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 Sachin Shakya son of Sahaj Raja Shakya and grand 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 met with 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, a Nepali journalist in USA, is a Sangha Member of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. He is also Life Member of World Newah Organization.)

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)  

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Celebrates 12th Anniversary of Its Establishment

Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 11 (Nepal Oregon News): The official twelfth anniversary of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara kicked off on Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021 with Gurumandala Puja and Homa Puja which was ritualized by Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya and included seven Buddhist practitioners of the community performing the ritual to re-empower deities represented in the temple: Anna Shustrova, Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Gabriel Quitslund, Naveena Shakya, Adam Bidema and Riaz Khan.

During the Gurumandala puja, among other rituals, a long pasuka (sacred thread) was used, spread and passed over to all the Gurumandala participants and other guests.

Pataa Chhayegu from the temple's pinnacle (gajur) in all four directions was also carried out as a part of the twelfth anniversary celebrations. 

At the end of the Puja, Rev Guru Prajwal handed over small pieces of sacred flowers and sacred Kokha to the Sangha members and dabbed Hyaungu Sinha on their foreheads.

In the last 12 years, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has continuously served the Sangha or community in many ways, and credit for this goes to co-founders duo Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya.

The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, Oregon is the first and only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in 350 years and it is the first monastery built outside of Nepal.

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

Meanwhile, evening celebration of the anniversary was followed by Buddha Bhajans and international Charya dance show in the zoom. In this way, a devotional song on Vasundhara was performed at the temple by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Riaz Khan, Ashley Low, Casey Redman followed by another Buddha Bhajan 'Lumbini Yatra' which is a 600 year old song.

Similarly, Buddha Bhajans 'Tri Ratna Lumanki' and 'Das Paramita' were performed by long time practitioner Buddha Laxmi Shakya from San Diego, California.

On the occasion, the international Charya dance show was presented by classical Charya artistes from Nepal, USA, Hong Kong, Brazil and Japan. Vesta Corradini from Brazil presented a Charya dance 'Green Tara' while Joshua Proto from the USA demonstrated a Charya dance 'Rakta Ganesh'.

Likewise, Yuko Okomoto from Japan appeared in the zoom performing the 'Lokeshvara' charya nritya. Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's co-founder Helen Appell offered the charya dance 'Vajrayogini' in the zoom whereas Bobby Romansky danced 'Padmasambhava' at the temple. 

Similarly, an enthralling dance 'Arya Tara' was performed by Hong Kong Sangha members: Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Man-yee Lau, Saldon Wu, Lingling Lee, Sophie Chan, Chin Chin Chang, Simone Ng, Eliza Lok-yee and Monita Lau.

A Charya dance 'Vasundhara' was performed by Anna Shustrova at the Vihara while Uppa Shakya from Hermiston, Oregon presented a dance on 'Yogini Mandala'.

Mahavihara's co-founder Guru Prajwal Vajracharya performed Ekjati dakini dance at the temple. 16 offering goddess dance was performed at the Portland Baha by  Anna Shustrova, Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Anita Laxmi Shrestha and Riyaz Khan.

Similarly, 16 offering goddess dance was also performed by Hong Kong Sangha members: Dr Tina Ho, Eliza Man-yee Lau, Saldon Wu, Lingling Lee, Sophie Chan, Chin Chin Chang, Simone Ng, Eliza Lok-yee Lau, Monita Lau, Kerry Ho, Lai-chu Chan, Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Mary Lau, Rebecca Howe, Jennifer Tang, Yuk-ling Chung.

The 12th anniversary day long program was participated by 31 people from different countries in the zoom and 20 people at the Mahavihara and was followed by a Nepali style lunch and dinner.

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Talk on "The Critical Role of the Viharas and Mahaviharas in the Newar Vajrayana Buddhism" Organized 

Portland, Nov 6 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual talk program on "The Critical Role of the Viharas and Mahaviharas in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism" was organized by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Nov 5, 2021. It was on the second day of Lunar Calendar's first month: the day of honoring the brothers by sisters for liberation from sufferings from Kaya, Vak and Chitta. The speaker of the program was Ven Rajendra Man Bajracharya who is also the chairman of Vajrayana Federation of Nepal.

Prior to the beginning of the presentation, Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara gave a short introduction of the key-note speaker Ven Rajendra Man Bajracharya. Prajwal  informed the zoom audience that more than two dozen book titles have been authored by Ven Rajendra Bajracharya on different subjects of Buddhism, Newar culture and traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Ven Rajendra Bajracharya said:"When we talk about the Buddhist monasteries of Nepal, first of all we must understand what Vajrayana is. Till the life time of Lord Buddha, there were three sects of Buddhism -- Shravakayana, Pratyak Buddhayana and Samyak Sambuddhayana."

"Vajracharya is a caste. But real Vajracharyas are those persons who daily practice rituals, do recitations of Nava Sutra Grantha. Whatever is mentioned in Nava Sutra Grantha, Pancha Rakshya Grantha, Sutra Grantha, they apply them in their life. That is why Vajrayana Buddhists are those persons who have  got the Buddhist ordination," the Buddhist scholar went on saying.

Throwing light on the importance of Chibah Dyoh in Newah Vajrayana Buddhism, he said that Prajwal's father Ven Ratna Kaji Vajracharya had elaborately and very deeply researched on the Chibah Dyohs of the Kathmandu valley.

Chuka, Nani, Nani Baha, Bahi, Vihara and Mahavihara are all categorized on the basis of educational level. Mahaviharas can be ranked at the university level education, he said.

 So far, there are 954 Viharas and 46 Mahaviharas in Nepal, he added. Bajracharya's talk also presented a detailed and comprehensive description about the role of Viharas and Mahaviharas in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism.

The talk vigorously dealt with the educational standards and levels within the three different sects of Buddhism. The talk also zeroed in on various ritual and educational activities carried out at the Viharas and Mahaviharas of the Kathmandu valley. 

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Discussion on the Building of the Vihara Held

Portland, Nov 7 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual conference "Discussion on the building of the Vihara" was organized on Saturday, Nov 6, 2021. Speaker duo at the zoom meeting were Helen Fox Appell, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and Mayo Aarons, an architect. (But he likes to call himself a carpenter). 

The zoom gathering was moderated by Corinne Nakamura, a board member of the Mahavihara. During the discussions, Helen and Mayo threw light on the history of the Mahavihara, the challenges and problems they faced in the beginning of its construction.

Actually, the short history of 12 years of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the history of Charya dance school, history of rituals and celebrations of Newar festivals.

The Mahavihara which is the only Newar Buddhist temple in the USA so far has moved to the centerstage in Nepalese community in Oregon by organizing scholarly presentations on rituals, by promoting Charya dances, by observing age-old festivals of the Kathmandu valley and by keeping alive the wonderful traditions and culture of Newar people. Nevertheless, the Mahavihara was the brainchild of Helen Apell and Prajwal Vajracharya, not the Newar community living in Oregon.

During the virtual interaction program, Helen and Mayo spoke about their first encounter with Prajwal and about their introduction with the Newar Buddhism.

The interaction with Helen and Mayo dealt with the history of how the Mahavihara was built. "During the construction of the temple, there was a big fire that took place because of a improperly stored gas can," Mayo told the zoom audience.

A lot of discussions were zeroed in on gods, goddesses, and carved windows and wooden Toranas that were brought all the way from Nepal and also on ceiling of the Mahavihara. Their talks also focused on the origin and concept of the Vihara, construction process of the temple and its consecration in 2009.

In fact, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is the first Mahavihara built in the entire history of Newar Mahaviharas after the last one was built in Nepal 350 years ago. But Helen said:"We certainly did not think of it as the first and 350 years or any kind of Mahavihara at all. We really just wanted a place that was a real temple for the  Temple Dance. We wanted to be able to dance in a ritual environment and that was the main thing." 

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Houseal Stresses Need for Preserving Ancient Dances

Portland, Nov 7 (Nepal Oregon News): While addressing a zoom talk on 'Importance of Dance in the World', a part of the ongoing 12th anniversary of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Saturday, Nov 6, 2021, Joseph Houseal, director of Chicago based non-profit 'Core of Culture Dance Preservation' has stressed the need for preserving and promoting ancient classical dances like Charya.

During the virtual interaction program, Houseal took time to applaud role and contributions of Russian immigrants Mikhail Baryshnikov and George Balanchine for enriching classical ballet in America.

The rising of modern dancing in America was very much around these personalities and also Ted Shawn, Ruth St Dennis, Merce Cunningham, Martha Graham and so on," he went on saying.

Throwing light on the ancient dancing, Houseal said:"When Christianity became powerful, the theology separated the body and the soul."

Finding the importance of dancing, that is the real thing, Houseal said and added:"Some of the people in our Mudra project, modern dancers are really connecting with that. The West does not have a tradition like Prajwal's. We do not have the ancient tradition. But we do have modern people who are intelligent and really good dancers. They want to understand it."

He went on saying:"And how do you let people like me that do not know anything about anything. Meet someone like Prajwal who knows everything about ancient tradition. And other dancers are in the same place. We want to talk to you and we want to know what your experience is. Are we having the same experience ? The way you describe your dancing experience. That is the way we are describing our experience."

So it is very interesting balance of trying to understand how people are coming to these traditions, he said and added:"I think with Prajwal's temple now in 12th anniversary, the symbol of the world is beginning to understand  the importance of it."

Prajwal brings his ancient traditions to the world. That is really what we are celebrating here. The only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple outside of Nepal and have any connection, he said.

Houseal further said:"This is huge, unprecedented act, any connection to it at all in all of the history of 2500 year history of Buddhism. There is no parallel to what Prajwal has done."

Prior to the beginning of the talk, Ven Prajwal Vajracharya gave a brief introduction of Joseph Houseal to the zoom audience.

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Virtual Interaction among Pujaris, Charya Dancers and Sangha Members Held

Portland, Nov 8 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual interaction about the devotional acts among the Pujaris, Charya dancers and Sangha members organized on Sunday, Nov 7, 2021 by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, a part of its 12th anniversary celebration, was a unique and unprecedented event in the history of the Mahavihara.

Unprecedented in the sense that never ever has this kind of interaction been organized in the past where Sangha members, Charya dancers and Pujaris have come together to share their feelings, emotions about the Mahavihara and inspirations from it.

Prof Dr Miranda Shaw who is a prominent scholar on Buddhism was the facilitator for discussions while the program was coordinated by Corinne Nakamura, a board member of the Mahavihara.

The virtual interaction program was participated by nine people at the Portland Baha while 20 other participants took part through the zoom.

Speaking on the occasion, Rev Prajwal Vajracharya said:"We have so many volunteers, supporters and helpers with us to move forward with the temple."

Giving a short introduction of Dr Miranda Shaw, Prajwal said:"Miranda is the one who introduced me to America in 1990s, involved me to different organizations, Buddhism in America conference at her own university".

Expressing her happiness to be the facilitator of the virtual interaction,  Dr Miranda Shaw said:"The way I think about this is as kind of a  celebration to add to the celebration of what  this community means to each of us individually and then that adds up to what it means to all of us."

The participants who took part at the virtual interaction directly from the Mahavihara were: Prajwal Vajracharya, Anastasia Roderick, Aniruddha Shakya, Joshua Proto, Ashley Low, Casey Redman, Adam Bidema and Riyaz Khan.

Other participants of the zoom interaction included Prof Dr Alexander von Rospatt, Helen Appell, Terry Shatterthwaite, Kuon Hunt, Jone Rybak, Anna Shushtrova, Uppa Shakya, Dave Sage, Vikram Vaidya and Laxman Shakya.

All the participants used the moment to share how the Mahavihara benefitted them, what kind of influence in their life by their participation in this community and what the temple community has meant for them.

On the occasion, co-founder of NMM Helen Appell emphasized the need for preserving and protecting the ancient and medieval Newar Buddhist rituals and Newar Buddhist Charya dances.

Underscoring the importance of the Sanskrit language, Kuon Hunt, a board member of the Mahavihara threw light on the role played by the Newar Buddhist temple to enhance and enrich the Sanskrit in the community.

The virtual interaction facilitated by Prof Dr Shaw proved to be very useful for the Mahavihara's Sangha members, Pujaris and Charya dancers, as all of them poured their heart to each other.

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Virtual Talk on 'Living the Vihara'

Portland, Nov 9 (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual talk program 'Living the Vihara' by Suva Shakya, an irrigation engineer, from Hermiston Oregon was organized on Monday Nov 8, 2021 by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Suva's talk gave a detailed description of how he came to the US and how he met Guru Prajwal and Helen Appell.

His talk also dealt with the life cycle rituals performed at the Mahavihara    and about what the Portland Vihara meant to him and his family. Suva also spoke about the process of Vihara construction and about its consecration in 2009.

Underscoring the importance of the Viharas in his life, Suva mentioned three Viharas: (1) Kalimpong Dharmodaya Vihara in India (2) Itum Baha in Kathmandu and (3) Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA.

Reminiscing about Dharmodaya Vihara in Kalimpong, India, he said that they celebrated Buddha Jayanti, did Gunla Bhajans and had Guthi roles.

When Dalai Lama visited the Dharmodaya Vihara in the 80s, he was within few feet of him, Suva recollected.

"But it was at the Itum Baha in Kathmandu where my Chuda Karma (a part of lifecycle rituals) was performed," he added.

"And it is at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland where Macha Janko, Ihi ceremony and Bara Tayegu ceremony (lifecycle rituals) of my daughters were performed by Guru Prajwal," he added.  

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Noted Paubha Artist Vajracharya Passes Away

Portland, Nov 20 (Nepal Oregon News): Noted Paubha artist of Nepal Gautam Ratna Vajracharya who has been practicing Newar Buddhist Paubha painting for more than four decades has passed away on Friday, Nov 19, 2021 at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu. Late Vajracharya who was suffering from diabetes was 61.

Nepalese Paubha arts sector has lost a great Paubha artist in Vajracharya's demise.

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

Late Vajracharya is the elder brother of Guru Prajwal Vajracharya who has also lost another one of his brother in Kathmandu about three months before. Guru Prajwal was in mourning for a week. The Guru performed Durgatiparishodhana Dharani for liberation of the deceased soul everyday for a week in front of the Buddha at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Late Vajracharya was born on June 13, 1960 to late Asta Maya Vajracharya, a housewife and father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya, a Buddhist scholar and ritual master.

Late Gautam Ratna's foray into Newar Buddhist Paubha art started when he was still a teenager. He did not go to any art school. He learnt the art lessons from his father late Ratna Kaji Vajracharya.

Late Gautam Ratna who started to participate at national art exhibitions of Nepal since 1977 had bagged several national awards and prizes.

Late Vajracharya had won first prize at the 15th National Art Exhibition in 1979 and best prize at 22nd National Art Exhibition in 1988 sponsored by Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA). Late Vajracharya had a painting exhibition at the 15th World Buddhist Conference held at Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, Nepal.

Late Vajracharya had also participated at SAARC countries folk festival in Pakistan in 1987. However, late Vajracharya's magnum opus of 108 Avalokiteshvaras are displayed at Osaka Museum in Japan. His paintings are collected at the National Museum of Nepal, Lahore Museum in Pakistan and Osaka Museum in Japan.

According to Guru Prajwal Vajracharya, late Gautam Ratna has been creating priceless Paubhas all his life. Mostly, his paintings are in Japanese museum. They have been collecting his Paubhas for last 40 years. He has painted all Mandala based on texts in Sadhana Mala and Nispannayogavali.

"Many books on his drawings and paintings were published in Japan. We also have some of his priceless paintings at our Portland Baha," Guru Prajwal added.

Late Vajracharya is survived by his wife who is the elder sister of our Sangha member Ekmananda Vajracharya. 

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Sakimila Punhi Observed in Portland

Portland, Nov 20 (Nepal Oregon News):A Halimali Bwoyegu program (artistic display of different fried grains including wheat, puffed corns, fried soya beans and peanuts and different kinds of fruits) was organized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Friday, Nov 19 2021 to celebrate Sakimila Punhi.

Shedding light on Halimali Punhi, Rev Guru Prajwal Vajracharya said:"Sakimila Punhi is one of the full moon days in Nepal Sambat calendar when the Newar people eat boiled arum, sweet potato and different fried grains and perform Naamsangiti chanting."

On the occasion, Durgatiparishodhana Dharani was chanted by Guru Prajwal along with other Sangha members for liberation of the deceased soul of late Gautam Ratna Vajracharya, a noted Paubha painter of Nepal.

Manjushree Naamsangiti was also chanted by Prajwal Guruju and 15 other Sangha members who were present at the Vihara to mark the Sakimila Punhi. Likewise, 20 other participants from the US, Hong Kong, India chanted Naamsangiti too in the zoom.

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Purification Ritual for New Clinic Held

Portland, Nov 29 (Nepal Oregon News): A purification ritual was held by senior priest Prajwal Vajracharya for 'Wellbridge Acupuncture Clinic' of Sangha member Jone Rybak at South East Powell Boulevard on Sunday, Nov 28, 2021.

In the Buddhist tradition, a purification ritual is conducted before people move into a new house or office. The purpose of the ritual is to purify the building, to ensure safety and prosperity of the house or office, said Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

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Weekly Activities in Vihara Continue

In November, as usual and as always, Dharani chanting in the 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 a well-known journalist in America)

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Nepal Sambat is a Great Sambat

 Naveena Shakya

Portland, USA

Happy Nepal Sambat

New Year to everyone,

Let us celebrate our national holiday

Nepal Sambat new year

Keeping our Newah values

And Newah traditions in mind

Newahs in Nepal 

And Newahs living across the world

Celebrate the Happy New Year

Nepal Sambat with great enthusiasm and joy

Nepal Sambat is a great Sambat

 Nepal Sambat is peoples' Sambat

Nepal Sambat is a great Sambat

It is full of Newah festivals

And cultural events

Nepal Sambat is a remarkable Sambat

Not named after any king or queen

Not after any ruler

Not after any conquerer

Not after any religion

Nepal Sambat is a glorious Sambat

 It is the only Sambat in the world

 Named after a country -

A glorious country  Nepal Mandala

Nepal Sambat is a great Sambat founded 

Not by a ruler or a king.

 It was established by

Sankhadhar Sakhwa

An ordinary trader

Who also freed the debts 

Of the poor people of Nepal Mandala.

Bura Buri Janko of Prof Ellington and Prof Iltis Held

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  --Avalokiteshvara Day Observed in Hong Kong--

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Virtual Charya Nritya Course for Singaporeans --

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

Naamsangiti Recited in Portland, USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   --Yenya Punhi Observed at the Portland Baha --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

   -- Macha Janko Ceremony Held --

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

The rice feeding ceremony was solemnized by Guru Prajwal Vajracharya.

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

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

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

   -- Rev Prajwal Vajracharya Bereaved --

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

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

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

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

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

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

  -- Charya Singing Practice Every Friday --

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

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

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

  --Dharani Chanting on Tuesday Once a Week --

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

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

  -- Sadhana Practice Each Wednesday --

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

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

 --Buddha Bhajan Recitation on Every Wednesday --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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