by Newah Buddhist priests known as Vajracharyas as part of their esoteric meditation practices and rituals.

Vajrasattva means 'Adamantine Being' meaning pure, stainless, incapable of destruction or diminishment. Vajrasattva is identified with the ultimate, formless state of Buddhahood, and represents the essence of all the peaceful Buddha families.

Vajrasattva is peaceful in appearance, white in color, with one face and two hands, seated in Vajra posture. His right hand holds an upright gold Vajra at the level of the heart, while his left hand holds a Vajra-handled bell turned up at the left hip.

Likewise, Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara -- Uppa Shakya and her team from Hermiston, Sangha member Ambika Shakya and her daughter Anushka Thapa -- also presented beautiful Nepalese dances on the occasion.

Furthermore, a noted Nepali singer and Nepal's Honorary Consul for Baltimore area Prem Raja Mahat together with Shanti Bhandari presented some popular Nepalese vocal renditions. Some other Nepalese artistes also offered songs and dances at the program.

At the end of the cultural program, Charge d'Affaires His Excellency Kharel honored all the artistes by presenting a token of gift on behalf of NAO.

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Panjaran (Panchadan) Observed in Portland, USA

Portland, Aug 31 (Nepal Oregon News): One of the important festivals of the Newah Buddhists 'Panjaran' was celebrated on Saturday, Aug 31, 2024 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

Daya Shakya, Rabin Man Shakya, Anastasia Roderick and Adam Bidema were the Panjaran participants at Portland Baha's Panchadan celebration event.

On the occasion, Buddhist scripture Daan Gatha was chanted by Prajwal Guruji, Daya Shakya and Rabin Man Shakya.

After the reciting of Daan Gatha as per Newar Buddhist tradition, different kinds of alms, such as, rice, peas, bananas, apples, candy, donut and money were given away by Prajwal Vajracharya, Kusumabati Bajracharya, Anastasia Roderick and Adam Bidema to all the participants. Raw rice was given to the Panjaran participants from the Gulpa.

At the end of the Panchadan program at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland's Panjaran participants were offered 'kheer' lunch with Aalu Achar and Malpa etc.

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Gunpunhi (Kwati Punhi) Celebrated at the Portland Vihara, USA

Portland, Aug 19 (Nepal Oregon News): Gunpunhi, one of the important Full Moon Days in Newar Buddhism was celebrated at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Monday, Aug 19, 2024.

Gunpunhi is also called Kwati Punhi. Kwati is a soup of different beans, and Punhi means the full moon day. On this auspicious full moon day, the Newah people in the Kathmandu valley traditionally prepare and cook the Kwati soup.

Kwati is eaten as a delicacy and for health benefit, as well as for ritual and cultural significance.

The ingredients used in cooking Kwati soup are: kidney beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, soya beans, mung beans, green beans, black beans and white beans.

The participants at the Gunpunhi celebration in Portland, USA were Daya Shakya, Joshua Proto, Adam Bidema and Anastasia Roderick.

The Kwati soup was offered to the participants by Prajwal Guruji.

All the participants then took part at the month-long regular zoom Naamsangiti program after the Kwati event.

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Naamsangiti Recited for a Whole Month to Mark Gunla Dharma

Portland, Aug 5 (Nepal Oregon News): Gunla Dharma kicked off from Monday, Aug 5, 2024 onwards for a whole month. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA has been observing Gunla Dharma for last six years.

The Mahavihara celebrates the Gunla Dharma by chanting Naamsangiti everyday for the whole Gunla month.

In total, about 25 people took part at the remotely-held Naamsangiti reciting from Oregon, California, Hong Kong, England and Australia.

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.

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

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Wedding Ceremony Solemmnized

Portland, Aug 18 (Nepal Oregon News): The marriage of  Aakriti Bajracharya and Ji Choi was solemnized on  Sunday, Aug 18 in    Tukwila, Washington.

The marriage rituals were chanted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. Gurumandala Puja and other Pujas were performed by Prajwal Guruji on the occasion.

Aakriti Bajracharya is the daughter of Siddhartha Bajra Bajracharya and Amita Bajracharya, while Ji Choi is the son of Hyun Seok and Kyong Nam.

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Search for Dhamma

Naveena Shakya

What is Dhamma? I always ask inside me

I searched in temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches

Is it honesty, compassion, duty, generosity or good manners?

But it does not satisfy me

I feel like Dhamma is within you, your mind for a moment.

Then I feel everything changes and what is yours?

I take only two things - my good and bad karma

Together when I leave this world

Then I feel lighter and lighter like hanging and flying in the open air

And I do not feel my head, hands and legs

I feel only breezes and waves on water

(This poem was recited by Sangha member and temple pujari Naveena Shakya at the Buddha Jayanti celebration organized by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on May 24, 2024.)