Tantra is an Ancient Asian Spiritual Philosophy, Says Prajwal Vajracharya

 

Zoom Talk on Four Tantras in Newar Buddhism Hosted by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 13 (Nepal Oregon News): An online teaching program on "Talk on Four Tantras in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism" was organized on Friday, June 12, 2026. The remotely held event which was attended by 20 zoom participants was hosted by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association in collaboration with the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA. Dr Miranda Shaw, Sadananda Yogi, Meadow Lisa Wong and Dr Tina Ho were among the virtual participants of the event.

The talk on four tantras was delivered by Prajwal Vajracharya who is a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and a ritual master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms.

Addressing the online teaching event, Prajwal Guruji said:"Tantra is an ancient Asian spiritual philosophy and system of practices aimed at expanding consciousness and achieving spiritual liberation."

The co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA added:"Rooted in Sanskrit, it translates to -- to weave or instrument to expand -- and encompasses meditation, yoga, ritual breath work, and the celebration of the physical body as sacred."

Prajwal Guruji, a ritual practitioner of Mandalas, Tantra, Mantra, and Charya Nritya went on saying:"In Buddhist philosophy, the four Tantras -- Kriya Tantra, Charya Tantra, Yoga Tantra and Anuttarayoga Tantra -- refer to the structural categorization of esoteric literature practice path."

Each one represents a complete vehicle to enlightenment using different psycho-physical methodologies, said the Guruji.

Throwing light on Kriya Tantra (action), the head priest at the Portland's Newar Buddhist temple, said this is the ritual deity practice , the bliss of curing each other.

The Guruji maintained that external practices are the first of the lower tantra classes in Vajrayana Buddhism, focusing   heavily on external ritual acts, physical purity and structural deity devotion.

Kriya Tantra is the root tantra, the foundation tantra and is ritualized based on  Vasudharnama and Pancha Raksha Dharani, the Guruji stated.

Similarly, speaking about Charya Tantra (performance), he said that this is a behavioral deity practice, the bliss of smiling at each other. 

It balances external ritual actions equally with internal meditative absorption, the Guruji explained. 

Also known as Ubhaya Tantra (dual tantra), it acts as a bridge between simpler ritual actions and the advanced visualizations. The Guruji further shared that this tantra is ritualized based on Mahavairochana Tantra.

Likewise, highlighting on Yoga Tantra (union), Prajwal Guruji said:"It shifts heavily inward, focusing on Mudras, complex internal visualizations, and recognizing one's own Buddha nature.

Yoga Tantra is an integrated deity practice, the bliss of hugging each other, the Guruji further said.

The Guruji made it clear that Yoga Tantra is practiced with Yogavyash based on Tantra Sangraha and Sarba Parishodhana Tantra.

Prajwal Guruji mentioned that as far as Anuttarayoga (highest yoga) is concerned, this one is practiced based on Chakra Sambhara Tantra, He Vajra Tantra, Chatuspith Tantra, Kala Chakra Tantra etc.

He asserted that Anuttarayoga is the unexcelled peak practice, transforming subtle subtle inner channels, winds and drops into instant awakening. 

Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment is a profound, advanced initiation in Vajrayana Buddhism, the Guruji said of Anuttarayoga.

Anuttarayoga grants permission to practice deity yoga -- such as -- meditations on Heruka, Vajrayogini or Yamantaka -- to quickly transform the mind and attain enlightenment, the Guruji concluded.

At the end of the zoom teaching, Prajwal Guruji replied to the questions of the online participants. 

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Four-week Long Charya Nritya Transcendent Classes 'Praise of the Ancient' Kicks Off

Portland, June 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A four-week long Charya Nritya transcendent classes 'Praise of the Ancient' (once a week every Sunday June 14- July 12) kicked off on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA. The practical as well as theoretical classes were conducted by Charya teacher Prajwal Vajracharya.

Prajwal Vajracharya, one of the seniormost  Charya Nritya Gurus in the world, said that the participants will have an opportunity to experience the eternal vibration of sacred Sanskrit chants brought to life through the sacred geometry of Newar Buddhist dance.

Prajwal Guruji shared that this unique 'praise' embodies timeless spiritual devotion, transforming ancient verses into a living breathing meditation.

The Guruji expressed the view that based on the ancient tradition of Newar Buddhism, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to learn the sacred art of Charya Nritya.

Through this course, the Guruji viewed that the participants will learn to embody the enlightened energies of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, using the physical body to express deep spiritual realization.

Prajwal Guruji said the course participants will have an opportunity to learn Charya nritya slokas on Avalokiteshvara, Arya Tara, Manjushree and Pragya Paramita.

In these classes, participants will learn to channel cosmic truths through precise Mudra hand gestures and divine physical movements, transforming dance into a powerful, active Sadhana (spiritual practice), the noted Charya pedagogue said.

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Alexandra and Nischal Mali's Wedding Solemnized

Portland, June 26 (Nepal Oregon News):  Vivaha (Sanskrit) and Ihipa (Nepal Bhasa) are words used for the word 'marriage' or wedding.

The wedding ceremony is the most significant lifecycle ritual in Newar tradition, both a cultural and religious celebration, according to priest Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

The marriage of Alexandra and Nischal Mali was solemnized by Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th-generation Vajrayana priest and co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

The wedding ceremony took place at the residence of Nischal's parents Raju and Minu Mali in Beaverton, Oregon on Friday, June 26, 2026. Nischal  and Alexandra have made the decision to hold each other's hand and share their future together as husband and wife. In oreder to support their decision and their lives together, Nischal's relatives came to Portland from Nepal, the UK and other states of the USA. There were more than 100 guests at the religious wedding ceremony.

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

Wearing a red sari embroidered with gold thread and dotted sequins, bride Alexandra ans appropriately attired groom Nischal sat across from priest Prajwal Guruji, as he then guided them, as well, through the ancient words and movements of the Gurumandala Puja, in symbolic purification of their bodies, minds and speech.

Nepalese wedding rituals are unique and unprecedented in its culture and traditions. Jwola Nhaykan - Sinha Mu was interesting aspect of  the wedding ceremony in which Prajwal Guruji refleted  the good energy created during the ritual to bride Alexandra and groom Nischal.

Kisli was prepared with raw rice, coins and betel nuts, while Alexandra and Nischal prayed for good health and long life together. Tika consisting of  yogurt, rice and vermillion powder was prepared by Guruji. Then, Guruji gave a blessing to the bride and groom. Next, Swayambar was the most important component of the wedding ritual in which the bride circled the groom and placed garland over his head and vice versa. Prajwal Guruji says that the circling binds their energies together.

After that, the bride and the groom exchanged wedding rings. As an essential ritual, the groom then put Abir (vermillion powder) on the bride's head.  According  to Prajwal Guruji, red color symbolizes a promise as deep as bloom. This ritual was followed by Kanya Daan.

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

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

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

The wedding rituals concluded with Thayabhu feast and Khen Sagan in which wine, fish and eggs were offered to the bride, groom and other family members.

A lavish wedding party was organized the next day on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Sheraton Hotel at the Airport Way. 

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Senior Age 'Janko' and Ihi Ceremony Held in Victoria, Canada

Portland, June 4, (Nepal Oregon News): A senior age 'Janko' religious ceremony of Bindra Shakya was held in Victoria, Canada. Bindra Shakya is the mother of Yogendra Shakya, Rajendra Shakya and Mallika Shakya living in Canada.

Janko related rituals, such as, Homa Puja, Naag Puja, Kalash Puja and Bali Puja were ritualized by senior priest Prajwal Vajracharya. Senior 'Janko' or Bhimratharohan is an important lifecycle ritual in Newar Buddhism and Newar culture.

According to Prajwal Guruji, when a man or a woman turns 77years, 7 months, 7 days and 7 hours, there is a special ceremony to perform. The Janko observance calls on the Goddess of Long Life - Usnisavijaya - to purify Karma and bestow the blessing of good health and long life span.

Meanwhile, Ihi ceremony of Ira Gurung was also performed by Prajwal Guruji immediately after the Janko ceremony in Victoria, Canada. Ira Gurung is the daughter of Iroj Gurung and Mallika.

The word 'Ihi' is the short form of Ihipa which means wedding marriage. Ihi ritual is a unique tradition in Newar culture. Also, Ihi like Bara Tayagu is an important lifecycle ritual for Newah girls. Girls from Newah community in Nepal are married thrice in their life time. The first ceremony is called Ihi where dedication is committed to the Bel fruit (wood apple) by the young pre-adole scent girls. 

During the Ihi event, Ihi girl was was prepared like a little bride dressed in a fancy red and golden blouse,  sari and shawl.

Puja Bha Dema consisting of Sinha, Swan, Jaki, Baji Ita, Goja, Dhup etc were carefully prepared for the ceremony. Auspicious Vajra and sacred Bell were ued during the puja by Prajwal Guruji. Sukunda lamp was also lit. After Jwala Nhayakan worshipping and Sinha Mu praying, Prajwal Guruji gave a dab of Sinha to Ihi girl Ira  and others who were present at the ceremony.

Buddha Laxmi Shakya, Pushpa Tulachan and Ami Laxmi Shakya travelled from the US to take part at the Janko and Ihi ceremonies in Victoria, Canada. 

  

Nepalese Community Celebrates Independence Day in Portland

Portland, July 5, (Nepal Oregon News): A Nepalese community party was organized by community leaders and entrepreneurs Keshab Maharjan and Gyani Maharjan at their residence in Portland to celebrate Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July.

Fourth of July is a national holiday in the United States commemorating the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence  on July, 1776.

The historic document announced the 13 original American colonies' separation from the British Empire, marking the official birth of the United States of America.

This year's celebration carries monumental significance as the nation marked its 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The gala party  (cuisines served were mostly Newah-style food),  which was organized to mark the Fourth of July, was attended by about 100 Nepalese and American guests. Among them were former senior vice president and patron of World Newah Organization Daya Shakya and senior taekwondo guru Diwakar Maharjan.

Nepal Oregon News extends sincere gratitude to senior Newah entrepreneurs Keshab Maharjan and Gyani Maharjan  for hosting the Independence Day community party at their residence.  

Mobile Passport and Consular Service Camp Held in Hillsboro and Cornelius, OR for Nepalese living in NW America

120 Nepalese from Oregon, Washington and Idaho Benefit from the Mobile Passport Service Camp

Rabin Man Shakya

(Photos by: Rabin Man Shakya)

Portland, June 8 (Nepal Oregon News): A mobile passport and consular service camp was held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Hillsboro Civic Center in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The mobile passport and consular service camp was organized by Consulate General of Nepal in San Francisco in collaboration with Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO). 

Consul General of Nepal in San Francisco Lakshuman Khanal with his team members - Devdoot Dhakal (consul) and Rishi Acharya (Deputy Consul) were in Portland for providing mobile passport and consular services. 

The mobile camp provided Nepali passport renewal and other consular services not only to the Nepalese community members in greater Portland area, but to the Nepalese people living in other parts of Oregon, such as, Corvallis and Medford.

According to president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) Ekraj Dahal, Nepalese people all the way from the states of Washington and Idaho had come to Portland to benefit from the services of the mobile passport camp.

The event went super smoothly and we received overwhelming positive responses from the people who got the passport renewal services, Dahal said.

NAO chief Dahal informed Nepal Oregon News that due to overwhelming demand, the Consulate General of Nepal in San Francisco had extended the Oregon Passport and Consular Mobile camp by one additional day.

The second day of passport service was held at Cornelius Public Library in Cornelius, Oregon, he added.

About 100 Nepalese benefitted from the passport renewal services at Hillsboro Civic Center on the first day, while 20 people were able to renew Nepali passports on the second day at Cornelius Public Library, Dahal went on saying.

Meanwhile, a meeting between Consular General of Nepal in San Francisco Lakshuman Khanal and Mayor of City of Cornelius Jeffrey C. Dalin was held at latter's office in Cornelius, Oregon.

As maintained by Bharat Banskota, former president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), the meeting was mainly focused on establishing sister city relationship between Cornelius and one of the most suitable cities in Nepal. The meeting was facilitated by NAO.

It is to be noted that the first mobile passport services were provided to the Nepalese Portlanders in 2015 at a program held at the initiative of NRNA - USA - Oregon Chapter at the Hollywood Taekwondo School in Portland.

Deputy Chief of the Mission at the Nepalese Embassy in Washington DC Rishi Ram Ghimire and embassy staff Deepak Sharma were in Portland at that time in 2015 for providing the passport renewal services.

   

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Buddha Jayanti Observed at Vihara with Various Programs

A Celebration of Buddhist Heritage

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, May 1, (Nepal Oregon News): Buddha Jayanti also known as Buddha Purnima and Swan Ya Punhi is the most important and sacred festival in Buddhist tradition, celebrating the birth, enlightenment (Nirvana), and passing (Mahaparinirvana) of Lord Gautama Buddha. It falls on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh.

A vibrant Buddhist procession with a number of Sangha members and Nepali community activists was taken out from local landmark Laurelhurst Park to the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Immediately after the procession, the participants started to give a baby Buddha bath before entering the temple. This beautiful act of pouring water over the little baby Buddha statue symbolizes the purification of one's own heart and mind from greed, anger and ignorance.

108 butter lamps were illuminated to symbolize the dispelling of darkness, accompanied by a meditative Refuge dance (a performance of Buddha Bandana Dance through Charya Nritya) performed 108 times continuously by the American and Nepali devotees.

Also, to mark the occasion, Mahamanjushree Naamsangiti was chanted by Prajwal Vajracharya along with other participants of the celebration.

Speaking on the occasion, president of Nepa Chhen - a Nepali nonprofit in Portland - Daya Shakya threw light on the history and activities of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Likewise, a brilliant presentation on "Lumbini - Birth Place of Buddha" was made by Shreya Shrestha, an architect. She analyzed various historical facts to prove that Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal. 

An interesting part of the program was the question - answer episode between Daya Shakya and Prajwal Vajracharya in which the Guruji shed light on various aspects and importance of morning and night rituals at the Vihara. 

The Guruji also elaborated on distinctive ritual practices of Newar Buddhism.

In his conversation with Daya, Prajwal Guruji underscored about the power and impact of Newar Vajrayana rituals and chantings in the Dharma practice.

Answering to Daya's question, the 35th generation Vajrayana priest also detailed the meaning and significance of Das Paramita chanting emphasizing that Das Paramitas are the ten foundational and transcendental virtues or perfections. 

Similarly, a number of Buddha Bhajan songs in Nepal Bhasa (the language of Newar people) namely Jaya Namo Shree, Najato, Tri Ratna Mhasika and Anitya Lumankegu were presented by Joshua Proto, Casey Redman, Ashley Low, Teya Vajracharya and Matt Costagno.

Sangha member Dechen Lhamo enthralled the audience with flute playing.

Sangha member Naveena Shakya recited a poem in Nepali language "Buddha Aau Timi Pheri" (Buddha, Please Come Again).

On the occasion, Pancha Buddha Charya Dance was performed by Prajwal Vajracharya, Corinne Nakamura, Anastasia Roderick and Joshua Proto. 

The Buddha Jayanti celebration was followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner.

 

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Six-week Foundational Course on Charya Dance Wraps up

Portland, May 10 (Nepal Oregon News): A six-week long - Foundational Charya Nritya Teaching Series - which was organized every Sunday at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland from April 5, 2026 was wrapped up on May 10, 2026.

Wrapping up the six-week foundational course, Prajwal Guruji, a 35th generation Vajracharya priest said this is the foundation and pre-requisite for learning other deity dances.

The foundational course laid the groundwork for all to-be-continued studies in the tradition of sacred Buddhist Charya dances of Nepal, Prajwal Guruji told the participants in his concluding remarks.

The Guruji extended congratulations to the Charya Nritya course participants for successfully completing the foundational class.

The Guruji went on saying:"You learnt the history of this ancient practice. You also studied how to train  your bodies in the movements, exercises, hand and foot mudras, and techniques that are the foundations of Charya dance and practice the Refuge and the Sixteen Offering Goddess dances."

Prajwal Guruji further reminded the course participants:"You don't practice charya as a form of entertainment. But you do it as a form of spiritual movement, as meditation, as prayer, as Sadhana."

Matt Costagno, Dira Osland, Hank Loos, Clay Stenhilbur, Hawk Grubb, Ashley Low, Jennifer Pepper Koscis, Susan Morningstar, Lisa Ovelar and Naveena Shakya were the participants of the Six-week Foundational Charya Dance.

Two of the participants shared their views about the course:

Ashley Low: "The Foundations of Charya Nritya class was a wonderful introduction to the sacred dance of Newar Buddhism. Prajwal's lectures connected us to this sacred dance traditions and its history in Nepal, its significance within Newar Buddhism, and the deeper meaning of every element in the dances we practiced. His dance teaching was wisdom through movement. It was a gift to learn from such a master, thank you, Prajwal."

Naveena Shakya: "From this foundational Charya class, I got an opportunity to acquire more information about Newar Buddhism and Charya Nritya. Thank you so much Prajwal Guruju for teaching those ancient and medieval Charya steps. I learnt that mindfulness practices are very important to be happy and peaceful in your life. I am grateful to Joshua and Stacie and to all the fellow participants as well."

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Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association Celebrates International Dance Day

Portland, May 1, (Nepal Oregon News): International Dance Day was celebrated by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association (HKBSA) on the zoom as well as live at the Portland Baha on Friday, May 1, 2026.

The world famous day in the field of dance and culture was observed by HKBSA in collaboration with the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara with the presentation of several Newar Buddhist Charya dances online as well as live at the Vihara in Portland.

The International Dance Day was created and proclaimed by the Dance Committee of the International Theater Institute  (ITI), the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.

Dr Tina Ho, who was the master of ceremony at the event, said:"The Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association has been working hand in hand with the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara  to enhance and promote the Newar Buddhist Charya dances in the world."

The International Dance Day event kicked off with Avalokiteshvara Sloka charya dance which was performed by Joanna Lai, Pamela Chan, Fiona Yiu and Suen Tan Mei. Avalokiteshvara also known as Guan Yin  or Chenrezig, is widely beloved throughout the Buddhist world. The deity embodies the beauty of universal compassion in its most accessible and recognizable forms: softness, kindness and gentleness.

After that, Vasundhara Charya Nritya was presented by Shira Chan. Vasundhara is the Goddess of Harvest, the Earth Mother and nurtures all her children. Golden-yellow, like the element Earth, she is adorned with jewels and ornaments, symbolizing her association with wealth and abundance.

Likewise, Kurukulla Charya dance was demonstrated by Sin Yin Leung. Kurukulla is a female Tantric deity in Vajrayana Buddhism associated with magnetizing enchantment and spiritual power. She is often depicted in red, symbolizing passion and transformation, and holds a flower, bow and arrow, representing attraction and influence.

Similarly, Arya Tara charya dance was offered on the zoom by Patty Chan. Arya Tara is green and embodies compassionate activity. The deity sits in a joyful ease pose with her right leg extended, always ready to come to the aid of beings. She gives generously with her right hand and holds a lotus of parity with her left hand at her heart.

Furthermore, Vajrasattva Charya Dance was put on the stage by Dickon Kong. Vajrasattva is 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.

Meanwhile, Vajrayogini charya dance was a beautifully choreographed performance by Dr Tina Ho. Vajrayogini is a primary female Buddha. She is semi-wrathful, bright and dances joyfully, without shame or fear, 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 energy.

Moreover, Padmanateshvara charya nritya was beautifully displayed by Anastasia Roderick, a Sangha member of the Vihara. Padmanateshvara is the deity who represents performance arts. Padmanateshvara possesses ten hands. The deity's initial gesture is to indicate the wisdom of the heart, with the second one, the Bodhisattva touches heaven, with the third the Earth. All the other symbols the deity holds in different hands refer to the Buddha Dharma, and about one making decisions to follow this path.

Besides, Singhamukhi charya dance was performed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. The lion-faced Dakini symbolizes an enlightened female like a lion-king. There is also the skull rosary/mala which represents the undertaking of the various feelings and moods of sentient beings and the snake represents the treasure.

Further, Mahakala Charya dance was rendered by Joshua Proto. Mahakala is a wrathful protector deity, dark blue in color and awesome to behold. He is beautiful and splendorous with his short and stout body, huge belly and angry look. He wears a tiger skin, bone ornaments, and snakes and is a destroyer of all fears. Like Vajrapani, he dances upon the negative forces that fuel the path to enlightenment.

Also, Simhanado Lokeshvara and Sadaksari Lokeshvara Charya dances were displayed by  Ada Ip and Ayumi Cheng. 

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'Spring Blossoming Dance Offering' Held at Vihara

Portland, May 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A program "Spring Blossoming Dance Offering" showing amazing and incredible Newar Vajrayana Buddhist Charya dances was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Students of the Foundational Charya Dance  Course performed Mandala Dance - Refuge and Sixteen Offering Goddess dances. The dance performers were: Dira Osland, Ashley Low, Jennifer Pepper Koscis, Susan Morningstar, Clay Stenhilber, Hank Loos, Hawk Grubb, Lia Ovelar and Naveena Shakya.

Later, Vajrasattva charya dance was presented by Rev Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. Vajrasattva embodies the state of being to which all Mahayana Tantric practitioners aspire, namely the adamantine state of full enlightenment.

Likewise, Green Tara charya dance was performed by Jennifer Pepper Koscis. Through graceful mudras, precise steps and meditative gestures, the charya dancer embodies the enlightened energy of Arya Tara, blessing devotees with protection, wisdom and swift liberation from obstacles and sufferings.

Similarly, Vajrayogini charya dance, on the occasion, was offered by Anna Shustrova. This is an embodied spiritual discipline where the Charya dancer visually and energetically transforms into Vajrayogini and the embodiment of supreme, enlightened wisdom.

Finally, Vajrapani charya dance was rendered by Rev Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. 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.

All the Charya giti songs on the occasion were vocalized by Charya giti singer Joshua Proto. The program 'Spring Blossoming Dance Offering' was conducted by Anastasia Roderick. The program was attended in person by more than 40 people at the Vihara.

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Octogenarian Community Member Padma Laxmi Karanjit Passes Away

Portland, May 13 (Nepal Oregon News): Portland's Nepalese community was shocked and deeply moved by the sad news of demise on Friday, May 13, 2026 of octogenarian community member Maa Padma Laxmi Karanjit  who has been battling the age related disease for last couple of years.

Late Karanjit who was born on Oct 31, 1938 in Kathmandu, was married to late Bishnu Bahadur Karanjit. She is survived by three sons and two daughters and many grand children.

Late Padma Laxmi's son Pramod Karanjit and daughter Bijaya Maharjan are entrepreneurs in Portland.

A funeral service was held on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Holman's Funeral & Cremation Service on South East Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, followed by a cremation service in Vancouver, Washington.

Extending the condolences on the occasion, president of Nepa Chhen Daya Shakya threw light on the life and contributions of late Padma Laxmi who came to the US in 2006.

Late Padma Laxmi's grand son Dennis Karanjit, community member Keshari Maharjan and Sangha member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Rabin Man Shakya expressed the feelings that her legacy lives on through our treasured memories.

Likewise, Rev Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya took the podium to eulogize late Padma Laxmi's contributions to her family and community. Prajwal Guruji also said that late Padma Laxmi's  Buri Janko was ritualized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara  in Portland several years ago.

A number of Nepalese people living in Portland and its periphery came to the funeral service  to pay last tributes to late Padma Laxmi by offering flowers.

Present at the funeral service were the Sangha members of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, officials and ex-officials of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO), office bearers of NRNA-USA-Oregon chapter and Nepa Chhen.

During the funeral service, Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, chief priest of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara conducted the Antyasthi Kriya Puja (funeral rituals). The Gurumandala puja was chanted during the funeral service.

Also, Prajwal Guruji gave away Chilakha (oil-filled cotton lamp) to Pramod Karanjit, the deceased's son, for daag batti. Durgati Parishodhana Dharani was chanted by Guruju Pradip Bajracharya along with other funeral service participants.

On the tenth day of her demise - on May 23 - Pramod went to a river in Portland and after that was given a head-shaving at the Newar Buddhist temple. Prajwal Guruji purified the White Barkhi Dress and then handed it over to Pramod. Further, Prajwal Guruji gave 'Panchagavya' to Pramod.

Panchagavya is a Sanskrit word in which Pancha stands for five and Gavya refers to mostly cow derivatives: ghee, milk, cow dung, honey and water.

On the 12th day of passing, Gurumandala Puja, Homa Puja and Mamaki Puja were ritualized by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya at Pramod's residence in Portland. Homa Puja is a sacred ritual in which wood, ghee, grains and herbs are burned in a consecrated fire to invoke divine forces.

Mamaki Puja is an esoteric Tantric ritual dedicated to Mamaki, the Yellow Tara. The Puja is uniquely  associated with the worship of specific ritual items like Ayla (wine), Thwon (white fermented beer) and curd.

On the 13th day, Shraddh rituals were performed by Guruji Prajwal in honor of late Padma Laxmi at Pramod's house. Shraddh is a reverential death ritual performed to nourish and honor deceased person.

During the Shraddh ritual, Prajwal Guruji offered Pinda to the deceased soul. Pinda refers to the symbolic food offerings  (balls of rice, barley and sesame seeds) made during the Shraddh ceremony to sustain the departed soul in the afterlife.

The Shraddh rituals are conducted so that the heavenly journey of the deceased souls after death is comfortable and stress-free. On the day of Shraddh rituals, a Shraddh-bhoj was offered by Pramod at his residence for community members.

 

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Sangha Member Joshua's Birthday Observed at Vihara

Portland, May 31 (Nepal Oregon News): Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Joshua Proto turned 32 on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

According to Newar Buddhism, birthday is also a part of lifecycle ritual. Joshua's birthday was celebrated at the Vihara amidst a religious ceremony called Navagraha Rituals which was performed by Prajwal Vajracharya, the chief Pujari.

A Puja Bha Sankalpa - consisting of Hyangu and Bhasugu Sinha, Goja, Jajanka, Dhau, Jaki, Baji, Dhup, flowers and coins etc - is prepared for the Navagraha Puja.

Usually, Khen Sagan (hard-boiled egg, anchovy fish and Khola of Ayla three times) is handed over to the birthday guy.

The Navagraha Puja engages the nine planets in a square Mandala with the Sun in the center, and in the process of acknowledging and honoring each of the planet, clears the cause of  obstacles and sufferings.

The Navagraha Puja is ritualized to clean the life of any undue negative possibilities and problems. 

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Bara Tayegu Rituals for a Newar Girl Organized in Gresham, Oregon

Portland, May 10 (Nepal Oregon News): Bara Tayegu rituals for Mriyana Sen Tamrakar were performed by Prajwal Guruji in Gresham, Oregon on Sunday, May  10, 2026. 

Mriyana is the daughter of Mrinal and Rajani Sen Tamrakar.

Gurumandala Puja and Bali Puja were performed by Prajwal Guruji on the occasion.

Bara Tayegu - which is one of the important lifecycle rituals of Newar women - is one of the traditional rituals which has been performed in Nepal for centuries.

Bara Tayegu  is a ritual carried out for young girls before the start of menstruation and usually followed by another important lifecycle ritual called 'Ihi' (Bel Bibah).

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Home Purification Ritual Held in King City, OR

Portland, May 10 (Nepal Oregon News): A house purification ritual was performed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya at the new residence of Ramila and Prasanna Shakya in King City, Oregon on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

In the Buddhist tradition, a purification ritual is conducted before people move into a new house. The purpose of the ritual is to purify the house from the evil spirits.

On the occasion, Gurumandala Puja and Pancha Bali Puja were performed by Prajwal Guruji.

According to Prajwal Guruji, Gurumandala Puja is the foundational Newar Buddhist ritual used to remove obstacles and invoke blessings for the households whereas Pancha Bali Puja is a primary house blessing and purification rite used when moving into a new home or clearing unpleasant energies.

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Indian Classical Music Concert Held at Vihara

Portland, May 28 (Nepal Oregon News): An Indian classical music concert was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

A powerful Bansuri and clarinet performance by world famous flute master Steve Gorn and Tabla playing by renowned multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer was held at the temple to the full house.

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 by flute master Steve and multi-instrumentalist Benjy.

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

A Grammy winner and five times Grammy nominee, Steve is creating a new idiom, a music that combines the essence from a virtuoso mastery, generating a vibrant fusion, alive and accessible to Western ears.

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

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Regular Activities Continue

All the usual events including Monthly Full Moon Namasangiti chanting, weekly Dharani chanting, Sadhana Practice, Buddha Bhajan practice and Charya giti singing practice were conducted on a regular basis  at the Vihara in person and on the zoom.

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