Ep352: Mahāmudrā of Newar Buddhism - Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya

In this interview, filmed at Oxford University, I am once again joined by Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, a 35th generation tantric priest in a centuries old Newar Buddhist family lineage and master of the religious dance tradition of Charya Nritya.

Prajwal explains the use of mudrā and movement to embody enlightenment and teaches a full sequence of movement and mantra to use in daily practice when taking refuge.

Prajwal explains the four levels of Mahāmudrā in Newar Buddhism, offers methods to build compassion in community, and gives his advice on how to practice well.

Prajwal also shares Jātaka tales for every day wisdom and reveals the role of magic in Newar Buddhism.

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Video versions: guruviking.com/podcast/ep352-mahmudr-of-newar-…

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro
00:51 - Newar Buddhism and what Prajwal has been doing at Oxford University
03:03 - Dancing and singing for enlightenment
04:33 - Embodying enlightenment
08:02 - Methods of enlightenment
09:04 - Mahāmudrā in Newar Buddhism
23:25 - 4 levels of Mahāmudrā
25:45 - Body as mudrā
31:55 - Integrated mudrā
32:37 - Mudrā in the Buddha’s life
35:30 - How to practice well
40:10 - Compassion is built in community
43:49 - Prajwal explains the mudrā sequence used in taking refuge
52:21 - Demonstration of refuge mudrā and chant practice
54:14 - 5 emotions
55:04 - Further reflections on mudrā and Mahāmudrā
57:07 - Jātaka tale + everything is a mudrā
01:00:58 - Encouragement to practice
01:03:13 - Newar magick
01:05:27 - Anuttarayogatantra

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Previous episodes with Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya:
- guruviking.com/search?q=prajwal

To find out more about Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, visit:
- dancemandal.com


For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James