Advanced Teaching on 'Ekajati' Charya Nritya Held

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

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Advanced Teaching on 'Ekajati' Charya Nritya

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

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

Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya performing 'Ekajati' Charya dance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Online Course on Kurukulla Concludes

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

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

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

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

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Month-long Gunla Dharma Kicks off in Portland

Portland, July 30 (Nepal Oregon News): Gunla Dharma kicked off from Friday, July 29, 2022 onwards for a whole month. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA has been observing Gunla Dharma for last four years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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World Newah Organization (WNO) Plagued by Factionalism Ahead of Elections

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, July 19 (Nepal Oregon News): The World Newah Organization (WNO), the global and umbrella organization of the Newah people living across the world, has been plagued by groupism and factionalism ahead of its elections to be held on August 5-7, 2022 in New York, USA.

In what appeared to be an unprecedented event in the short history of the WNO, on Sunday, July 17, 2022, a virtual public hearing was conducted by Daya Shakya, patron of WNO upon the request from the WNO life members to clarify validity of the election committee's announcement of WNO candidates for 2022-2025.

The virtual hearing which was moderated by WNO patron Shakya was participated by Dr Prajwal Pradhan, Dr Narayan Rajbhandari, Anil Ranjit, Bhusan Shrestha, Bimal Shrestha, Shobhit Shakya, Dr Subhash Ram Prajapati, Surendra Bhakta Shrestha, Rajesh Shrestha and Narayan Somname. There were 20 participants of WNO members who took part in the hearing through the  zoom, according to a statement issued on July 19, 2022. Some zoom participants were reluctant to express their views.

Laying emphasis on the need to do away with the highhandedness of the WNO, the statement said:"The 90 days extension for the existing WNO executive board members (EBM) expired on June 26, 2022 as per the amended WNO charter of 2016, article 10.10. The constitution does not allow extending further 90 days again and again."

The statement went on saying:"Therefore, the EBM does not have any authority to proceed with WNO activities. The only way to proceed with activities is through forming an adhoc committee."

"The WNO election appears to be conducted under pressure after the June 26 deadline. The election announcement for the WNO candidacy does not carry a legal foundation after expiration of the EBM's tenure period. Consequently, the committee needs to be revived again through an adhoc committee", the statement further said.

Denouncing the establishment side of the WNO for issuing warning letters to targeted executive members to be removed from their respected positions if they refused to accept the majority's decisions, the statement reiterated:"Such a warning is unethical, unconstitutional and dictatorial. It is obvious that groupism in the WNO mission has been heavily facilitated  in the past few few years."

The virtual hearing agreed that the controversy brewing in the WNO has reached the highest point, and that this is happening because of the "myopic attitude" of some WNO leaders.

The virtual meeting also stressed the need for the WNO to become more transparent and more far-sighted and abandon hooliganism.

The zoom meeting urged the establishment side to solve issues through mutual understanding based on constitutional mandate.

Meanwhile, Swayambhu  Tuladhar, former WNO vice president, commented in the social media:"There were deliberations today for two hours among the members reflecting discontent and disenchantment within the WNO. But nobody openly could call spade a spade and nobody wanted to speak out why and who is creating this scenario. Until and unless the person - who is pulling the wool over the eyes of the Newah people by resorting to dictatorship and factionalism - is not kicked out, there is little hope about reforms in the WNO."

The present WNO leadership does not respect the divergent opinion, said a WNO insider in condition of anonymity, adding:"Reluctance of the current WNO leadership - to tolerate dissent and criticism, to have members  express themselves and to have voices heard - is the main problem." 

Meanwhile, Krishna Chakhun, spokesperson of the WNO clarified the Nepal Oregon News in an e-mail that there is a democratic decision to extend the EBM until the annual general meeting, and that some people did not have decency to follow the democratic decision made by the majority.

Spokesperson Chakhun further stated:"Constitution of WNO has a provision for such extension by the Board." 

(Disclaimer: This news story is based on the virtual meeting and the press release issued by WNO patron Daya Shakya)

  

On-line Course on Kurukulla Charya Dance Held

Deity Kurukulla is a Magnetizing Dakini, Says Vajracharya

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 18, (Nepal Oregon News): A five-week live online course on Kurukulla Singing and Dancing is being organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara from June 3 to July 1, 2022. The Kurukulla Singing and Dancing Course was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Mahavihara.

25 participants from eight countries -- Nepal, USA, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brazil, Colombia, Italy and Germany -- are taking part at the five-week long Kurukulla Charya Dance Course which is held each Friday for one hour, said Vajracharya a veteran Charya Nritya Guru. Each class every week kicks off with a short Dharma talk by Guruji Vajracharya.

Speaking during the online course, Prajwal, one of the senior Charya Nritya Gurus in the world, said:"This Charya dance is named after the deity -- Kurukulla devi. Kurukulla charya dance is one of the ancient classical dances of Nepal. This dance is performed especially as a devotion to the female Buddha -- Kurukulla, he added.

(Prajwal Guru's student LiAnne Hunt performing Kurukulla charya dance at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara)

Giving some introductory details about Kurukulla devi, Prajwal, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest, said:"Deity Kurukulla is a quintessence of lovely sentiments and enchantment."

Kurukulla dance shows beautiful mixture, strong sense of entrancing, said Vajracharya who is also the Chief Pujari at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the first and only one Newar Buddhist Vajrayana temple in the West.

Kurukulla is a princess. She is also an incarnation of Vajrayogini. Kurukulla is the only deity who is worshipped in the process of Tantric rituals for enchanting and entrancing (Mohani Yayegu), Vajracharya further said.

Underscoring the importance of jewelry in Charya dance and stating that they are associated with six paramitas (transcendental perfection of Buddhism), Vajracharya said that Devi Kurukulla is also adorned with different jewels, bones and flowers. He went on saying that Kurukulla also wears a tiger's skin in this Charya nritya.

Kurukulla is one of the main yidam practices in Tibetan Buddhism as well, Vajracharya, a ritual master of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal, said adding:"Kurukulla is a fully awakened  female Buddha and a magnetizing Dakini."

Throwing light on the iconography of Kurukulla devi, Rev Guruji Vajracharya who is also a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, said:"Kurukulla is a female deity whose body is usually depicted in red garments and red jewelry. Kurukulla devi who is also known as Ugra Tara has four hands. Two of her left hands are depicted as holding a flowery arrow on a flowery bow and two of her right hands are depicted as holding a hook and noose of flowers."

Laying emphasis on Kurukulla as one of the important Tara deities, Guruji Vajracharya said:"Kurukulla is a female Buddha who enchants with her beauty, weaponry and powers of magnetizing."

In Kurukulla charya dance, symbolic movements of fingers, hands and legs are skillfully timed with general body movements and facial expressions,  the scholar on Charya nritya said.

Also on June 17, 2022, Prof Dr Myrinda Shaw, author of books on Vajrayogini and Buddhist Gods and Goddesses, was a guest lecturer for the participants of the course for half an hour. Prof Dr Shaw threw light on different forms of the deity Kurukulla.

The five-week Kurukulla Singing and Dancing will be wrapped up on Friday, July 1, 2022 with the sacred initiation ritual of Devi Kurukulla.

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Vajracharya Honored with WNO-USA Award for Contributions to Newar Culture and Heritage

Portland, June 15 (Nepal Oregon News): A special award of appreciation by World Newah Organization - USA was presented to Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya for his dedicated support and contribution to Newah culture and heritage through continued service and promotion in the USA and abroad.

The WNO-USA Special Award was handed over to Vajracharya, who is also the co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM), by Daya Shakya, who is the patron, founding member and former senior vice president of WNO, amid a function held at the Mahavihara in Portland on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

The WNO-USA Special Award presented to Vajracharya honored a Nepali Oregonian  who has modeled the attributes of a Buddhist scholar, Charya Nritya Guru and Vajrayana Ritual Master through leadership, action and community service and has shared and dedicated time, expertise and resources for support and contribution to Newar culture and heritage.

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

Vajracharya has been honored with numerous awards by different organizations in the past.

Speaking on the occasion, Award Receipient Vajracharya expressed his gratitude to the WNO-USA for choosing him for award.

Vajracharya said:" The NMM preserves and shares the traditions of Buddhist practice, arts and culture held by the Newah people of the Nepal Mandala. Established in Portland, USA in 2009, our center is the first Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in the West with performance and art-making spaces, and a library of the old and new Buddhist texts."

Vajracharya, who is also chief pujari at Portland's Buddhist temple, stressed the need for exploring avenues to preserve and promote Newah arts, rituals, culture and heritage.

Patron and founding member  of WNO Daya Shakya threw light on the objectives and activities  of the global Newah forum and said:"WNO is an international platform of the Newah people scattered across the world to champion the cause of strengthening and consolidating Newah solidarity and promoting Newah culture, heritage and identity." 

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Recital of Naamsangiti Marks Jya Punhi at Portland's Newar Buddhist Temple

Portland, June 15 (Nepal Oregon News): Jya Punhi or Jya Purnima was observed by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA by reciting Naamsangiti at the temple on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.

Naamsangiti reciting, which was led by temple's chief pujari Pundit Prajwal Vajracharya, was followed by Gabriel Quitslund, Anna Shustrova, Tsechen (an American), Riyaz Khan, Daya Shakya, Aniruddha Shakya, Naveena Shakya and Dr Rabin Man Shakya.

Likewise, 15 other people from USA, Hong Kong and Canada took part at the Naamsangiti Recital program from the zoom.

It is to be noted that Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been organizing Manjushree Naamsangiti 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).

Reciting of Naamsangiti is useful for mitigating stress and tension, gaining health and removing obstacles. Anything you do on the auspicious day of Purnima will be successful, said Prajwal Vajracharya.

He added:"The far-reaching importance of Naamsangiti reciting lies on the fact that Manjushree Bodhisattva is the embodiment of all knowledge and wisdom."

Shedding light on different manifestations of Lord Manjushree, Vajracharya said:"Arpachana Manjushree, Manjughosha, Vagishvara Manjushree, Manjuvajra and Manjushree Naamsangiti are the important manifestations of Lord Manjushree."

Naamsangiti is the quintessence of Buddhism because it summarizes all the Buddha's teachings, he further said.

Stressing the need for preserving traditions, he said:"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. That is why the Mahavihara is dedicated to protect, promote and preserve these sacred traditions."

At the end of Naamsangiti recitation, dinner was provided to all the in-person participants at the Mahavihara by Prajwal Guruji.

Meanwhile, regular Dharani recitation was conducted by the Mahavihara on every Tuesday while Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan singing were held each Wednesday. Similarly, Charya giti singing practice was also organized every week on Friday. 

Similarly, different pujaris have been performing daily Nitya Puja at the temple in the morning every day while the Nitya Puja at night is ritualized everyday by Prajwal Guruju himself.

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

Prajwal Guruji Performs Guru Rinpoche (Padmasamvabha) and Padmanateshvara Charya Nritya Dances at Himalayan Fair, Berkeley

Himalayan Fair Organized at Live Oak Park, Berkley

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, May 23 (Nepal Oregon News): Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya -- one of the senior most Charya Nritya gurus in the world and a prominent ritual master of both the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms performed by the Newar Vajracharya lineage -- participated at the Himalayan Fair at Live Oak Park, Berkeley, California on Saturday - Sunday May 21 and 22, 2022.

On the occasion, Rev Guruji Prajwal performed two meditational and esoteric Buddhist Charya dances at the Himalayan Fair on both days: Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava)  Charya dance and Padmanateshvara charya dance.

 (Prajwal Vajracharya performing Padmasambhava Charya nritya dance at  the Himalayan Fair.)



Padmasambhava nritya is one of the important and precious Charya nritya dances in Newar Buddhism,  according to Prajwal Guruji. Padmasambhava, who was a powerful and influential Tantric Buddhist, was called upon to Tibet in the eighth century to disseminate Buddhist philosophy and teachings in Tibet.

Om ah hum vajra guru padma siddhi hum is the Vajra Guru Mantra related to Padmasambhava. Padmasambhava is a totally enlightened being, a fully awakened one, a Buddha, says Prajwal Guruji adding Guru Rinpoche is wrathful and smiling, wrathful like Vajrapani.

Padmasambhava,  who usually wears a red hat, is dressed  with various attires  of different colors usually the yellow one. The deity is seated on a lotus with colorful petals. 

(Prajwal Vajracharya  offering Padmanateshvara charya nritya dance at the Himalayan Fair.)




Padmanateshvara (Nasa Dyo) is the deity who represents performance arts, the yidam of Charya Nritya - the Lord dancing on Padma.  Padmanateshvara's (who possesses ten hands) initial gesture is to indicate the wisdom of the heart, with the second one he touches heaven, with the third  the earth. All the other symbols he holds in his different hands refer to the Buddha Dharma, and about one making decisions to follow this path. 

The initiation into Padmanateshvara is to incarnate the wisdom by dancing, and by dancing, share it with all, says Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya.

Charya Nritya is a Newar Vajrayana Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years. Charya Nrityas are performed by Newar Buddhist priests known as Vajracharyas as part of their esoteric meditation practices and rituals.

The Himalayan Fair offered a wide spectrum of award-winning stage performers. The entertainment featured a wide range of international groups performing traditional music and dance with vibrant ethnic, religious and traditional costumes.

Live Oak Park in Berkeley was transformed into a bustling Himalayan Bazaar with thousands of visitors.  

There were numerous booths and stalls showcasing Himalayan Arts and Crafts, Himalayan Food, Travel and Trekking and Kids Booth and one of them was also a booth of World Newah Organization, an umbrella organization of Newar people living across the world.

Founded in 1983 by Arlene Blum, the Himalayan Fair is an annual celebration of the arts and culture of the Himalayan region and its people.

 The Fair offered a rare occasion to experience a Himalayan festival including some of the best world music and traditional music and dance from the Himalayas along with amazing food, shopping and people.

Arlene Blum led the first female expedition, up the world's 10th highest peak -- Annapurna in 1978. Blum was part of the Bicentennial Everest Expedition in 1976, setting an altitude record for American women. 

Arlene's climbing feats are preceded by a career as a biochemist at the University of California, Berkeley. Arlene founded the Himalayan Fair with a Tibetan Buddhist Monk -- Lama Kunga of the Ewam Choden Center.

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2566th Buddha Jayanti marked in Portland with Various Events

 

Portland, May 26 (Nepal Oregon News): Buddha Jayanti is  a very auspicious day for Buddhists all over the world.  2566th Buddha Jayanti was celebrated at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland, USA on Sunday, May 15, 2022 amid various programs.

A procession was taken out around the temple at the Mahavihara accompanied by children who played kids' music. Buddha Purnima celebrations started at the Mahavihara with the chanting of Maha Manjushree Naamsangiti by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and other Sangha members in person and in the zoom.  Before the Naamsangiti chanting, devotees gave bath to Baby Buddha. 

108 butter fed diyos (candle-like lights) were illuminated during the religious ceremony. Likewise, Refuge Dance (a performance of Buddha Bandana Dance through Charya Nritya) was also performed 108 times continuously by American and Nepali devotees.

Several Buddhist Bhajan songs were presented on the occasion by Joshua Proto, Casey Redman,  Mario Mastrangelo  while music on drum was played by Satya Vayu (an American).

At the end of the function, a talent show was held. Sangha member Naveena Shakya recited a poem entitled 'Buddha Was Born in Nepal' which was written by her in 2018 and was published in a Buddhist magazine in Nepal. Poonam Ghimire, a physics instructor at the University of Portland also presented a short poem. Ganga Sharma, secretary of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) lauded talent of Buddha Bhajan group. Carline Schossau  spoke about arts and presented a gift to the Mahavihara. Likewise, Daya Shakya, president of NAO also recited poems of famous Newah poet Durga Lal Shrestha in the zoom.

The program was followed by a Kheer dinner (rice cooked in milk with sugar, cashews, cloves, cardamoms, raisins, coconuts etc) along with Sel Roti, Barfi, Maarpa and other Newah delicacies.

According to Guruji Prajwal of the Mahavihara, about 100 people attended the Buddha Jayanti program in person at the Mahavihara while 25 other people from Nepal, USA, Hong Kong and Canada took part at the event in the zoom.

 Talking to Nepal Oregon News, Guruji Prajwal said:"Lord Gautam Buddha was born to the Queen of Kapilvastu Mayadevi and King Shuddhodhan in 623 BC as Prince Siddhartha on the full moon day of the Nepali month of Baisakh."

Guruji Prajwal, who is a scholar of Newah Vajrayana Buddhism, said:"Born and brought up in the royal palace, Prince Siddhartha left his palace and consort and newborn son in quest of liberation of mankind at age 29."

Guruji further added:"Siddhartha Gautam attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya after meditating in various places for nearly six years."

Prajwal who is a priest and ritual master of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal went on saying:"Lord Gautam Buddha's birth, enlightenment and Nirvana took place on the full moon day of Baisakh. That is why the Buddha Jayanti Day is very sacred and auspicious for the Buddhists."

"The celebration of Buddha Purnima in a number of countries across the world highlights the significance of Buddhism as a major religious force in the world with an estimated 480 million adherents," the Guruji said. 

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Buddha Jayanti Cleaning Campaign Organized

Portland, May 9 (Nepal Oregon News): Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the only one Newar Buddhist temple in the West. One of the most important peculiarities of this Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple is that it was built with materials brought to Portland all the way from Nepal.

Doors of the temple, the windows, the Toranas, all the offering Goddesses, idols of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Dakinis, Chaitya (stupa) were brought from Nepal for the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland. They have to be preserved and protected taking into consideration  the differences of climatic conditions in Kathmandu and Oregon.

Keeping the temple clean is very important, says Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Mahavihara adding:"The cleanliness drive is carried out twice a year -- for the temple's anniversary and for Buddha Jayanti celebration."

Stressing on the need for a clean and green temple, Vajracharya says that cleanliness is crucial for us because it builds up a healthy environment around the temple.

The Buddha Jayanti cleaning campaign which, which was volunteered by the temple family members, was launched on Saturday and Sunday - May 7 and 8, 2022. The volunteers who offered help for cleaning activities were provided with lunch by Prajwal Guruji.

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Ihi Rituals of Three Newar Girls Organized

Portland, May 4 (Nepal Oregon News): Three girls from Newar community attended an Ihi ceremony at California Bay area on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at the house of Niroj Tamrakar.

The Ihi ceremony of Urna Tamrakar (daughter of Niroj and Karishma Tamrakar), Neebha Nakarmi (daughter of Gautam Nakarmi and Geeta Chitrakar) and Shaleen Basukala (daughter of Binay Basukala and Sushmita Joshi) was ritualized by Prajwal Vajracharya who is a a senior priest and ritual master of the Vajrayana tradition of Nepal.

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

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Rice-feeding Ceremony Held at the Temple

Portland, May 7 (Nepal Oregon News): One of the important purposes of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA is to preserve and promote Newar culture and traditions. Life cycle rituals are crucial parts of our Newar culture. The significance of Macha Janko (rice-feeding ceremony) which is the first important life cycle ritual in a life of a person has to be seen against a backdrop of such important traditions.

The rice-feeding ceremony is a celebration in which a child is first fed rice, according to Prajwal Vajracharya, chief pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

Throwing light on the significance of Macha Janko rituals, Prajwal Guruji said:"Although 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 boy or baby girl turns six months old, but it can vary between a daughter or a son."

Meanwhile, a rice-feeding ceremony or Macha Janko of Avnee Maharjan (daughter of Pravin and Ambika Maharjan) was held at the Mahavihara temple. The religious rituals were performed by the Guruji at the temple.

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Weekly Activities in Vihara Continue

In May, as usual and as always, Dharani chanting on zoom was conducted once a week every Tuesday. Similarly, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan singing practice were held on each Wednesday. Likewise, the practice of singing Charya giti was performed on every Friday.

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

Nepal's Amazing Sacred Buddhist Charya Nritya Dances Performed at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

Presentation on 'Culinary Journey to Nepal' Organized

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

(Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and Anna Shustrova performing Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara charya nritya dance.)

Portland, April 30 (Nepal Oregon News): A program showing amazing and incredible Newar Buddhist charya dances was organized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, April 29, 2022. The program which showcased sacred and esoteric Newah Buddhist meditational charya dances was followed by a brilliant presentation 'Culinary Journey to Nepal' by well-known Newah chef Bikram Vaidya and sumptuous Newah style dinner  prepared by him.

The program was participated by 40 people, mostly the Americans, in person at the temple and in the zoom by 25 people. 

Prior to the starting of the cultural show, Sangha member John A. Rybak, who skillfully conducted the program, said that Charya nritya is a Buddhist ritual dance with a history going back to more than 1,000 years.

Charya meditational dances are performed by Newar Buddhist priests known as Vajracharyas as part of their esoteric meditation practices and rituals, Rybak added.

Rakta Ganesha Charya Nritya Dance:

The program of sacred Buddhist charya dances of Nepal kicked off with the Rakta Ganesha charya nritya which was performed by Sangha member Joshua Proto with flying colors. Lord Ganesha is not only a protector of Dharma practice and prosperity, but he is also known as a deity who removes obstacles and difficulties of the human beings. Rakta Ganesha nritya is a mask dance.

Refuge Charya Dance:

On the occasion, Refuge Dance and 16 offering dances were performed by the members of Hong Kong Dance Mandal in the zoom. It is a performance  of Buddha Bandana dance through Charya nritya. Buddhist practitioners take refuge daily in the Buddha - the teacher, the Dharma - the teachings and the Sangha - the community.

Sixteen Offering Goddess Dance:

The Sixteen Offering Dances, also known as Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit, are sixteen dance postures representing various musical instrument offerings as well as other sense offerings. Refuge dance and Sixteen offering dances were performed by Hong Kong Dance Mandal members: Dr Tina Ho, Shira Chan, Jennifer Tang, Teresa Tsui, Patty Chan, Mary Lau and Chin Chin Chang.

Maha Vairochana Charya Nritya Dance:

Maha Vairochana charya nritya on the occasion was offered by Dr Tina Ho of Hong Kong Dance Mandala Sangha in the zoom as well. Vairochana is considered the supreme Buddha among the Pancha Buddha. Vairochana statues are mostly depicted in white color.

Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara Charya Nritya Dance:

Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara charya dance was put on the stage by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and Anna Shustrova. In what appeared to be an amazing and astonishing performance, charya dancer duo Guruji Prajwal and his student Anna during the nritya have gone into a meditative state and let their bodies flow in movements with incredible hand and finger mudra. The Goddess Arya Tara and transcendent Buddha Amoghasiddhi are both green in color and as partners create perfect all-accomplishing activity that benefits sentient beings. The feminine energy of foundational wisdom and the male energy of skillful means - dance and interact in mutual recognition, respect and harmony.

Vajrasattva Charya Nritya Dance:

Charya dance 'Vajrasattva' was carried out by Sangha member Riaz Khan. 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. Vajrasattva has upright gold vajra in right hand at the level of the heart while his left hand carries a vajra handled bell turned up at the left hip.

Mahakala Charya Nritya Dance:

The Charya dance 'Mahakala' was well rendered by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya. 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 face. The Taa and Kanta Dub Dub (little handy drum) playing with the tinkling sounds of Ghunghuru makes the Mahakala dance scary and terrifying at times. Mahakala wears a tiger skin, bone ornaments and snakes and is destroyer of all fears. Like Vajarpani, Mahakala dances upon the negative forces that fuel the path to enlightenment. Mahakala nritya is a mask dance.

Vajrayogini Charya Nritya Dance:

Vajrayogini charya dance was performed by Anna Shustrova. Vajrayogini is one of the ancient classical dances of Nepal Mandala. Vajrayogini dance is performed as a ritual devotion to Goddess Vajrayogini. Vajrayogini is one of the most important Tantric Goddesses of the Kathmandu valley who is revered as the Goddess of Yogic practices. Vajrayogini is the quintessence of a selfless Dakini who always works for the happiness and prosperity of the sentient beings. She is semi-wrathful and bright-red, dancing joyfully, without shame or fear and glorifying in her femaleness. She drinks the nectar that fuels her in the intensity and clarity of an uncompromising motivation to cut through ignorance while embracing all accessible energies. 

All the Charya dances performed by Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members during the program were beautiful and fascinating and were able to reflect the stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities. Sangha member Joshua Proto sang Charya giti for all the Charya dances performed on the occasion. Joshua is a seasoned and skilled Charya giti singer. Taa (little cute cymbals) was played by Joshua and Kanta Dub Dub (little handy drum) was beaten by John Rybak.

Second part of the program was the presentation on Newar food by chef Bikram Vaidya. Throwing light on the culinary heritage of Nepal, Vaidya said that art of cooking has been passed down for generations.

Newar people are known for food heritage, he reiterated. While Vaidya was making presentation, the Sangha volunteers started handing over appetizers ( a kind of Sagun) to participants to keep the guests moving throughout the evening. Appetizers consisted of mung beans batter, flavored with ginger juice and shaped into thin pancakes, topped with a hard-boiled quail egg and sauteed  and sundried whole anchovy.

Saying that Sagun is only found in Newar culture, Vaidya told the audience that Sagun is a giving tradition to wish good luck.

"Sagun is also offered during the life cycle rituals: birthdays, coming of age rites, old age rites, and the New Year etc," he informed the participants.

Vaidya's talk presented a detailed and comprehensive description about the rich and diverse Newah food heritage.

Other food provided to participants during the dinner were: Salad, Entree: Yogic Platter, Dessert and Shikerni. Newah style Kheer was one of the many items liked by the participants.

Chef Bikram Vaidya was born and raised at Ason Tole in Kathmandu, Nepal. Vaidya spent years in the hospitality business before starting a culinary career. His hospitality training started in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from Western Culinary Institute, Le Cordon Bleu, he worked at renowned restaurants and hotels with top chefs. He traveled around the world, studying international culture and cuisines with chefs and locals and working with farmers.

Chef Bikram Vaidya making a presentation on Newah food heritage.

Joshua Proto dancing Rakta Ganesh charya nritya.

Mahakala charya nritya dance presented by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya.

Charya nritya dance Vajrasattva being carried out by Riaz Khan.

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Vajrayogini charya  nritya dance by Anna Shustrova.

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A Unique Civilization on Verge of Extinction, Says Shakya

Portland, April 30 (Nepal Oregon News): A round-table interaction on Global Newah Movement - that focused on how we move forward to achieve the goals for the next decade - was organized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, April 30, 2022.

Six observers participated in-person at the round table interaction at the temple of Portland Baha while 20 other people from around the world took part via zoom. Daya Shakya, patron of the World Newah Organization, was the keynote speaker on the occasion.

Throwing light on the objectives of the World Newah Organization, Shakya said the main objective of WNO was to connect the Newah people around the world in a democratic forum and alliance with purpose to support and help our compatriots in Nepal in their struggle for achieving their aspirations and dreams for freedom, political and human rights and overall development in every aspects of their daily life.

Stressing the need for elaborate works and plans for promoting and preserving Newah language and culture, Shakya expressed the view that it is a unique civilization that is on the verge of extinction due to loss of language and formal education to new generation.

Laying emphasis on the importance of firm goals and plans, he said the main purpose of the program held at Portland's Newah Buddhist temple was to draw attention or awareness on Newah identity in global perspectives.

Shakya added:"The landmark of sowing a seed on the Newah movement in America began with celebration of New Year Nepal Sambat in 1991 AD and Newah people of America exchanged the message of Bhintuna in Washington DC area."

The virtual interaction program, Daya said,  is an example of how we can aim to raise Newah awareness among different people across the world.

Speaking on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya said that the Newah Buddhist temple was created in 2009 in Portland, USA to promote Newah Vajrayana Buddhist tradition and practices, to preserve promulgate Charya nritya and its music and crafts - such as the making of masks, costumes and jewelry used in the dances - as well as to protect and preserve sacred Buddhist art of Nepal.

Scholar on Newah Vajrayana Buddhism Vajracharya expressed the view that avenues must be explored to create job opportunities for those who earn their certificates and degrees in Nepal Bhasa, otherwise it just will be beating about the bush.

Dr Tina Ho from Hong Kong Dance Mandal offered the hope that cooperation between Hong Kong Dance Mandal and US Dance Mandal would help make Newah Buddhist heritage known to the world.

Newah Dey Daboo's former president Naresh Tamrakar, Ratna Jyoti Shakya, Bidi Kayastha, Krishna Kayastha from Canada, Naresh Shakya, Vikram  Vaidya, Paubha Sayami, Sushil Tamrakar, Bidya Dali, Crystal Marie James, Dina Shakya, Pramesh Shrestha of WNO USA chapter, Keshar Man Tamrakar of Newah American Daboo and Dr Narayan Rajbhandari and so on had participated from the zoom.

Likewise, Dr Rabin Man Shakya, Aniruddha Shakya, Ishan Shakya and Adam Bidema had taken part at the interaction in person at Portland's Newah Buddhist temple.

The interaction was focused on world Newah movement, issues on Newah identity and plans and projects to revive Nepal Bhasa language and Newah culture.

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Lhuti Punhi Observed at Portland's Newah Buddhist Temple

Portland, April 16 (Nepal Oregon News): Thousands of devotees take holy bath in the sacred spouts at Balaju, Kathmandu during the auspicious Bais Dhara Mela on the full moon day called 'Lhuti Punhi.' On the same day, devotees also visit Nagarjuna Hill to  offer prayers to a Buddhist chaitya situated there. 

Lhuti Punhi is an auspicious day for the Newar Buddhists in Nepal. According Swayambhu Purana, Nepal Mandala used to be a huge lake in the ancient times. Vipaswi Buddha sowed a lotus flower in the center of the lake which emitted brilliant radiance of Swayambhu. Lhuti Punhi or Purnima is celebrated to commemorate it.

Lhuti Punhi was observed at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, April 15, 2022 by reciting the Manjushree Naamsangiti. Naamsangiti was recited on the occasion by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema, Pepper Kocsis, Kai Hakomori, Naveena Shakya and Dr Rabin Man Shakya.

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Vajracharya Calls on Rinpoche Duo

Portland, April 26 (Nepal Oregon News): Co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and prominent Newah Vajrayana Buddhism scholar Prajwal Vajracharya called on Yangsi Rinpoche and Mingyur Rinpoche at the Maitripa College in Portland on Monday, April 25, 2022.

Yangsi Rinpoche is the president of Maitripa College in Portland while Mingyur Rinpoche is a renowned Buddhist scholar from a Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu.

Dance Mandal Nepal and Prajwal Guruju's students in Kathmandu are providing Charya Nritya training to Mingyur Rinpoche's disciples from his monastery since 2018.

On the occasion, Prajwal Guruji visited library, auditoriums and administration offices of the Maitripa College. In course of the visit, Prajwal Guruji acquired information about the ongoing activities at the college. Discussions, on the occasion, were focused on Charya Nritya and various updates about the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland.

Earlier that day, a brilliant lecture on mind was presented by Mingyur Rinpoche at the hall of the Maitripa College. The program was jam-packed with the guests. The lecture program was also attended by 100 participants in the zoom.

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Virtual Webinar on Gurumandala Puja Wraps Up

Portland, April 23 (Nepal Oregon News): The 12-week long virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja (which kicked off on Feb 5, 2022) was wrapped up on Friday, April 22, 2022 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland.

The virtual webinar which was conducted by Guruji Prajwal and which was hosted by Yangchenma Arts & Music was attended by 45 participants from 15 different countries of the world.

The concluding ceremony of the webinar on Gurumandala Puja was attended by Sangha members -- Joshua Proto, Anna Shustrova, Gabriel Quitslund, Riyaz Khan, Adam Bidema and Naveena Shakya at the Mahavihara. All the practical and theoretical aspects  of Gurumandala Puja were covered during the international webinar.

The 12-week long virtual webinar on Gurumandala Puja was organized to make it more known abroad and promote ritual significance of Gurumandala Puja.

Meanwhile, weekly activities -- Dharani chanting, Sadhana practice, Buddha Bhajan practice and Charya giti singing practices -- were conducted on a regular basis at the Mahavihara and in the zoom.

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

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 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)