The Sakya Lineage
A brief History of the Sakya Lineage and order
Holy and unbroken lineage
The Sakya lineage traces its roots to three celestial siblings from the Clear Light heaven in Form Realm. The three, who were emanations of Manjushri, descended to Earth at a location in western Tibet, well known as the Clear Light Celestial Lineage. These brothers up to their descendant Yapang Kye are collectively known as the « Thirteen Divine Beings ».
Later, a son was born in the midst of conflict between this lineage and the rakshas, and his lineage became known as the Unsullied Lineage of Khön (conflict).
Luwang Sungwa, a descendant from the Khön lineage, received teachings such as Vajrakilaya from Guru Padmasambhava and was among the first seven Tibetans to be ordained as Buddhist monks by Shantirakshita at Samye monastery.
A few centuries later, Sherab Tsultrim, another descendant of the Khön lineage, sent his younger brother Kunchok Gyalpo to study the New Tantras under Drogmi Lotsawa. After becoming an adept in the New Tantras, Kunchok Gyalpo built a temple named Zimchil Karpo in 1073.
Henceforth, the lineage and their Buddhist tradition became known as the Sakya (Pale Earth) lineage, an appelation derived from the name of the temple’s locality.
His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin and his son His Holiness Khöndung Ratna Vajra Rinpoche have established the Tsechen Thinley Dargye Ling Sakya monastery in Kalimpong.
A Special Talk
On April 18, 2015 His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin gave a special talk on Sakya Lineage as part of his visit to Minnesota. His Holiness also explained the recently announced changes which have been made to the practice of succession in the Sakya Khon Lineage. The event was organized by Minnesota Sakya Center and was held at the First Unitarian Society in Minneapolis. Video & editing provided by Thor Anderson.