Presenter

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya is a 35th generation Tantric Buddhist priest from Nepal and ritual master of the Charya Nritya dance tradition and other ritual forms. Prajwal grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal, in a renowned family of scholars and priests of the Vajracharya caste, steeped in the traditions of the Newar culture. As his worldly education.

Prajwal is a veteran of several world tours. He teaches beginning and advanced students around the globe. He founded Dance Mandal in 1996, and the Foundation for Sacred Buddhist Arts of Nepal to preserve and expand this rare ancient form of Buddhism and its related traditions.

His Vajracharya Vishekha initiation by his father, a nationally-recognized lineage holder in the Newar Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, ordained him to perform the rituals and ceremonies of this ancient religion. Since that time he has received additional training and initiations in Nepal to enable him to further his ministry, initiate others, and preside over the 2009 consecration of the Nritya Mandala Mahvihara, the first fully-functioning Newar Vajrayana Buddhist temple in the West.

Prajwal is often called upon to perform sacred dances and other religious rituals throughout the world. At home, he provides daily rituals and meditation in the temple, cultural ceremonies such as weddings, frequent teachings on Vajrayana Buddhist principles, and a variety of spiritual training including meditation.

He provides offerings of tea and light refreshments following morning meditation and, in keeping with tradition, often concludes spiritual and cultural celebrations with Newar feasts for the temple community.