International Dance Day Marked at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara with Various Charya Nritya Dances

Vajracharya Stresses on Need to Promote Charya Dances

 Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Charya nritya dance 'Maya Jala'

International Dance Day was celebrated at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The world famous day in the field of dance and culture  was observed by the Portland Baha with the presentation of several Newar Buddhist charya dances.

International Dance Day is celebrated worldwide on April 29 every year. The International Dance Day was created and proclaimed by the Dance Committee of the International Theater Institute (ITI), the main partner for the performing arts of UNESCO.

Speaking briefly on the occasion, co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and one of the seniormost  Charya Nritya guru in the world Prajwal Vajracharya stressed on the need to promote and preserve the ancient and esoteric Charya dances.

John Ryback, who was the master of ceremony at the event, said:"The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA is the first and only Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple established in 350 years and it is the first Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery built outside of Nepal." 

Rakta Ganesh Charya Dance:

The event dedicated to the International Dance Day kicked off with the Rakta Ganesh charya dance carried out by Sangha member and charya giti singer Joshua Proto. Lord Ganesh is not only a protector of Dharma practice and prosperity, but he is also a deity who removes obstacles and difficulties for all. The image of Rakta Ganesh is generally found along with Mahakala at the entrance of monasteries in the Kathmandu valley as a protective deity. He has an elephant head, three eyes and ten arms. 'Rakta Ganesh' is a mask dance.

Vajrasattva Charya Dance:

After that, charya dance 'Vajrasattva' was presented by Sangha member Adam Bidema. Vajrasattva is considered the quintessence and source of all the Buddha families. Vajrasattva is peaceful in appearance, white in color, with one face and two arms, seated in Vajra posture. Vajrasattva has an upright Vajra in his right hand at the level of his heart, while in his left hand he holds a Vajra handled bell turned up at the left hip.

Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara Charya Dance:

Little later, Guruji Prajwal and Sangha member Anna Shustrova danced together the lovely and respectful Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara charya dance. In a beautifully-choreographed performance, it appeared that Guruji Prajwal and his student Anna had gone into a meditative state and let their bodies flow in movements with incredible hand and finger mudra. The Goddess Arya Tara and transcendent 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 male energy of skillful means dance together and interact in mutual recognition, respect and harmony.

Vajrayogini Charya Dance:

Likewise, Vajrayogini charya dance was performed by Sangha member Anastasia Roderick. 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 four Tantric Goddesses of the Kathmandu valley who is revered as the goddess of yogic practices. In this dance, symbolic movements of hands and legs are skillfully timed with general body movements and facial expressions. This dance shows beautiful mixture, strong sense of protection, preservation, anger and peaceful emotions. This dance is performed mainly in the Buddhist temples of the Kathmandu valley during special occasions.

Padmanateshvara Charya Dance:

Similarly, charya dance 'Padmanateshvara' was performed by Bobby Romansky. Padmanateshvara (Nasa Dyo) is the deity who represents performance arts, the yidam of charya nritya - the Lord dancing on Padma. Padmanateshvara's 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. Padmanateshvara is the source of artistic inspiration, joy, compassion and equanimity.

Nairatma Charya Dance:

Then, charya dance 'Nairatma' (Nairatmya) was presented during the event by Sangha member Anna Shustrova. Nairatma (Nairatmya) is the mother of selflessness. Nairatma is the limitless clear blue sky. She is the spontaneous wisdom female energy, empty of all projection and judgement. Nairatma is a female Buddha. She is the consort of Hevajra in the Hevajra - tantra. The word 'Nairatma' in Sanskrit  means 'a woman without any ego'.

Maya Jala Charya Dance:

Also, charya dance 'Maya Jala'  was offered by Prajwal Guruji on the occasion. 'Maya Jala' is a charya nritya that is not a particular deity, but is an expression of the grim reality of samsara, or cycle existence. The Sanskrit term 'Maya Jala' literally means 'the net of confusion'. This charya nritya depicts a yogi who sees the sufferings of all beings as they wander in the misery of attachment to transient existence.

The event came to an end with the Refuge dance which was participated by Prajwal Guruji, John Ryback, Joshua Proto, Leson Baker, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Bobby Romansky. 

The program was participated by 25 people at the temple of the Mahavihara and 25 people on the zoom from the USA, Nepal, Hong Kong and Canada.

 Sangha members Leson Baker and Joshua Proto sang charya giti for all the charya dances performed on the occasion. Joshua and Leson are seasoned and skilled charya giti singers. Taa (little cute cymbal) was played by Leson while Kanta Dub Dub (little handy drum) was beaten by John Ryback.

All the charya dances performed by Prajwal Guruji and other Sangha members during the International Dance Day program were beautiful and fascinating and were able to reflect the stories of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities.

The news story about the celebration of International Dance Day - showcasing several ancient Charya dances by Guruji Prajwal and his students - organized by Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara was also extensively and visually covered by Image Channel, one of Nepal's prominent mainstream television station.

Meanwhile, to mark the International Dance Day, Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association also organized an event on Friday, April 28, 2023 in the zoom in which the Hong Kong Sangha members presented Mudra Zen dances and Vajra dances offerings.

Fourteen Zen dancers of the Hong Kong Dance Mandal took part at the event: Dr Tina Ho, Dr Eliza Lau, Saldon Wu, Sophie Chan, Chin-chin Chang, Simone Ng, Kerry Ho, Lok-yee Eliza Lau, Shira Chan, Patty Chan, Mary Lau, Sin-ying Leung, Wing-yee Lau and John Lui. 

(Amoghasiddhi and Green Tara charya nritya dance)

(Amoghasiddhi and Arya Tara charya nritya dance)

 

(Charya nritya dance 'Nairatmya')

(Charya nritya dance 'Vajrasattva')

(Charya nritya dance 'Nairatma')

(Charya nritya dance 'Vajrasattva')

  Charya nritya dance 'Nairatmya' (Nairatma).

(Charya nritya dance 'Vajrasattva')

(Charya nritya dance 'Maya Jaal')

(Charya nritya dance 'Padmanateshvara')

(Charya nritya dance 'Vajrayogini')

(Charya nritya dance 'Rakta Ganesh')

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Zoom Teaching on Avalokiteshvara Held for HK Dance Mandal participanta

Portland, April 1, (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual teaching on Avalokiteshavara Bodhisattva was organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Buddhist Studies Association  on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

The zoom teaching for Hong Kong participants was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th generation Newar Vajrayana priest. Prior to the virtual teaching, Prajwal Guruji recited a charya giti on Avalokiteshvara.

The virtual teaching presented a detailed and comprehensive  description of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. 

Prajwal Guruji, who is also the co-founder of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, said:"When we do Sadhana of Avalokiteshvara and chant mantra Om Mani Padme Hung with unyielding belief and dedication, we will surely achieve realizations of great compassion and supreme Buddhahood."

Laying emphasis on the importance of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in the Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajracharya said that each of the Bodhisattva's six qualities are said to break the hindrances respectively of the six realms of existence - hell-beings, pretas, animals, humans, asuras and devas.

Vajracharya, an expert on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, stated that Avalokiteshvara is a compassionate Bodhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings, and who works relentlessly to help those who call upon his name.

Informing the participants that there are 33 different manifestations of Avalokiteshvara, the rev Guruji said that Jana Baha Dyo and Bunga Dyo are popularly worshipped by the Newars of the Kathmandu valley. 

According to Karandavyuha Sutra, the sun and the moon are said to be born from Avalokiteshvara's eyes, Shiva from his brow, Brahma from his shoulders, Vishnu from his heart, Sarashwati from his teeth, the winds from his mouth, the earth from his feet, and the sky from his stomach, Vajracharya added. 

During the remotely held discourse, Prajwal Guruji, one of the world's seniormost and renowned  Charya Nritya teacher, said:"Avlokiteshvara charya dance is an ancient form of deity yoga meditation for physical transformation, refinement of emotions and spiritual awareness." He went on saying,"Avalokiteshvara dance is the embodiment of universal compassion and has the softest, gentlest and most fluid of dances represented in the Charya Nritya tradition."

At the end of the virtual teaching on Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, Guruji Prajwal answered to the questions of the participants. The zoom teaching was participated by 20 members of the Hong Kong Sangha.

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Charya is an Important Form of Buddhist Yoga, Says Prajwal Guruji

Portland, April 27 (Nepal Oregon News): An interview of Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and one of the most senior Charya Nritya teachers of the world, was podcast by Nepal Bhasa Times on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.

The interview was conducted by journalist Heena Bajracharya in Nepal Bhasa, the language of the Newar people of Nepal.

In the interview podcast by Nepal Bhasa Times, Prajwal Guruji threw light on importance and relevance of Kaya, Vaka, Chitta.

The Vajracharya priests maintain a Buddhist dance tradition that dates back over a thousand years and has remained, for the most part, hidden from the world. This ritual art is known as Charya Nritya  which means 'dances as a spiritual discipline', Guruji Prajwal said during the digital interaction.

During the digital conference with the Nepal Bhasa Times, Prajwal Guruji went on saying:"In the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, 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."

In the zoom interview, stressing the importance of mudra and gestures, Prajwal Guruji added:"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." 

In the course of the remotely held interview, the Guruji took time to shed light on role of jewelry in Charya dance. The symbolism of ornaments is important in the Charya dance. "They are associated with six paramitas (transcendental perfections) of Buddhism. The necklace expresses Dana Paramita (Generosity), while the bracelets and anklets symbolize Sila Paramita (Morality and self discipline). Similarly, ear-rings represent Ksanti Paramita (Patience) whereas sash around the waist signifies Virya Paramita (Joyful effort and diligence). Likewise, the third eye implies Dhyana Paramita (Meditation), while the crown with its five jewels (or skulls) stand for the integrity of Prajna Paramita (Wisdom).

On the occasion, Prajwal Guruji also presented a beautiful and mesmerizing Charya dance "Vajrasattva". The charya giti for the dance was rendered by Sangha member Leson Baker.

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Lord Buddha's Teachings Still Relevant

Portland, April 30, (Nepal Oregon News): On the occasion of the Buddha Jayanti, Prajwal Vajracharya, chief pujari of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and ritual master of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition of Nepal, has sent a message of felicitations to all the Buddhists of the world.

The message of felicitations was published in "The Newarland", the online news of the Newar diaspora in the Netherlands.

In the message, Prajwal Guruji expressed the view that today more than ever, Lord Buddha's teachings and preachings are more relevant.

"The Newarland" is an online news outlet which is dedicated to Newar culture, identity and environment. Jyoti Tuladhar is the editor of the online news.

Meanwhile, a thought-provoking article "Nritya Mandala Mahavihara: Shining an International Light on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism" was published in the magazine 'Matina'.

The article was written by Kuon Hunt who is a board member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. 'Matina' is one and only Nepalese international magazine being simultaneously published from the two continents of the world. It contains articles in three languages: Nepal Bhasa, Nepali and English.

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Buddha Jayanti Cleaning Drive Organized

Portland, April 28, (Nepal Oregon News): A cleaning drive of the temple was organized right before the Buddha Purnima celebrations.

Community members came to extend helping hand for the clean up of the temple and its surroundings.

Gabriel Quitslund, Terry Satterthwaite, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema, Casey Redman, Aniruddha Shakya, Sharmista Amatya, Naveena Shakya and Rabin Man Shakya were among the volunteers who cleaned up the temple. The volunteers were provided with the lunch by Prajwal Guruji.

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Home Purification Ritual held in Hermiston

Portland, April 22, (Nepal Oregon News): When Suva and Uppa Shakya moved to their new home at Hermiston, Oregon from the old one, they needed a house purification ritual which was performed by Guruji Prajwal.

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

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

Uppa Shakya, a Charya nritya dancer, is a board member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, while Suva Shakya, an engineer, is a Sangha member of the Mahavihar.

Meanwhile, all the usual events including the Lhuti Purnima, Dharani chanting, Sadhana practice, Buddha Bhajan practice and Charya giti singing practice were conducted on a regular basis at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in person and on the zoom.

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

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Promotes Newar Buddhism in America through Charya Nritya Dances

Sixth World Newah Day Observed in Portland, USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

(Charya nritya dancers Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema and Prajwal Vajracharya)

Portland, March 26 (Nepal Oregon News): A program was organized by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA on Saturday, March 25, 2023 to celebrate the Sixth World Newah Day.

40 people - among them: the American Buddhists and Nepalese community members  - took part in person at the Portland's World Newah Day event. Likewise, 15 participants took part at the Portland's program on the zoom: from Nepal, USA, Britain, Hong Kong and Canada. 

The World Newah Day event kicked off with the refuge dance (Newah Buddhist Charya Nritya) performed by Prajwal Vajracharya, Joshua Proto, Gabriel Quitslund, Bobby Romansky and Adam Bidema.

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Nritya Mandala mahavihara said that celebration of World Newah Day is a chance for us to raise awareness for preservation and promotion of ancient Newar culture and heritage.

Patron of World Newah Organization (WNO) Daya Shakya threw light on the history and activities of the WNO established in 2011 by the London Declaration, and its decision in 2017 to observe the last Saturday of the month of March as World Newah Day.

Shakya also informed the gathering about the brief history of Shree Bhaskara Deva Sanskarit Keshchandra Krit Paravarta Mahavihara of Itum Bahal, Kathmandu including the ritual activities like Pravarjyasambhar and Pravarjyavishek.

Also, on the occasion, the Sangha member Adam Bidema stunned the gathering by speaking in Nepal Bhasa whereas Sangha members Joshua Proto, Gabriel Quitslund and Anastasia Roderick  stressed on the need to preserve and promote Newar culture and Charya Nritya.

Speaking on the zoom, Shovit Shakya from Estonia (but currently in Nepal) underscored the activities being carried out to upgrade Google Nepal Bhasa Translation Project, while Paubha Sayami (also virtually) expressed  his belief that WNO would be a formidable organization that works for the Newah cause.

Kritish Rajbhandari who is English professor at Portland's Reed College recited a poem "Chiniyamha Kisicha" by noted Nepal Bhasa poet Durga Lal Shrestha.

All the presentations during the event were profound and thought-provoking, but the Buddha Bhajans - Lumbini and Dasa Paramita - performed by Sangha members Joshua Proto and Adam Bidema in Nepal Bhasa stole the show.

The certificates on completion of the WNO-sponsored Nepal Bhasa course were given to Sangha member Adam Bidema and Hong Kong Sangha members Dr Tina Ho and Dickon Kong, where as life-membership certificates of WNO were handed over to Portlanders Pradeep Vajracharya and Kusumavati Vajracharya.

The Sixth World Newah Day event was followed by a Newah style potluck dinner (Newah Bhoye).

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Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Promotes Newar Buddhism in USA through Charya Nritya

Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) charya nritya dance

Portland, March 27, (Nepal Oregon News): A program "Spring Blossoming Dance Offering" showing amazing and incredible Newar Vajrayana Buddhist Charya dances was organized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Sunday, March 26, 2023. It is to be noted that Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, since its inception in 2009 in Portland, has been promoting Newar Buddhism in America by organizing Charya Nritya dance events, by preserving Newar Buddhist lifecycle rituals, by celebrating Newar festivals and Newar Days and many other activities.

The program which showcased sacred and esoteric  Newah Buddhist meditational dances was attended by forty people in person at the temple and 22 people on the zoom. Prof Dr Miranda Shaw, Dr Tina Ho and journalist Karen Greenspan are among the virtual participants.

Prior to the starting of the Charya Nritya show, Sangha member John A Ryback, who skillfully conducted the program, said that Charya nritya is a Newar Vajrayana 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 practice and rituals, Ryback added.

The event "Spring Blossoming Dance Offering" kicked off with Mahakala dance which was performed by Joshua Proto very skillfully. Mahakala is a wrathful protector deity, turquoise in color and awesome to behold. He is beautiful and splendorous  with his short and stout body, huge belly and fierce look. He wears a tiger skin, bone ornaments and snakes and is destroyer of all fears. Like Vajrapani, he dances upon the negative forces that fuel the path to enlightenment. Mahakala is a mask dance.

(Mahakala charya nritya dance)

After Mahakala dance, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) charya dance  was offered by Bobby Romansky, while his consorts Mandarava was posed by Anastasia Roderick and Yeshe Tsogyal's role was performed by Anna Shrustova. Padmasambhava is wrathful and smiling, wrathful like Vajrapani. His two eyes are always wide open straightforward - always awakening the people.

Little later, Vajrasattva charya dance was put on the stage by Sangha member Adam Bidema. Vajrasattva is considered the quintessence of all the peaceful Buddha families. Vajrasattva is peaceful in appearance, white in color, with one face and two hands, seated in Vajra posture. The proper right hand holds an upright gold Vajra at the level of the heart. The left hand holds a Vajra handled bell turned up at the left hip.

Likewise, the Sixteen Offering Goddess dance was performed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and Anastasia Roderick while Padmasambhava (dance by Bobby Romansky) was seen in sitting posture. The sixteen offering goddess dances, also known as Sodasha Lasya in Sanskrit, are sixteen dance postures representing various musical instrument offerings as well as other sense offerings. They are personified as the sixteen Goddesses of sensual enjoyment who show honor to the central deities of the Mandala through their pure offerings.

Similarly, charya dance 'Kurukulla' was carried out by Sangha member Anna Shrustova with flying colors. Kurukulla charya dance is one of the ancient classical dances of Nepal. Kurukulla is a fully awakened female Buddha and a magnetizing Dakini. Kurukulla is a female deity whose body is usually depicted in red garments and red jewelry. Kurukulla is also known as Ugra Tara who has four hands.

Next, the charya dance 'Green Tara' was performed by Sangha member Anastasia Roderick. Green Tara is green in color and embodies compassionate activity. Green Tara sits in a joyful ease pose with her right leg extended, always ready to come to the aid of beings. She gives generously with her right hand and holds a lotus of purity with her left hand at her heart.

The charya dance 'Singhamukha' was well rendered by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya and Sangha member Anna Shustrova. Singhamukha is a lion-faced female Buddha. She is red, fearless and very wrathful, emphasizing that enlightenment is not a passionate state, but rather a state of wholeness in  which one has access to all the energies and capacities of one's being. Singhamukha is a mask dance.

At the end of the "Spring Blossoming Dance Offering", a Refuge dance - a performance of Buddha Bandana dance through charya nritya - was performed by Guruji Prajwal and other Sangha members: John Ryback, Anna Shrustova, Joshua Proto, Anastasia Roderick, Leson Baker, Bobby Romansky, Gabriel Quitslund and Adam Bidema. Buddhist practitioners take refuge  daily in the Buddha - the teacher, the Dharma - the teachings and the Sangha - the community.

All the charya dances performed by Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya and his students during the program were beautiful and fascinating, and were able to reflect the stories  of the inner qualities and awakening of Buddhist deities. Sangha members Joshua Proto and Leson Baker sang charya giti for all the charya dances performed on the occasion. Leson and Joshua are seasoned and skilled charya giti singers.

Tinchu (little cute cymbals) was played by Leson Baker and Joshua Proto while Kanta Dub Dub (little handy drum - Damaru) was beaten by John Ryback.

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Zoom Teaching on Deity Tara for Hong Kong Sangha Members

Portland, March 5, (Nepal Oregon News): A virtual teaching "Inner Awakening with the Mantra" was organized by Hong Kong Dance Mandal Sangha on Saturday, March 4, 2023.  Eighteen participants from Hong Kong Dance Mandal Sangha took part at the virtual teaching.

The teaching on deity Tara was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, a 35th - generation Vajrayana priest and a scholar on Newah Vajrayana Buddhism.

Prajwal Guruji's virtual talk presented a detailed and comprehensive description of deity Tara.

Working with the Tantric practices of deity Tara, the Hong Kong participants were given an opportunity to explore techniques that empowered them to manifest our human potential. Movement, Meditation, Mudra and Dialogue were used to bring the participants deeper into the heart of wisdom, compassion and power.

Underscoring the importance of Tara Mantra - Om Tare Tutare Ture Swaha, Prajwal Guruji, a priest from one of the Vajrayana Buddhist lineage of Nepal, said:"Tara is green and embodies compassionate activity. She sits in a joyful ease pose with her right leg extended, always ready to come to the aid of beings. She gives genorously with her right hand and holds a lotus of purity with her left hand at her heart."

Prajwal Guruji further told the Hong Kong participants that chanting of her Mantra a hundred thousand times  with the motivation of Bodhichitta will cause aversion of obstacles and hindrances.

The Guruji went on saying:"Tara is an important figure in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. She appears as female Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism."

Tara is also known as 'mother of liberation' and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements, Prajwal Guruji added.

On the occasion, Prajwal Guruji, one of the seniormost Charya nritya teacher, threw light on the Charya dance of Tara, the female Buddha of liberating activities, and practice  how to embody and express her all-pervasive enlightened qualities through body, energy and mind. The Guru informed the virtual participants that there are 21 forms of Tara. "They are all the transformed bodies  of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion", he stated.

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

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Chuda Karma Ceremony Held in San Diego

Portland, March 19 (Nepal Oregon News): A Chuda Karma ceremony (Bare Chhuyegu) of Julian Shakya, 12, son of Birendra Shakya was performed by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya who is a ritual master and chief pujari at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland.

The Chuda Karma ceremony was ritualized at Birendra's residence in San Diego, California on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Julian's Chuda Karma ceremony was held by performing Homa Puja and Gurumandala Puja and other required rituals and traditions.

The Chuda Karma boy - Julian - wore the Buddhist monk (Vichhatan chiber) dress. As per the rituals, four gentlemen poured sacred water on the head of the Chuda Karma boy. The relatives of the boy gave away the alms (Vichha) to him on the occasion. This ceremony certifies the boy to become a Bare, hence the name Bare Chhuyegu.

According to Prajwal Guruji, Chuda Karma is one of the important lifecycle rituals in a life of a man. Chuda Karma is traditionally performed for boys aged five to thirteen, says Prajwal Guruji.

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Holi Punhi Observed with Chanting of Naamsangiti

Portland, March 9, (Nepal Oregon News): Holi Punhi (Falgun Purnima) was observed by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on the zoo on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 by reciting Manjushree Naamsangiti.

Two other Newar festivals -- Chakan Dyo Jatra and Gurumapa Yat Ja Nakegu -- also coincide with this day of Falgun Purnima.

Naamsangiti was recited by 15 participants on the zoom including Prajwal Guruji, Mathew Bourgeois, Gabriel Quitslund, Dina Shakya, Crystal James, Naveena Shakya and Dr Rabin Man Shakya and Dr Tina Ho from Hong Kong Sangha.

Meanwhile, in March, 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.

(Also, please read a relevant article entitled "World Newah Organization - WNO - and the issues of Newah unity" published in the Nepal Oregon News on Dec 25, 2024.)

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Portland's Reed College Students Visit Nritya Mandala Mahavihara

'Nritya Mandala Mahavihara - the only Newar Buddhist Temple in USA'

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): A group of students from Reed College, Portland  visited the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, the first and only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery in the West, on Friday, Feb 3, 2023. The purpose of the visit by  Reed College  students was to gain an understanding of the history, worship and practice in the Mahavihara.

The Reed College students very attentively watched and even participated at few parts  of the   morning rituals performed by Naveena Shakya, a Sangha member and the Pujari of that day. As per the Vajrayana Buddhism, morning and evening rituals are traditionally conducted at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara just like in the Mahaviharas of the Kathmandu valley.

On the occasion, giving a short introduction about the temple, Rabin Man Shakya, a Sangha member of the Mahavihara, told the students: "This Vihara was established in 2009 by Helen Appell and Prajwal Vajracharya with the objectives of promoting Charya dances, observing age-old Newar festivals and lifecycle rituals and keeping alive the wonderful traditions and culture of the people of the Nepal Mandala."

"In fact, the Newar Buddhist monastery in Portland, USA is the only Buddhist temple that has been actively and effectively working for promoting and preserving Newar Buddhism in USA," added Shakya.

Isabelle Chouinard, another Sangha member of the Vihara, threw light on Newar Buddhist rituals carried out at the Mahavihara everyday. Isabelle also took the students to the surroundings of the temple.

On the occasion, the Reed College students acquired information about the ongoing activities  at the Newar Vajrayana monastery.

The team of the Reed College students visiting the Portland Baha were: Margot Becker, Katia Beegan, Finley Firth, Chloe Fling, Elias Gonzales, Meera Hartman, Logan Hanrahan, Evelyn Lewis, Mack Marsaw, Lily Mechner and Max Wink. 

Prior to their visit, in a letter addressed to Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya, co-founder of the Mahavihara, the Reed College said:"We are a group of  religious studies students from Reed College. As a requirement to begin our thesis program, we are seeking an empathetic understanding of a lived religious tradition in our community."

The Reed College letter further stated:"We are seeking your permission to attend public services and events over the next eight weeks in order to gain an understanding of the history, worship and practice in your community. Each student will undertake an independent research project on a different aspect of your faith tradition."

It is to be noted that Reed College is a private liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon. The College was established in 1908. It is a residential college with a campus in the Eastmoreland neighborhood, with Tudor-Gothic architecture, with a picturesque natural surroundings.

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Portland Baha Celebrates Lhosar, as Sangha members Recite Dharani

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Lhosar was observed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara on Tuesday, Feb 21, 2023. Lhosar is a Tibetan New Year. It is an important festival in Tibetan Buddhism. Lhosar is  widely and popularly celebrated in Nepal too.

Lhosar New Year celebration, which was followed by a dinner with champagne and wine, was participated by about 20 people. Coincidentally, that was also the birthday of Sangha member Anna Shustrova. 

On the same  day, a weekly Dharani recitation was also held. Sangha member Gabriel Quitslund led the Dharani reading on the zoom, while Sangha members reciting it from the Mahavihara were: Adam Bidema, Anna Shustrova, Isabelle Chouinard, Naveena Shakya and Rabin Man Shakya. Members of Hong Kong Dance Mandal including Dr Tina Ho and some other virtual participants read Dharani from the zoom too.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara's Dharani recitation is the only chanting program of this kind in the West, and helps to preserve this special heritage.

The Dharani session  kicks off with a Refuge prayer, the Guru Bandana. This is followed by a protective Dharani, the Graha Dasha Ya Paath, and then the Saptavidhana - or Seven Limb prayer. These are followed by mantras to the Buddha and Bodhisattvas and then recitation of a variety of appropriate Dharani. The Pragya Paramita Hridayam Sutra concludes the chanting.

Dharani recitation has always been led by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya of the Mahavihara followed by other participants on the zoom.

Dharani literature has existed for over two millennia in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Typically used to prevent misfortune, remove obstacles, heal and protect, Dharanis are also used in lifecycle rituals and other practices.

Meanwhile, along with Dharani chanting on every Tuesday, other regular religious programs, such as, Sadhana practice and Buddha Bhajan recitation were conducted on each Wednesday, and Charya singing practice was held every Friday morning.

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Temple Celebrates Si Punhi, as Month-long Swosthani Reciting Wraps up

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Si Punhi Full Moon Day was observed by Nritya Mandala Mahavihara with the chanting of Maha Manjushree Naamsangiti on the zoom on Sunday, Feb 5, 2023. 

Twelve people from Hong Kong, Washington, California and Oregon took part in the virtual recitation practice. Si Punhi is also known as Maghi Purnima in Nepal.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been organizing Manjushree Naamsangiti Recitation on every full moon day for last three years. Also, Naamsangiti is recited daily at the Mahavihara during the month of Gunla (Nepal Sambat Lunar Calendar).

Coincidentally with Si Punhi, the month-long Hindu Swosthani sacred story reciting festival also ended. For the first time, a month-long Swosthani story reciting was conducted everyday by the Portland Baha in the zoom at the initiative of Prof Dr Linda Iltis from Seattle, Washington. The Swosthani story telling was participated by various people including Prof Dr Linda Iltis, Prajwal Vajracharya, Anastasia Roderick, Adam Bidema, Dina Shakya and so on. The Swosthani was recited on the basis of texts provided by Vasov Rajopadhyaya. 

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

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara working to promote Newar Buddhism, Newar culture in America

New Year Purification Rituals Event Held in Portland

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM) in Portland, USA, the first and only one Newar Vajrayana Buddhist monastery in the West, welcomed and greeted the New Year 2023 by performing Gurumandala Puja,  on Sunday, Jan 1, 2023. The Puja was solemnized by Guruji Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation Vajrayana priest and co-founder of the Mahavihara.

The New Year purification event at the Portland Baha was participated by 22 American Buddhists including the regular Gurumandala Puja teaching participants, such as, Joshua Proto, Anna Shushtrova, Adam Bidema, Gabriel Quitslund and Naveena Shakya.

Prior to the starting of the Puja, the Guruji said:"Nepal is a small country having a lot of different indigenous communities, and each ethnic community has its own New Year.  Elaborate Mha Puja rituals are performed by the Newar people to celebrate Nepal Sambat new era."

Since its inception in 2009, the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has been working  to promote Newar Buddhism and Newar culture in USA by organizing different programs, by promoting Newar lifecycle rituals and by celebrating Newar festivals, Vajracharya added.

The international team members  of the pilgrimage to sacred Buddhist sites of Nepal organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara  had recently the honor to celebrate Nepal Sambat New Year - Mha Puja in Kathmandu, Guruji Prajwal added.

On the occasion, a Mandala - which is a circle of cosmic diagram for ritual of realms of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, representing various cosmic energies - was also drawn for each participant.

A Puja Sankalpa consisting of raw rice, beaten rice, dry fruit, red and yellow color powder, flowers, a little cow milk, three Gojas, three Jajankas, three coins etc were carefully prepared for each participant who were seen sitting cross-legged at the temple.

On the occasion, participants were also given time for a short meditation. Similarly, a long pasuka (sacred thread) was used, spread and passed over onto all the New Year purification ritual participants. Jointly held by each, then broken into individual kokha for each, it represented their unity as one Sangha.

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.

The New Year purification event was followed by a Nepali-style dinner with champagne and wine.

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Interaction with a Newah from New York Held

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): An interaction program with Naresh Man Shakya, (Ph D in Physics)  was organized at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara. Naresh who happens to come from Itum Bahal (Kesh Chandra Paravat Mahavihara in Kathmandu) is a Newah activist from New York.

Prior to the beginning of the interaction program, co-founder of the Mahavihara Prajwal Vajracharya gave a brief introduction of Naresh.

The interaction program was an opportunity to familiarize the Nepalese Portlanders  with what is going on with the Nepal Bhasa Google Translate Project and how they can benefit from it and how they can participate in this project.

On the occasion, Naresh expressed his gratefulness to the family of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara for the interaction and reception program. He extended special gratitude to Cultural Ambassador of World Newah Organization (WNO) Prajwol Vajracharya and WNO patron Daya Shakya for their contributions in preserving Newah culture, heritage and language.

"I am very impressed with the cultural activities and such immense dedication of the people involved in the Mahavihara," Naresh said.

On the occasion, WNO patron Daya who is also the president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) handed over some books to Naresh as souvenir. The interaction program which was followed by a dinner was participated by about 20 Newar people and other Sangha members of the Mahavihara.

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Hong Kong Sangha Greets Chinese New Year

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News):  A program 'Send Tiger to Welcome Rabbit Year - End Event' was organized on Saturday, Jan 14, 2023 on zoom by the Hong Kong  Buddhist Studies Association (HKBSA), an affiliate of our Portland Sangha to mark the Chinese New Year.

The event kicked off with recitation of the Refuge Prayer, followed by seven limb prayer chanted by Guru Prajwal and other participants from Hong Kong.

This was followed by meditation, Buddhist Bhajan and visual Charya dances on Maha Vairochana, Pancha Buddha and Zen dances.

According to Dr Tina Ho of HKBSA,  "Every one was happy to welcome the Chinese new year painting exhibition by Hua Yan, Dancer Chen Jiebing, Liu Miner, Liang Ying, Lui Minxiao and Teacher. He presented the performance."

"This is the latest creation of Teacher  He Manying," Dr Tina Ho added.

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Nepal Bhasa Classes Kick Off

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): A two-month beginners' course in conversational Nepal Bhasa and Newar culture kicked off on the zoom on Saturday, Jan 14, 2023.

The Nepal Bhasa course which is an initiative of World Newah Organization (WNO) is conducted by Daya Shakya, a Sangha member of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, and will be wrapped up on March 18.

The twenty hours course is designed to teach the basics of conversational Nepal Bhasa (Newar language) with an introduction to Newar culture and heritage.

Although the course was targeted at travelers and non-resident Newars who want to rediscover their roots, the program this time was able to find participants only from within the Sangha members of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara and Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association.

The participants from the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara are its Sangha members Joshua Proto, Gabriel Quitslund, Adam Bidema, Anastasia Rhodrick, Glenn Cueto and Teya Desesa, while Dr Tina Ho, Chin - Chin Chang, Sophie Chang and Dickon Kong took part at the Newar language course from Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association (HKBSA).

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Naam Sangiti and Swosthani Brata Chanting

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Mila Punhi was observed at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland on Monday, Jan 17, 2023 by reciting Manjushree Naamsangiti.

Naamsangiti was recited in person at the temple and also on the zoom participated by 12 people from Hong Kong and USA. Naamsangiti, on the occasion, was led by Guruji Prajwal and followed by other Sangha members.

It is a coincidence that Swosthani Brata, a month-long Hindu festival, also starts in Nepal  from the day of Mila Purnima. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Linda Iltis from Washington, who has done her Ph D on Swosthani Brata, informed the participants that a month long fasting and story telling about Swosthani Devi was also beginning from the day of Mila Purnima for a month.

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

The Swosthani Brata chanting led by Dr Iltis will be continued for a month everyday on the zoom until the Day of Si Punhi on Feb 5.

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Talk Program on Various Buddhist Deities

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): A talk program on the religious significance of various Buddhist deities was organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Studies Association (HKBSA) on the zoom on Saturday, Jan 28, 2023.

The interaction program which was conducted by Guruji Prajwal Vajracharya was divided into two parts: (1) Compassion deities, semi-wrathful deities and wrathful deities, and (2) Yogini Mandala and its connection with Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).

The first part of the virtual interaction on various deities was participated by 14 people from Hong Kong and USA, while second part of the zoom program on Guru Rinpoche was participated by 8 people  from Hong Kong and USA.

Addressing the zoom gathering, Guruji Prajwal said:"Avlokiteshvara, Manjushree and Tara are compassionate deities in Buddhism. Avlokiteshvara is a compassionate Boddhisattva who hears the cries of sentient beings and who works tirelessly to help those who call upon his name."

Laying emphasis on the religious importance of wrathful deities like Vajrapani and Mahakal and semi-wrathful deities like Vajrayogini and Vajravarahi, the Guruji said that all these deities are very important in Vajrayana Buddhism and these deities are working for the protection and wellbeing of the sentient beings.

Speaking at the second part of the interaction on Guru Rinpoche, Vajracharya said that Padmasambhava is respected as second Buddha in Vajrayana Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche had visited several parts of Nepal Mandala and beyond, Prajwal added. The interaction also focused on iconography of the deities and Charya dances related to them.

Meanwhile, Dharani recitation was held on 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 in person at the Mahavihara and also remotely on a regular basis on each Wednesday.

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

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Empowerment and Teaching on Vajravarahi Charya Nritya Dance Held at Portland Baha

Vajravarahi's Worship is Very Popular in Nepal, Says Prajwal Vajracharya

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland (Nepal Oregon News): An empowerment (Dikchha) and teaching on deity Vajravarahi (Vajravarahi Retreat) was organized for three days from Dec 9 to Dec 11, 2022 by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA. The teaching and empowerment was conducted by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation Newar Vajrayana Buddhist priest. It is to be noted that for the practice of Sadhana of Vajravarahi, an initiation or empowerment  (Dikchha) is always required.

(Vajravarahi charya dance training by Prajwal Guruji during the teaching at the Nepalese Buddhist temple in Portland, USA)

16 participants took part at the Vajravarahi Retreat on the zoom while 12 people were trained in person at the Portland Baha.

Saying that deity Vajravarahi's worship is very popular and important in Nepal, the chief pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, informed that a special shrine is dedicated to this Dakini in Lalitpur, Nepal.

The retreat was an opportunity for the participants to acquire comprehensive and detailed knowledge about the goddess Vajravarahi. Prajwal Guruji, who is one of the seniormost Charya Nritya Guru in the world, also informed the participants that there are a number of Charya gitis dedicated to deity Vajravarahi.

The co-founder of the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara, Portland, USA, went on to say:"In Newar  Tantric Vajrayana Buddhism, Vajravarahi is one of the most important female deity who protects Newar temples and buildings. Varahi refers to any of the four boar-headed deities who preside over the Nepal Mandala.

Throwing light on the iconography of the goddess, Vajracharya, a scholar on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism, said:"Vajravarahi, who is one of the manifestations of Vajrayogini, is red in color and stands on a reclining body of Bhairava in dancing posture."

Further elucidating on the female deity's iconography, Prajwal Guruji, also a noted ritual master, said:"Vajravarahi holds a Kartri in her right hand on level of head and holds a Kapala filled with blood in her left. The deity carries a Khatvanga stick surmounted by three skulls. She wears a garland of fifty severed heads and various gold ornaments."

Vajravairochani, Vajravarnani and Vajradakini are some other manifestations of Vajravarahi, Prajwal Guruji informed the participants. 

Prajwal Guruji further said:"Vajravarahi is always in the center of Nepal Mandala. A wild boar's head is there on the right side of Vajravarahi's head or on the top of her head. Four to ten of her toddlers are fed with her breast simultaneously."

"Vajravarahi is the quintessence and embodiment of compassion. But when she was chased by evil creatures, she would hide under the ground, protecting herself with the help of her boar's mouth. Vajravarahi is the mother of all Dakinis and she is invoked to destroy enemies", said the Guruji adding that she is the Dakini who can move ahead transforming malice and malevolence into compassion and kindness.

During the teaching, Prajwal Guruji also conducted the fundamental movements and dance teaching. Charya nritya teacher  Prajwal demonstrated hand and finger mudra and showed different steps of the dance 'Vajravarahi'. The teaching presented a detailed and comprehensive description of 'Vajravarahi' charya dance.

On the occasion, Guruji Prajwal answered to the questions raised by the participants at the Mahavihara and from the zoom.

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Presentation on Charya Tantra and Charya Nritya

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Tantra is an esoteric practice and tradition in Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. Tantra has important place in  Newar Vajrayana Buddhism. In fact, Vajrayana Buddhism is inseparably interconnected with the Tantric rituals.

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, chief pujari at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland,  USA, said this while making a presentation on the zoom on Charya Tantra and Charya Nritya at a remotely held discourse organized by Nepali Sarvamnaya Tantra on Nov 22, 2022.

Prior to the presentation, Sanjiv Sapkota of the Nepali Sarvamnaya Tantra gave a brief introduction of Prajwal Guruji to the virtual participants. Prajwal Guruji, who is also a ritual master, started his presentation by chanting 'Bandeshree'. 

Speaking on the occasion, Prajwal Guruji threw light on Bali and sacrifices of creatures and animals to attain Tantric enlightenment and clarified that it actually meant the grasping of good qualities of creatures of GOKUDAHAN.

Prajwal's lecture on the Charya Tantra and Charya Nritya presented comprehensive details on the history of Tantra and different types of Tantra.

He informed the virtual participants that there are four different kinds of Tantra: Kriya Tantra, Charya Tantra, Yoga Tantra and Anuttarayoga Tantra.

As far as Kriya Tantra is conncerned, it simply is a deity practice,  and Charya dancers have to offer rituals to Padmanateshavara prior to dancing, he said.

Secondly, Charya Tantra is behavioral deity practice, and, Charya dancers should try to understand and grasp the hand and finger mudra, leg steps, the Charya dress and  ornaments, the Guruji added.

The third one is Yoga Tantra which means integrated deity practice. It shows the compassion and power of the Charya nritya dancers and finally Anuttarayoga Tantra refers to peerlessly and highly integrated deity practice. It leads them to transformation and liberation, said the Guruju.

In Buddhist Kriya Tantra, there are 316 texts in which only 41 have been published so far. 63 texts are yet to be published soon and 212 texts are under study and research, Prajwal went on saying.

Similarly, there are 8 texts in Charya Tantra in which only one is already published whereas in Yoga Tantra there are 15 booklets and only six have been published so far. Likewise, there are 120 texts in Anuttarayoga Tantra but only 8 of them heve been published and 22 others are in the process of publication, he informed the participants.

In discussing the history of Tantra in Nepal, Vajracharya mentioned the names and activities of ancient and medieval Tantric Mahasiddhas like Shantikaracharya - the first Bajracharya Guru of the Nepal Mandala, Surat Bajra Bajracharya, Lila Bajra Bajracharya and Manju Bajra Bajracharya.

Chakra Sambhar, Guhyasamaj, Hevajra, Kalachakra, Mahamayuri Tantra are important Tantric aspects in Vajrayana Buddhism, he said.

At the end of the lecture, Prajwal Guruji answered to the questions raised by the distinguished participants like Prof Dr Rudralaxmi Shrestha Joshi, Shanta Ratna Bajracharya and other participants.

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Purification Rituals for New Home Held

Portlannd, (Nepal Oregon News): When Ambika and Sunil Thapa - new Nepalese community members in Oregon - moved to their new home at Beaverton suburb, they needed a house purification ritual which was performed by rituals master and Tantric Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya.

"In the Buddhist tradition, a purification ritual is conducted before people move  into a new house. The purpose of the ritual is to purify the house, to ensure safety from the evil spirits", said Prajwal Guruji. Bali Puja rituals were conducted on the occasion.

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Yomari Punhi Observed in Portland

Portland, (Nepal Oregon News): Yomari Punhi, one of the important festivals of the Newar people of Nepal was celebrated on Thursday, Dec 8, 2022 at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland, USA by chanting Manjushree Naamsangiti.

Ten people (Nepalese as well as American Buddhists) recited the Naamsangiti at the Newar Buddhist temple in Portland while ten other people from USA and Hong Kong chanted the Naamsangiti from the zoom.

A potluck dinner along with the Yomaris was served at the Yomari Punhi celebration event which was attended by about 40 people at the Portland Baha.

Yomari is a steamed dumpling which is made from rice flour with chaku (a kind of sweet and solid molasses) and crushed sesame seeds.

Yomari Punhi is a post-harvest festival which falls on Thinla Thwo Punhi and which is the shortest day in Nepal. Newar farmers by this time have already filled their Bhakaris with paddy. This festival is celebrated with the wish and hope for better life and prosperity.

Meanwhile, in December, like always,  the Dharani chanting was organized every Tuesday on the zoom,   Buddha Bhajan and Sadhana practice were conducted every Wednesday and Charya giti practice was organized every Friday morning once a week. 

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