Sakya - Origins

Origins

The name Sakya ("pale earth") derives from the unique grey landscape of Ponpori Hills in southern Tibet near Shigatse, where Sakya Monastery, the first monastery of this tradition, and the seat of the Sakya School was built by Khon Konchog Gyalpo (1034–1102) in 1073.

The Sakya tradition developed during the second period of translation of Buddhist scripture from Sanskrit into Tibetan in the late 11th century. It was founded by Drogmi, a famous scholar and translator who had studied at the Vikramashila University directly under Naropa, Ratnakarashanti, Vagishvakirti and other great panditas from India for twelve years.

Konchog Gyalpo became Drogmi's disciple on the advice of his elder brother.

The tradition was established by the "Five Venerable Supreme Masters" starting with the grandson of Khonchog Gyalpo, Kunga Nyingpo, who became known as Sachen, or "Great Sakyapa":

  • Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092–1158)
  • Sonam Tsemo (1142–1182)
  • Drakpa Gyaltsen (1147–1216)
  • Sakya Pandita (1182–1251)
  • Chogyal Pakpa (1235–1280)

Buton Rinchen Drub (1290–1364) was an important scholar and writer and one of Tibet's most celebrated historians. Other notable scholars of the Sakya tradition are the so called "Six Ornaments of Tibet:"

  • Yaktuk Sangyey Pal
  • Rongton Sheja Kunrig (1367–1449)
  • Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo
  • Zongpa Kunga Namgyel
  • Gorampa Sonam Senge (1429–1489)
  • Shakya Chogden (1428–1507)

The leadership of the Sakya School is passed down through a hereditary system between the male members of the Sakya branch of the Khon family.

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