Bura Buri Janko of Prof Ellington and Prof Iltis Held

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  --Avalokiteshvara Day Observed in Hong Kong--

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Virtual Charya Nritya Course for Singaporeans --

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

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

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

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

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

(Rabin Man Shakya is a well-known journalist in USA)  

  

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

Naamsangiti Recited in Portland, USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

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

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

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

Promoting, preserving and protecting traditional and cultural values of Nepal are not easy work always, but  Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland is giving it a shot. Its establishment in 2009 by Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya has paved the way for Nepalese Portlanders and beyond to carry on with lots of rituals and cultural ceremonies like the way it is done in the Kathmandu valley.

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

Nepalese Portlanders see Nritya Mandala Mahavihara as the cultural and religious bulwark, a temple of veneration and an outlet  for their cultural and socio-religious activities. After all, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is definitely the pioneering Newar Vajrayani Buddhist heritage in the USA. Needless to say, preservation and promotion of esoteric Buddhist Charya dances was the raison d' etre of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

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

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

   --Yenya Punhi Observed at the Portland Baha --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   -- Macha Janko Ceremony Held --

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

The rice feeding ceremony was solemnized by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

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

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

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

   -- Rev Prajwal Vajracharya Bereaved --

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

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

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

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

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

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

  -- Charya Singing Practice Every Friday --

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

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

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

  --Dharani Chanting on Tuesday Once a Week --

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

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

  -- Sadhana Practice Each Wednesday --

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

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

 --Buddha Bhajan Recitation on Every Wednesday --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Rabin Man Shakya, who is a Nepali journalist in USA, is a Sangha Member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA and a Life Member of World Newah Organization.)

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Dakila Rituals of Late Chandra Mali Performed

 Nepal Oregon News reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Rabin Man Shakya is a senior Nepali journalist in USA)

Newah Oregonian Maharjan Passes Away, Funeral Rites Held

Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Rabin Man Shakya is a senior Nepali journalist in America)

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

Nepal Oregon News reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Rabin Man Shakya is a well-known journalist in USA)

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

Nepal Oregon News reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Rabin Man Shakya is a well-known journalist in America)

Nepalese Wedding Ceremony Solemnized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

 Nepal Oregon News reporter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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