The rupa of Swambhu Dyah.

Dear Jeff & Carol & N60ers,

It's nice to be so warmly received by you all and great to hear that you are all hanging in there. I've had many adventures in Nepal over the last 25 years and have often wondered about what everyone's been doing since N60. It's quite surprising that it seems just like yesterday!

I returned to Nepal in 1980 and spent two years working on a joint

degree with Tribhuvan University (CNAS) and Naropa University in the field of Buddhist Studies. Since then I've had several jobs in Nepal including academic director of the University of Wisconsin year abroad program in Kathmandu and several posts having to do with the teaching and practice of Buddhism in Nepal. Lately I've been mostly involved with the promotion and development of handicrafts in Kathmandu and in village areas also. Anyway, here are a few recent photos from Nepal Mandala. Enjoy.

Sincerely, --Mick Novak

Sarvamangalam

Dear Barb,

I received your message and go ahead and put me on the mailing list if you want to. I have been to Nepal and other countries in Asia many times over the past 25 years or so. I received an M.A. degree jointly from Tribhuvan University (Center for Nepal & Asian Studies) and Naropa University (Boulder, CO) in 1983 on the subject of Buddhism in Ancient Nepal and have been active with groups that teach, promote, and advance Buddhism in Nepal for the last 20 years. I directed the Nepal Year Abroad program for the University of Wisconsin starting in 1988 and have had various other projects to keep me busy in Kathmandu and beyond on an ongoing basis. Much of my study and research has focused on the Newars, but I also have contact with the Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Khami, Sunuwar, Khas, Sherpa, Magar, Tharu, etc. communities in a currently on-going project on the preservation and documentation of the material culture of village-based peoples.

Anyway, I've basically been based in Kathmandu Valley for most of this time (I lived in Patan at the Golden Temple for 15 years on and off) and have been loosely associated with many Nepali and foreign scholars and researchers on various projects. Most of these are connected with Buddhism in some manner but not necessarily. I won't go into the details now.

I am hoping that the N60ers are all doing well and that some of them are active in Nepal-related pursuits. I'll attach a couple of photos from my recent trip. Sincerely, --Mick Novak

My son Prem behind the khat of Harit/Ajima during the end phase of a two year long puja enacted for the benefit especially of the new King but also for the welfare of all sentient beings at Bhuikhel (just below Swayambhunath) Feb. '03.

Khats of the four deities (Swaymbhu Dyah, Hariti Ajima, Manjusri & the newly consecrated Dipankar Buddha) at Bhuikhel. These images show a small part of the Samek Mahadan Puja given by Gautam Syami of Balaju over a period of the last three years.

The silver feet (paduka) of Swayambhu Manjusri.

Dipankar Buddha statue before consecration.

The khat of Swayambhu Dyah being carried to Bhuikhel (below Swayambhunath).