Ep227: The Vajra Master - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya

Nov 10, 2023

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a tantric priest in a centuries old Buddhist family lineage, shares the secrets and spiritual teachings of the Charya Nritya dance tradition. Topics include the lineage's secrecy, family dynamics, meditative training process, importance of Buddhas and animals, and stages of enlightenment in the Newari Buddhist tradition.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Buddhist Tradition and Practice in Nepal

01:36 • 6min

The Significance of Guru Choo and Vajacharya in Niwari Buddhism

07:39 • 28min

The Impact of Dance Movements on the Body

35:37 • 3min

Understanding Dance in the Context of Enlightenment

39:07 • 3min

Exploring the Body in Meditation Practice

42:13 • 6min

In this interview I am joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a tantric priest in a centuries old Newari Buddhist family lineage, and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya. Prajwal Vajracharya recounts his upbringing and early training, explains why his lineage was kept secret for hundreds of years, the reasons for its emergence into public awareness, and why his family received criticism for opening up their sacred secrets. Prajwal describes the holy dance tradition of Charya Nritya and details its layers of spiritual meaning, impact on the subtle energetic body, and emphasis on embodied awakening. Prajwal also shares the application of Charya Nritya to meditation, deity yoga, and ritual, and reveals the stages of enlightenment in the Newari Buddhist tradition. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep227-the-vajra-master-prajwal-ratna-vajracharya Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’. … Topics include: 00:00 - Intro 00:54 - Prajwal’s sacred family lineage 02:53 - 800 years of secrecy under oppressive Hindu rule 04:14 - Newari family rituals of the 10 paramitas 06:20 - 2200 years of lineage 07:38 - Secret Newari tantric masters 10:40 - Prajwal’s remarkable father, Ratna Kaji Vajracharya 12:48 - Prajwal’s family dynamics 15:23 - Learning holy dance at 8 years old 16:32 - The meditative training process of Charya Nritya dance 17:53 - The importance of the five Buddhas and their animals 19:56 - Charya Nritya key to enlightenment 20:44 - Embodying the deity 21:24 - Inner, outer, and secret mudras 22:12 - Practice in every moment 22:56 - The power of hand mudra 24:37 - The outer mudra of nature 25:20 - The role of sitting meditation 26:52 - Making a mind connection to the deity 27:40 - Becoming one with the deity 28:37 - The effect of holy dance on the audience 29:36 - Embodied vs intellectual dharma 30:31 - Breaking the secrecy and facing opposition 35:36 - Powerful subtle body effects 37:30 - Ritual and working with spirits 39:06 - Stages of Newari enlightenment 42:13 - Prajwal’s teaching activities … To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit: - https://www.dancemandal.com/  For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James