Introduction Gurumandala Puja, in Sanskrit गुरुमण्डल पूजा, in Newari गुरु मण्ड: पूजा, also called “Guru-Mandala-Arcana” (गुरु-मण्डल-आर्चन), is one of the most widespread and significant rituals in Newar Buddhism in Nepal. Although its exact origins are unclear, it has been practiced for centuries by Bajracharya priests. Bajracharya priests not only perform the puja for themselves but … Read more
The Deeper Meaning of Fire and Light In Bajracharya culture, lighting fire is much more than a simple ritual. Fire symbolizes the destruction of ignorance and the awakening of knowledge. This belief connects the act of lighting a flame to spiritual enlightenment, where the fire is seen as a guide that helps illuminate the path … Read more
Introduction In the Bajracharya tradition, the 16-step puja is a highly respected ritual that honors deities through sacred offerings and mantras. Each step is deeply meaningful, representing devotion, purity, and the connection between worshippers and the divine. This puja is performed during the Gurumandala puja, Navagraha puja, Mha puja, and many other Bajracharya rituals. This … Read more
Vajrasattva Vajrasattva is a prominent figure in Bajracharya Buddhism, revered as the embodiment of purity, purification, and spiritual transformation. Often depicted as a white, radiant being, Vajrasattva symbolizes the power to cleanse negative karma and purify the mind and heart from past mistakes. In iconography, he is shown holding a vajra (thunderbolt) in his right … Read more
Introduction In Newari Bajracharya culture, Egg Sagan (खें सगं) is a traditional ritual used to bless individuals with good luck, success, and prosperity. This unique ceremony involves offering eggs alongside other symbolic items to invoke blessings and ensure a prosperous journey ahead. The Significance of the Egg The egg is at the heart of this … Read more
What is Panchopachara Puja? Panchopachara Puja, in Sanskrit पञ्चौपचार पूजा, is a traditional Buddhist and Hindu worship ritual involving five offerings to the deity. This Puja is also performed by Bajracharyas during the worship of deities or mandalas. The word “Panchopachara” comes from “Pancha” meaning five, and “Upachara” meaning service or offering. This simple yet … Read more
Lila Bajra Bajracharya: The Divine Master of Vajrayana Buddhism Lila Bajra Bajracharya, also spelled as Lila Vajra Vajracharya or Leela Vajra Vajracharya, in Sanskrit लीला बज्र बज्राचार्य, also known as Lilapa or Lilavajra, was a highly prominent master of Vajrayana Buddhism, known for his deep expertise in tantric practices. His name, “Lila,” translates from Sanskrit … Read more
The Birth of a Legend The legend of Wak Bajra Bajracharya, written in Sanskrit as वाक बज्र बज्राचार्य, also spelled as Vak Vajra Bajracharya or Wak Vajra Vajracharya, begins in the 5th Century CE in the historic city of Kathmandu, Nepal. He is the founder of Kwabahal, Maitripur Mahavihar in Kathmandu, Nepal. He stands as … Read more
Introduction to Kul Devata: The Heartbeat of Spiritual Practice At the heart of every Bajracharya family is their Kul Devata (Sanskrit: कुल देवता), the principal family deity that represents more than just a religious symbol. These deities are also referred to as Ista Devata (Sanskrit: इष्ट देवता), meaning “personal favorite deities”, and are sometimes identified … Read more
Kalachakra Tantra: A Path to Enlightenment The Kalachakra Tantra is an important and deep set of teachings in Vajrayana Buddhism, especially followed by Bajracharya Buddhists. At its core is the Kalachakra deity, which stands for the ‘Wheel of Time’ and shows how life and the universe are always changing. Kalachakra’s partner, Visvamata, known as the … Read more