New Controversy in NRNA - America; Two Separate NCC Committees Formed

Rabin Man Shakya

Former board member,

NRNA - NCC - USA Oregon chapter.

The recent news stories about the formation of two different national coordination  committees of NRNA - USA having two different and separate presidents Buddhi Subedi and Krishna Lamichhane  have raised questions about the validity and relevance of the NRNA movement.

If one were to examine the current controversy regarding the formation of two different and separate NRNA USA national coordination committees, one can easily conclude that the NRNA movement is gradually inching towards becoming a global forum of Nepalese diaspora with lust for power, becoming an organization of opportunists and careerists, becoming an organization of people raising the flags of different mainstream political parties of Nepal. 

People even do not understand why there are  multiple presidents in the International Coordination Committee of the NRNA? Why do NRNs keep washing dirty linen in public? They do not have any shame? They do not have any feeling or responsibility towards the community and the nation? Can't they rise above the dirty politics?

The current NRNA - America controversy looks like a circus scenario where verbal abuse, accusations and counter-accusations are rife. The recent NRNA - America controversy is the clearest evidence yet that it has only widened the rift that has plagued NRNA for last couple of years.

The impartial and nonaligned NRNs still do not understand why NRNA movement has been bitterly polarized and overtly politicized? Is it because of arrogant attitude of Nepal's political parties or because some NRNs are just "followers and tails" of the notorious political parties of Nepal? Probably, little bit of both. Many NRNA leaders get blessings from the mainstream political parties of Nepal. Why so many  internal disputes are surfacing in the NRNA? Why fighting, sloganeering, controversial statements and disrespectful acts are on the rise in NRNA? 

Today more than ever, NRNA is dominated by the politically motivated people. Nepotism, lust for power, impunity and corruption are at their heights in Nepal. The ordinary people are suffocated and voiceless. Who listens to the voices of the people these days when everyone is carried away by illusions created by the corrupt Nepalese politicians. Have NRNs been able to voice the issues and problems of the voiceless people of Nepal?

The favorite game of NRNA leaders is the blame game. The rival NRNA leaders are engaged more in the blame game than doing some soul searching to see where they have failed.

NRNA is plagued with factionalism. Factional politics and infighting have become particularly intense in the recent years. Since each faction within the NRNA is vying to meet the interest of its own camp than the overall interest of the broader NRNA, it would be naive to expect them to serve the genuine and broader NRNA interest.

Bottomline: NRNA should not be a political platform and NRNs should not be contracted by viruses of political maneuvers and bickering. The political parties of Nepal should not be engaged in treating NRNA organization as their sister organization. 

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

Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) to Host an Outdoor Event at Cook Park to Mark Bikram Sambat New Year 2079

Nepal Oregon News reporter

Portland, April 12, (Nepal Oregon News): Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the last couple of years have been so hard for the Nepalese community organizations in Oregon, USA.

But this year, Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) is going to celebrate the Bikram Sambat New Year 2079 by hosting an outdoor event at the Cook Park, Tigard, Oregon on Saturday, April 16, 2022.

According to NAO sources, NRNA - USA - Oregon chapter is supporting the NAO event by providing dinner to the picnic guests,  and that "the NAO new year picnic is basically a potluck event." Sports events and games including 'Tug of War' will be organized during the picnic, the source added. 

Situated on the banks of Tualatin river, the 79-acre Cook Park is one of the biggest parks in greater Portland area offering various sports and picnic spots, as well as a playground and a boat ramp.

Meanwhile, Khai Sanhu celebrated by Newah people of the Nepal Mandala  once every year also coincides on the day of   Bikram Sambat New Year event. Although majority of festivals celebrated  by Newah people are based on Nepal Sambat Lunar Calendar, some festivals are observed according to the Bikram Sambat too.

One of them is Khai Sanhu otherwise also known as Mekh Sankranti or Baisakh Sankranti which falls on the first day of the Bikram Sambat calendar.

On the day of Khai Sanhu, Newah people of Nepal cook and prepare a kind of soup which is called Khai Kwati. This soup is bitter in taste.

The Khai Kwati is prepared with various healthy beans and green vegetables including Kunabu, new leaves of Khai Basi, small and big peas, Lainsu, onions, shallots, fried rice flour etc.

This time of the season is very hot in the Kathmandu valley. People feel general malaise and also usually have stomach-related problems.

According to Newah Vajrayana Buddhism, Khai Kwati helps people to get rid of many stomach-related diseases by killing harmful bacteria.

Similarly, in a statement issued today, president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) Daya Shakya has extended best wishes to all Nepalese community members in Oregon, USA on the occasion of the Bikram Sambat new year 2079.

Stating that NAO was established 21 years ago on this day with the objective of unifying all the community members taking into consideration the idea of unity in diversity,  Shakya said:"NAO once again reiterates its commitment to the community service."

Saying that "We have been able to assemble a talented team in our committee, one that is deeply committed to our community," Daya  emphasized the need for searching our identity and keeping in deep touch with the motherland.

Even if we are far apart from the homeland, our love for the motherland is just unequivocal and natural, he further said.

Also, in the statement, Daya has urged the community members to take active part at the events and programs of the NAO.

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

Fifth World Newah Day at Portland Baha: Celebrating Newah Cuisines in USA

Cultural and Traditional Values Have Always Been Sacred to Newah People

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 27 (Nepal Oregon News): Fifth World Newah Day  was observed at  the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on Saturday, March 26, 2022 with various scholarly presentations, singing of a Buddha Bhajan and reciting of a poem in Nepal Bhasa.

But, most importantly, the center of attraction on the occasion was the Newah Jhwo Bhoye (a Newah feast tradition in which participants or guests are seated on long mats). It was kind of a mini Newah food festival organized at the end of the program to mark the Day. The Newah Jhwo Bhoye was very unique and unprecedented in the sense that it is the first Newah Jhwo Bhoye organized in Portland, USA after the relaxation of COVID-19 pandemic guidelines. The Newah as well as American guests were seen sitting cross-legged in a line whereas the Sangha volunteers were seen busy serving Baji, Rice, Chhoyela, Bhuti, Simpu Kwa, Aalu Achar, Lain Achar, Tofu Curry, Musya Palu, Pachhai Tarkari, Dhau, Sisa Busa and even Jeri Mari and Dudha Bhari and so on. According to Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM), 21 different kinds of food were served on the occasion. The Bhoye was served on the 'Kayan Yagu Dema' (Newah traditional brass plates) in stead of the 'Laptes'.

On the occasion, prior to Newah Jhwo Bhoye, making a brilliant presentation on "Identification of Newahs", Prajwal Vajracharya, a scholar on Newah Vajrayana Buddhism, said that so many temples and historical monuments were created by the Newah artisans in the ancient and medieval periods.

Displaying interesting and unique pictures of Newah temples and stupas at the program, Guru Prajwal who is also co-founder of NMM,  said:"Ancient temples and stupas built by Newah architects and sculptors in the Nepal Mandala are part of Nepal's glorious national history."

Lauding the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Newah architects and sculptors, Prajwal Vajracharya, who is a priest of one of the Vajracharya Buddhist lineages of Nepal, said:"Temples, stupas and historical monuments scattered throughout the nook and corner of Nepal Mandala on the one hand show the flair of the Newah people to arts, sculpture, stone carving, masonry, carpentry, and architecture, you can see so much arts reflected on the doors, windows and Toranas at the temples, and on the other hand indicate the significance of religious reverence and harmony."

Noting that cultural and traditional values have always been sacred to the Newah people, Rev Guruju Vajracharya shed light on the preponderance of historical monuments, stupas, Viharas and temples in the Nepal Mandala. He said:"Every five minutes walk, you find the Viharas, the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other deities are living there."

Vajracharya, who is also Chief Pujari at the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in Portland went on saying:"Keeping our Newah identity alive and saving our cultural and ritual traditions in the USA, that is a formidable challenge, but we are committed to it."

On the occasion, Daya Shakya, patron of World Newah Organization (WNO), made a presentation on "From Gallis and Nanis to the Alleys of Halin."

Daya's talk also presented a detailed and comprehensive description on the history and activities of the World Newah Organization established in 2011 by the London Declaration, WNO decision in 2017 to observe the last Saturday of the month of March as World Newah Day (WND).

In discussing the activities and objectives of the WNO, Daya Shakya also a Nepalese community leader in Oregon, said WNO was launched to act like an umbrella organization of all the Newah forums and associations in Nepal and abroad.

Exploring the avenues of the broader Newah movement, Shakya said WNO is a global entity to discuss the Newah issues among the wide range of underprivileged and deprived groups.

Our annual WND celebration is an important national as well as international event of the year for the Newahs, one that the WNO has been holding since 2018 to disseminate the idea that civilization of Newah people should be recognized, he added.

Another important and relevant presentation on "Newah Culinary Heritage: Medical Cuisine of the World" was made by well-known Newah chef Bikram Vaidya. He said:"Each dish served during feasts and festivals have symbolic significance."

Vaidya, who is also former faculty at the Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland, said:"Different kind of foods are presented for different occasions, considering the seasonal climatic conditions and nutritional needs for human body."

During the presentation, Vaidya showed different pictures highlighting the Newah food to be used on different occasions and festivals.

Vaidya shared the information that Kwati (a thick soup consisting of various beans) has a historical significance in Newah culture because when food supply used to be scarce, Kwati provided farmers with much nourishment during monsoon's busy-crop planting season.

Similarly, talking about the diverse Newah cuisines, Vaidya said:"There are over 200 dishes in Newah cuisines. Food is essential part of Newah culture".

 "Community members come to celebrate festival, bring everyone together. Food is the biggest part of our culture. Without food, there is no festival", he said. 

Lavish gastronomic affairs is the key during ritual and religious ceremonies. Newars are renowned for their festivals and feasts, Vaidya concluded.

During a brief presentation, Dr Rabin Man Shakya of the Nepal Oregon News threw light on the role and contribution made by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and the Portland's Newah Buddhist temple for protecting and promoting Newah Buddhist heritage and rituals in the USA.

Dr Shakya said:"World Newah Day (WND) is an opportunity for the Newah people across the world to renew our commitment for Newah cause in challenging times. WND is a day to reflect on the messages and teachings of late Newah luminaries."

Expressing the belief that various activities carried out by Hong Kong Dance Mandala Sangha and Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara would enhance and enrich Newah culture and rituals in Hong Kong and the USA respectively, Dr Tina Ho from Hong Kong said in the zoom:"We do not want to let Newah Buddhist rituals and Charya dances disappear totally."

Dr Tina Ho, a prominent Charya dancer in Hong Kong, said:"Newah Buddhist Charya dance is an esoteric dance form that used to be exclusively performed by Vajracharyas within the Newar community. We are also students of Prajwal Guruju. Hong Kong Dance Mandala Sangha is always committed to promote and preserve the esoteric Newah Buddhist traditional dance."

Similarly, a poem in Nepal Bhasa "Bhingu Bicha Yaye Nu" (Let's think in a good, positive way) was recited by Sangha member Naveena Shakya.

A Buddha Bhajan was performed eventually on the occasion by Joshua Proto, Casey Redman, Mario Mastrangelo, Riyaz Khan and Yadav. The Bajan (a kind of drum) for the Bhajan was played by Satya Bayu (an American artist).

About 40 people (including Newahs and Americans) participated at the Portland's World Newah Day celebrations at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara whereas 10 people from Hong Kong, Nepal, USA, India and Canada took part at the program from the zoom.

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Sitar Concert Held at Portland's Nepalese Buddhist Temple

A Sitar concert by Josh Feinberg was organized at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, March 19, 2022. This was the first Sitar concert at the Portland Baha - attended by over 45 people -- after the relaxation of the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines.

Nevertheless, masks were mandatory at the concert, so was the proof of vaccination or negative test result of COVID-19 within last 72 hours.

At the beginning of the concert, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya - senior pujari at the Mahavihara - gave a short introduction of musician duo Josh Feinberg and Ravi Albright.

The enthralling and mesmerizing Sitar rendition of Josh Feinberg was accompanied in Tabla by Ravi Albright.

Prior to the beginning of the Sitar concert, Maestro Feinberg said:"I am performing in Portland for the first time in two and half years. I am so happy to be playing music again."

Remembering about the hardships during the pandemic, the noted Sitarist said:"The last couple of years have been so hard for me and so many others. I am filled with a sense of gratitude for my kids, my music and the ability to do what I love - spending my time creating music, teaching and bringing beauty and joy into the world."

Josh went on saying:"I am so grateful to be offering this music at the Mahavihara, a beautiful Nepali dance temple, with my long time friend and exuberant Tabla player Ravi Albright."

Josh, on the occasion, performed (1) Basant Pancham Taal Ki Sawari + Tintal, (2) Charukesh in Sitarkhani and (3) Bhairavi Dadra.

Josh's new album 'Time does not exist for light' was released in Australia early on in COVID-19.

Josh Feinberg is celebrated as one of the world's leading young Sitarists, and is hailed as one of the most original and dynamic Sitar maestros of his generation.

As a Jewish-American-Hindustani artist, Josh is a self described 'musical immigrant' in the field of Indian classical music.

Ravi Albright, who is a professional Tabla player, is the founder of Seattle Tabla Institute in Seattle, Washington, and also the adjunct faculty of music at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. Ravi has been a student of North American Indian classical tabla drumming in both India and the US since his youth. He is one of only a few ganda-banda (formally recognized) disciples of Pundit Anindo Chatterjee of Kolkata, India.

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Falgun Purnima Observed at Portland Baha

Falgun Purnima was observed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavirara, Portland on Thursday, March 17, 2021 by reciting Manjushree Naamsangiti.

Naamsangiti was recited by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Riyaz Khan, Naveena Shakya and Dr Rabin Man Shakya at the Mahavihara.

However, Naamsangiti was also recited in the zoom and was participated by 10 other people from Hong Kong, India and America. 

Each Purnima (full moon day) is sacred and holy for the Buddhists. Although the holi festival on the day of Falgun Purnima is basically a Hindu tradition, the other two events: Chakan Dyo Jatra and Gurumapa Yat Ja Nakegu events also coincide on the Day of Falgun Purnima. Chakan Dyo and Gurumapa events are related to Newah Vajrayana Buddhism.

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International Virtual Webinar on Gurumandala Puja Going On

The 12-week first international virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja hosted by Yangchenma Arts & Music, Los Angeles is going on very successfully.

The virtual webinar is being attended by 45 participants from 15 different countries of the world.

Co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and its chief pujari Prajwal Vajracharya is conducting the international webinar.

According to Guruji Vajracharya, this month, the participants were taught about the meaning and scope of the Gurumandala Puja.

Guruji Vajracharya who is also an expert on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, said:"In broader sense, Guru refersto the Buddhas, the Dharma and the Sangha while Mandala's meaning goes beyond the body, speech and mind of oneself whereas  Puja means rituals and worshipping."

Therefore, Gurumandala Puja can broadly be defined as the worshipping of the body, speech and mind for attaining Nirvana, the Guruji added.

The webinar on Gurumandala Puja is going to be wrapped up on April 23, 2022, said Guruji Vajracharya.

It is to be noted that Gurumandala Puja is one of the oldest and most important rituals of Newah Vajrayana tradition.

Meanwhile, regular Dharani reciting was held once a week on each Tuesday virtually while Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajans were conducted in the zoom as usual on every Wednesday. Also, Charya giti practice is being held once a week on Friday at the Mahavihara in the zoom.

( Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya, a Nepali journalist in America, is also a Life Member of World Newah Organization.)

  

 

Prajwal Vajracharya Stresses Need for Promoting Newar Buddhism, Newar Culture in America

First Int'l Virtual Webinar on Gurumandala Puja Organized in USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, March 3, (Nepal Oregon News): In what appeared to be the first international virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja attended by 45 participants from 15 different countries of the world, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Guruji Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya said:"The Gurumandala Puja vidhi purification ritual is the most common ritual practiced in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism in Nepal."

The 12-week long virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja which kicked off on Friday, Feb 5, 2022 is being organized to make it more known abroad and promote ritual significance of Gurumandala Puja, said Vajracharya who is also the chief priest of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in the USA.

The international virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja is being hosted by Yangchenma Arts & Music every Friday from Feb 5 to April 23, 2022 for twelve weeks.

Also, five Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara are taking part at the Gurumandala webinar at the Mahavihara temple: Terry Satterthwaite, Naveena Shakya, Joshua Proto, Riyaz Khan and Anastasia Roderick.

Yangchenma Arts & Music is a community organization based in Los Angeles  and is aimed at preserving, promoting and celebrating the richness and diversity of human cultures through their artistic and musical wisdom, traditions, kept alive through the connection and shared experience of humans throughout the world.

Touching on the history of Gurumandala Puja, Vajracharaya who is a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, said the ritual has been passed down for 1000 years.  The Gurumandala is so important that without it there is no Mahayana and Vajrayana in Nepal, he added.

Laying more emphasis on the importance of Gurumandala Puja in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Guruju Prajwal said:"At all important moments in life, from birth to death, this important Newar Buddhist ritual is performed to remove obstacles and bring spiritual blessings."

Some of the prime concerns or benefits of Gurumandala Puja are: It teaches you to go to the right path in life, to become spiritually perfect, to bring physical wellness, to give teacher-like feeling to one's own body and to aim for attaining Nirvana, said Vajracharya who is a  rituals master as well.

 

Underscoring the purpose of the course, Pundit Vajracharya who is also a noted Charya dance teacher said:"The objective of the international virtual webinar is not only to familiarize  the participants with the rituals of Gurumandala Puja, but also to provide them information and study about astrology, give knowledge about the lines of chanting and ritualization of Strotas of Gurumandala Puja. He also highlighted the importance of ritual objects used in the Gurumandala Puja.

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

While during the first virtual lecture series, Guruju Vajracharya shed light on the introduction and meaning of Gurumandala Puja, the second webinar focused on role of Gurumandala Puja in the life cycle rituals.

Although Buddhism is one of the leading religions in the world, little is known about Newar Buddhism, that is why the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA is relentlessly working to promote and enhance Newar Buddhism and Newar culture in America, added Vajracharya.

The notable presence on the webinar was of Dr Manik Bajracharya who is a visiting professor since 2011 at Heidelberg University in Germany. Dr Manik has published several articles on Gurumandala Puja and Newar Buddhist traditions. Dr Manik along with Guruju Prajwal threw light on how important is Gurumandala in the life of the people.

Gurumandala ritual is a worshipping offering of the Mt Merumandala. During the Gurumandala rituals, a Ratnamandala is drawn. The Ratnamandala is kind of a geometric design drawn on the floor by abrading white limestone powder or sand.

Guruji Prajwal's talk also dealt with details about ancient and medieval Mahasiddhas like Shantikaracharya - the first Bajracharya Guru of the Nepal Mandala, Surat Bajra Bajracharya, Manju Bajra Bajracharya and Lila Bajra Bajracharya etc.

Informing the participants that Swayambhu Maha Chaitya was founded by Buddhist Mahayana Dharma Guru Shantikaracharya by covering the Dharma Dhatu inside the stupa, Guruji Prajwal added that it was Hungkara Bajra who offered Vajrayogini's Diksha to Guru Rinpoche.

According to the Charya Giti, there were 75 Mahasiddhas in Nepal Mandala. Biography of 32 Mahasiddhas have been written so far, the Guruji said.

Giving details about the Puja, he said:"The Gurumandala Puja begins with offering honor to Surya Archana, then declaration of ritual performer's geographic location of the ritual site, astronomical state of the sun, moon and other planets at the time, and intention of the patron for doing the ritual."

"We then ask permission from the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha to conduct the ritual and perform a self-empowerment, to create our own Mandala and transform ourselves  into the Buddha of purification - Vajrasattva."

The Guruji further stated: "Within the Mandala of Vajrasattva, we invite all the protector deities and the artful deity for protection."

Guruji Prajwal reiterated that the virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja consisted of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the Puja. Starting from Friday, March 4, 2022 the webinar will focus on chanting Gurumandala strotas according to a manual, the Guruji said.

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Si Punhi Observed at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

Si Punhi full moon day was observed on Feb 16, 2022 by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA by organizing chanting of Maha Manjushree Naamsangiti in the zoom.

Fifteen people from USA and Hong Kong had taken part at the virtual Naamsangiti reciting.

Naamsangiti, on the occasion, was chanted by  Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Ashley Low, Casey Redman, Riyaz Khan and Naveena Shakya,   and was followed by other virtual participants.

On the day of Si Punhi, the month-long Swasthani sacred story reciting festival ends. Si Punhi is also known as Maghi Purnima in Nepal.

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Weekly activities in Vihara

Dharani chanting every Tuesday: Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Dharani recitation is the only chanting program of this kind in the West, and helps to preserve this special heritage. The session begins with a Refuge prayer, the Guru Bandana. This is followed by a protective Dharani, the Graha Dasha Ya Paath, and then the Saptavidhana - or Seven Limb prayer. These are followed by mantras to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas and then recitation of a variety of appropriate Dharani. The Pragya Paramita Hridayam Sutra concludes the chanting and is followed by a brief Dharma talk by Prajwal Guruju.

Singing Practice each Friday: The practice of singing Charya giti is a Sadhana of its own. It is deity yoga practice in simple Sanskrit, for which Prajwal Guruju will provide the lyrics. These songs focus on the Gods, Goddesses and philosophy of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Sadhana Practice and Buddha Bhajan chanting every Wednesday: Buddha Bhajan chanting is practiced every Wednesday. Buddha Bhajans are chanted by Prajwal Guruju  along with hosts of other participants on the zoom. Likewise, Sadhana practice is also performed on every Wednesday on the zoom at the Vihara. Sadhana is a Sanskrit word that means spiritual exercise. Sadhana practice can bring positive changes 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 Prajwal Guruju.

( Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya, a Nepali journalist in the US, is also a Life Member of World Newah Organization.)

  

Bhikkhu Maitri and Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City Ties

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Feb 12 (Nepal Oregon News): As a president of Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City Committee (KESCC) for several years back in 1990s in Nepal, Bhikkhu Maitri's role and contributions to enhance and promote cordial relations between Kathmandu and US city of Eugene has been tremendous.

Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City Committee was established in Kathmandu under Kathmandu Metropolitan City in 1992, and Bhikkhu Maitri was unanimously nominated as its president whereas I was named the general secretary of the sister city committee at that time.

Former mayor of Eugene, Oregon, USA Mr Les Anderson had paid an official visit to Kathmandu in 1975. Nepal was still in the grip of authoritarian Panchayat regime. Kathmandu Metropolitan City was then known as Kathmandu Nagar Panchayat. It was during mayor Anderson's visit to Kathmandu that a memorandum of understanding on establishing sister city relationship between Kathmandu and Eugene was reached upon.

Bhikkhu Maitri visited the USA in 1985 and again as the president of Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City Committee, he was in the USA in 1993 as a member of sister city delegation headed by Kathmandu deputy mayor late Nabindra Raj Joshi. The other member of the delegation was Shree Shah.

Vikkhu Maitri Mahasthavir is the president of Ananda Kuti Vihara Trust, council member of Lumbini Buddhist University, founder and chairman of International Buddhist Society, Lumbini. The Rev Vikkhu is also the former president of Akhil Nepal Vikkhu Maha Sangha.

Bhikkhu Maitri was one of the six boys from Nepal who went to Sri Lanka in 1968 for ordination. Maitri Bhante also worked as a journalist for over  four years at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) starting from Dec 1976 to Dec 1980. At that time, it was Maitri Bhante who started Nepali language program from SLBC.

Vikkhu Maitri has a multi-dimensional personality. But very few people in Nepal know about Bhikkhu Maitri's contributions to Kathmandu-Eugene Sister City relations. Our country Nepal and our capital city Kathmandu have received a lot of help and cooperation from the US city of Eugene in Oregon in the past.

Recently, Maitri Bhante has been diagnosed with rectum cancer. Tumor has been successfully removed with a surgery. But now the Rev Bhante is undergoing through chemo-therapy procedures.

On behalf of Nepal Oregon News, the octogenarian Buddhist activist Shanta Ratna Shakya (also former executive member of KESCC) handed over Rs 20,000.00 to Maitri Bhante at the Ananda Kuti Vihara in Kathmandu. Nepal Oregon News wishes the Bhante's sound health and speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, Daya Shakya, who is also the president of Nepali Association of Oregon, (also the former president of Eugene - Kathmandu Sister City Committee in Oregon), has provided $ 350.00 to Maitri Bhikkhu for his chemotherapy procedures under the Oregon initiatives.

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

  

Devotees Benefit from Purification Rituals: Prajwal Vajracharya

Vajrayana Tradition Based on Tantric Newar Buddhism

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

(Prajwal Vajracharya initiating Gurumandala Puja at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA)

Portland, Jan 2 (Nepal Oregon News): New year  not only brings new hope and new optimism, it also brings  new energy and new resolutions. The Purification Puja helps  devotees and other people to move forward with new vigor, energy enthusiasm all year along.

Co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and ritual master Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said this while initiating the Gurumandala Puja on Saturday, Jan 1, 2022 to welcome the new year at the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist vihara in Portland.

While 21 Sangha members took part at the purification ritual ceremony held at the temple in Portland, 20 other people from Oregon, Washington, California, Hong Kong and Canada joined the Puja ceremony through the zoom.

Vajrayana tradition is based on Tantric Buddhism, so rituals performed by rituals master Rev Prajwal Vajracharya included using of mantras, mandalas and visualization of deities and the Buddhas.

Because of ongoing Omicron crisis, limited number of devotees (majority of them were American Buddhists) joined the Puja which was meant for purifying the old energy of the previous  year and for overcoming obstacles and opening up fresh new potential.

On the occasion, a Mandala - which is a circle of cosmic diagram for ritual of interior visualization, representing various realms of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas  and their cosmic energies - was also drawn for each participant. Likewise, three Gojas on the sand Mandala were worshipped during the ritual.

A Puja Sankalpa consisting of raw rice, beaten rice, dry fruits, red and yellow color powder, flowers, a little cow milk, three small incense sticks, six cotton wicks, three Gojas, three Jajankas, three coins etc were carefully and meticulously prepared for each participants of New Year purification rituals.

The traditional community ceremony honored oneself  and others by making offerings of purified elements and was guided by using one's own Mandala of sand.

On the occasion, devotees - participants were also given time for a short meditation. Similarly,  a long Pasuka (sacred thread) was used, spread and passed over to all the New Year purification ritual participants. It was an important component of the purification ritual. Purification ritual event was followed by a Nepali style dinner.

Actually, the previous year 2021 had been testing, challenging and difficult one for the Nepalese community in Portland, just like for the people living across the world because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The people throughout the world went through stressful dilemmas and lots of ups and downs and vicissitudes. The purification ritual was meant to mitigate stress, tension and pressure.

At a time when local Nepalese community organizations are badly affected by the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland was abuzz with various events and programs in 2021, as in the preceding years. Most of the programs and events were organized remotely because the first Newar Buddhist monastery was trying to limit the possibility of Omicron exposure.

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Mila Punhi Observed at Newar Buddhist Temple in Portland

Mila Punhi was observed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland on Monday, Jan 17, 2022 by reciting Manjushree Naamsangiti. Naamsangiti was recited in the zoom and was virtually participated by 25 people from Hong Kong, Canada, Nepal, Washington and Oregon.

Naamsangiti, on the occasion, was led by Guruji Prajwal, Chris Antonio from California, Suzanne Scollon from Washington and Suva Shakya from Oregon and was followed by other Zoom participants. 

It is to be noted that Naamsangiti is chanted at the Mahavihara through the zoom once a month on the day of Purnima which is a sacred day for the Buddhists. Also, Naamsangiti is recited daily at the Mahavihara during the month of Gunla (Nepal Sambat lunar calendar).

Speaking on the occasion, Rev Prajwal Vajracharya who is also a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, said:"In Vajrayana Buddhism, Naamsangiti is one of the most important preachings of Lord Buddha, and reciting of Naamsangiti is useful for mitigating stress and tension and gaining health."

It is a coincidence that Swosthani Brata also starts in Nepal for  a month from the day of Mila Purnima. Also, another  speaker, on the occasion, was Prof Dr Linda Iltis from Washington, who has done her Ph D on Swosthani Brata.

Throwing light on the Swasthani story recital tradition, Prof Dr Linda Iltis mentioned en passant that a month long fasting and story telling about Swosthani Devi was also beginning from the day of Purnima for a month.

During Swosthani, the devotees especially women wearing red color sari take a dip into river Shali in Sankhu in the morning and fast for a month, worshipping Goddess Swosthani, Dr Iltis added.

In Kathmandu, in the evening of the Mila Punhi day, the Das Karma puja of Karunamaya Avalokiteshvara is performed at Jana Bahal.

Mila Punhi is also known as Chhyala Punhi, the festival of smashing old clay utensils. This old tradition, however, is on the verge of extinction.

Meanwhile, Dharani recitation was held in the zoom on a regular basis every week on Tuesday by the Mahavihara. Similarly, Charya Giti Singing Practice was also organized virtually once a week every Friday. Likewise, Buddhist Bhajan chanting and Sadhana Practice were also held weekly remotely on a regular basis on each Wednesday. 

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Macha Janko Rituals Performed in Seattle

Although Machabu Byenkegu is the first ritual immediately after the birth of a child, the first important life-cycle ritual of a Newar man or woman,  however,  is Macha Janko or Anna Prashana (rice feeding ceremony).

Macha Janko or rice feeding ceremony is never complete without the blessing of a Guruju. So Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was in Seattle, Washington recently to perform Macha Janko rituals of Sahaj Raja Shakya, young son of Bhai Raja Shakya and Vishnu Devi Shakya.

During the Macha Janko, also known as Anna Prashana in Sanskrit, a Mandala was drawn and Gurumandala Puja was performed by Prajwal Guruji. Ritual master Vajracharya used a variety of mantras, repeated offerings of the five elements in the form of flowers, fruits and rice, incense, water and candle light as well as other ritual objects to complete this Macha Janko.

Prajwal Guruji says:"Although this is a centuries old tradition, modern science has established the fact that child's digestive system is capable of processing solid food when he or she is approximately six months old, which is why Macha Janko is held for when a baby turns 6 months old, but it can vary between daughters and sons."

Meanwhile, while in Seattle, ritual master and scholar of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism Prajwal Vajracharya also called on Prof Dr Linda Iltis, an anthropologist, Prof Dr Ter Ellingson, an ethnomusicologist and Dr Subhash Prajapati, an ethnomusicologist.

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 Hong Kong Dedication Practice Held to Mark Chinese New Year 

A program 'Hong Kong Dedication Practice' was organized virtually on Saturday, Jan 29, 2022 by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association (HKBSA) to mark the Chinese New Year. The virtual program was participated by 20 people from Hong Kong and USA.

The program kicked off with reciting of Refuge Prayer: the three jewels of Buddhism. Seven Limb prayer ritual was chanted by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and other Sangha members at the Portland Newar Buddhist temple and other zoom participants. Vajradhatu Apsaras  offering  Zen dance was presented by Sangha members of HKBSA: Shira Chan, Yuk-ling Chung, Ping Zhang and Betty Wong.

Similarly, Ten Paramita chanting (Dan Balen) was recited by Sangha members in Hong Kong. Vasundhara paintings were demonstrated by Hong Kong Sangha members, while a Buddhist Bhajan on Vasundhara in Nepal Bhasa was presented by Guru Prajwal, Joshua Proto and other Sangha members. Music on harmonium  for the Bhajan was rendered by Sangha member Ashley Low. 

Later, Manjushree Newar Vajra Dance was presented by Dr Tina Ho of HKBSA. Likewise, during the virtual program, Mahamayuri paintings were demonstrated and Mahamayuri Zen dance performed by Dr Tina Ho and her team in Hong Kong was also shown.

Also, on the occasion, an attractive dance 'Vajrasattva Vajra Nritya' by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya was shown. The program on 'Hong Kong Dedication Practice' was wrapped up with 'hundred character mantra' recitation by Sangha members from Oregon and Hong Kong.

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Number of Buddhist Temples and Centers Increasing in Portland

Although Portland is a Christian majority city, other religions are thriving and flourishing here as well. Today more than ever, Buddhism's influence and relevance are gradually growing in Oregon in general and in Portland in particular.

The number of Buddhist temples, monasteries, Viharas and Vipassana centers are gradually and continuously increasing in Portland and other parts of Oregon.

Prominent sects of Buddhism are Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana and Zen Buddhism. You can find followers of all these sects of Buddhism in Portland and other parts of Oregon.

Co-founder of Newar Buddhist temple 'Nritya Mandala Mahavihara' in Portland and prominent scholar of Newar Vajrayana Buddhism Rev Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya says that the number of Buddhist temples, monasteries, Viharas and Vipassana centers is more than 100 in Portland and its periphery.

Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and Viharas are center of attraction in Portland, so are the Vipassana centers. A number of Buddhist centers have been created by the American Buddhists.

Likewise, not only are there so many Mahayana Buddhist temples and centers of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean  Buddhist communities in Portland, but there are also a number of Theravada viharas and monasteries of Burmese, Laotian, Sri Lankan, Cambodian and Thai communities in Portland and its periphery.

 

But Nritya Mandala Mahavihara which was established in Portland in 2009 by Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya is the first and the only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in the USA and in the West as a whole.

The Mahavihara is attracting not only American Buddhists, it is also drawing more and more people from the Nepalese community in the north west. The temple or Dance Mandal is also working to enhance and popularize the esoteric Charya Nritya. A lot of life cycle events and Nepalese festivals are also celebrated at the first Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in Portland.

Buddhism today is one of the prominent religions of the world with an estimated 480 million adherents. The fact that there are thousands of Buddhists (Asian Americans and Americans) in Portland  and its periphery alone is a testimony to it.

According to a report, seven percent of Americans claim to be Buddhist. And according to information from news media and social media, a lot of activities and programs are being carried out daily at different Buddhist temples and Viharas in Oregon.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Four Week Course on Manjushree Charya Dance Wraps Up

Charya Nritya Dances Invoke Deities : Rev Vajracharya

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

Portland, Dec 3, (Nepal Oregon News): Each Charya dance, through bodily gesture and energy and directed movements invokes a different deity, such as Nairatma, Manjushree, Pancha Buddha, Vajra Yogini and so on.

Co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and noted Charya Guru Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya said this while giving a virtual guest lecture on 'Sacred Dance of Nepal' organized by Department of Religious Studies and Religious Studies Graduate Council of University of the West, California on Thursday, Dec 2, 2021.

In Sanskrit, Charya Nritya means dance as a spiritual discipline, said Rev Guru Vajracharya adding that this is an ancient Vajracharya Buddhist dance tradition that until recently was unknown outside the circles of initiates who perform it.

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

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

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

In Portland, we have created more than 50 Charya dances. But there are thousands of Charya dances. My father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya had collected 556 Charya songs in a book that had volume 1 and 2. Likewise, my brother is also collecting the Charya songs to the number of 1,500, Guru Prajwal said.

Musical instruments used in Charya dance and Chharya giti are Taa (two little cymbals) and Damaru (Kanta Dub Dub), the Guru added. Throwing light on iconography of Buddhist deities, Prajwal Vajracharya, also the senior most Pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, said:"Every little thing the deities hold in their hands have a lot of religious and esoteric meaning. Actually, Charya dance is really an important aspect of life in Newar Buddhist tradition."

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

Dwelling on Dharma teaching, he said that raga, dwesha and moha (desire, anger and ignorance) are the most formidable enemies of human beings, according to the Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

Guru Prajwal's lecture on sacred dances of Nepal presented  comprehensive details on Pancha Buddha (Vairochana, Amitabha, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi, Akshovya), Manjushree, Nairatma, and other deities.

Similarly, the talk zeroed in on the visits of Vipashwi Buddha, Shikhi Buddha, Vishwobhu Buddha, Krakuchanda Buddha, Kashyap Buddha and Kanakmuni Buddha to the Nepal Mandala.

Prajwal's talk also shed light on ancient and medieval Mahasiddhas like Shantikaracharya - the first Bajracharya Guru of the Nepal Mandala and Surat Bajra Bajracharya, Manju Bajra Bajracharya and so on. 

Earlier, giving a brief introduction of the guest speaker to the zoom audience, Dr Miroj Shakya of the University of the West said that the university  was pleased to have an interaction with Rev Prajwal Vajracharya on sacred dance of Nepal.

Prajwal Vajracharya is a senior priest from one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineages of Nepal. He is also a ritual master of both the Charya nritya tradition and other ritual forms performed by the Newar Vajrayana lineage.

University of the West (UWest) is a private Buddhist university in Rosemead, California. It was founded in 1990 by Hsing Yun, founder of the Taiwan based Buddhist Order Fo Guang Shan and Hsi Lai Temple, the North American Order headquarters. The school offered its first class in spring of 1991.

------ Four Week Charya Nritya Dance Course on Manjushree Wraps Up ------

Portland, Dec 19 (Nepal Oregon News):  A four week Charya dance and giti course "The Path of Yogic Singing and Sacred Dancing" which kicked off in the zoom on Nov 27, 2021 was wrapped up on Dec 18, 2021.

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

Throwing light on the objectives of the four week course, Ven Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said:"The purpose of the course was to provide a basic introduction with the yogic song (Charya giti) and the accompanying sacred ritual dance of Maha Manjushree, the Buddha of wisdom."

Guru Prajwal went on saying:"Maha Manjushree, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, normally holds a sword in one hand  to cut off all delusions, and a Prajnaparamita wisdom text in the other."

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

During the four week course, the participants were able to learn the full yogic song and the accompanying sacred ritual dance of Maha Manjushree, the Buddha of wisdom in order to cultivate wisdom and awareness in body, voice and mind.

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

Over the four classes, the participants were familiarized 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 Maha Manjushree, and finally the song and dance were merged together.

The four week Charya nritya course on Maha Manjushree was conducted by Ven Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and Joshua Proto. 

-----Durgatiparishodhana Chanting Performed-----

Portland, Dec 12 (Nepal Oregon News): A Durgatiparishodhana chanting was performed in Sanskrit and in Nepal Bhasa at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara  on Saturday, Dec 11, 2021 in memory of late Gautam Ratna Vajracharya and late Mahendra Ratna Vajracharya, the elder brothers of Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

The chanting was performed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and 25 other Sangha members while the same number of people from Nepal, Hong Kong and the USA had taken part through the zoom.

On the occasion, the Dharani and the Naamsangiti were also chanted by the Sangha members and others in the zoom.

Likewise, religious tributes were paid to Guruji's cousins Vishwo Ratna Vajracharya and Kiran Vajracharya.

Similarly, homage was paid to late Paras Muni Shakya and late Rajendra Muni Shakya, brothers of Sangha member Aniruddha Shakya, late Chiniya Lal Amatya, father of community member Kabindra Amatya and late Parbati Malla, mother of community member Sharmista Amatya.

108 butter lamps were burnt to pay tributes to the deceased souls. 

-----Memorial Service Held at Portland Baha-----

Portland, Dec 24 (Nepal Oregon News): Surya Laxmi Shakya (mother of Suva Shakya, a Sangha member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, mother-in-law of Uppa Shakya, a board member of NMM, and sister-in-law of Daya Shakya also a Sangha member and Pujari of NMM) passed away on Dec 23, 2021.

Shakya died of kidney failure at a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Late Shakya was 72.

Late Shakya, who was born in 1949 in Kathmandu, is survived by husband Dharma Ratna Shakya, four sons,  a daughter and 6 grand children.

A memorial service was performed on Dec 28, 2021 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, Oregon on the seventh day with 108 butter fed diyos and chanting of Durgatiparishodhana text.

A slide show of photos depicting late Shakya in Nepal and her visit to the USA was also held on the occasion.

The memorial service was attended by 20 American and Nepalese Sangha members at the Mahavihara and 20 other people from Nepal, Hong Kong and the USA took part from the zoom.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara co-founder Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, president of Nepali Association of Oregon Daya Shakya, Suva Shakya from Hermiston and Seattle resident Laxman Shakya spoke about late Shakya during the memorial service.

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