Sakya
History and Origins
The Sakya school is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, alongside the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Gelug schools. The name "Sakya" derives from the Tibetan word for "pale earth," referring to the grey landscape of the Ponpori Hills in southern Tibet, where the Sakya Monastery was founded in 1073 by Khön Könchok Gyalpo. The Sakya tradition is known for its scholarly rigor and its emphasis on the Lamdre (Path and Fruit) teachings.
Founding and Early Development
The Sakya school was established during the second diffusion of Buddhism in Tibet, a period marked by the translation of Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Tibetan and the establishment of monastic institutions. Khön Könchok Gyalpo, a member of the noble Khön family, founded the Sakya Monastery, which became the principal seat of the Sakya tradition. The Khön family has played a central role in the leadership of the Sakya school, maintaining a hereditary lineage of lamas.
The early development of the Sakya school was significantly influenced by the Indian Buddhist master Virupa, whose teachings on the Hevajra Tantra became foundational texts for the tradition. Sakya Pandita (1182–1251), one of the most renowned scholars of the Sakya school, further solidified its intellectual and spiritual foundations. His works on logic, epistemology, and Buddhist philosophy are still studied extensively.
Teachings and Practices
The Sakya school is particularly noted for its emphasis on the Lamdre teachings, which are unique to this tradition. The Lamdre, or "Path and Fruit," is a comprehensive system that integrates the teachings of sutra and tantra, guiding practitioners from the initial stages of the path to the ultimate realization of Buddhahood.
Lamdre Teachings
The Lamdre teachings are based on the Hevajra Tantra and were transmitted to the Sakya school by the Indian master Virupa. These teachings are divided into two main sections: the "Explanation for the Assembly" (Tib. tshogs bshad) and the "Explanation for Close Disciples" (Tib. nye bshad). The former provides a general overview of the path, while the latter offers detailed instructions for advanced practitioners.
The Lamdre system emphasizes the inseparability of samsara and nirvana, teaching that the same mind that experiences suffering can also realize enlightenment. Key practices include the generation of the deity Hevajra, the visualization of mandalas, and the recitation of mantras.
Philosophical Contributions
Sakya scholars have made significant contributions to Buddhist philosophy, particularly in the areas of logic and epistemology. Sakya Pandita's "Treasury of Logic on Valid Cognition" (Tib. tshad ma rigs gter) is a seminal work that addresses issues of perception, inference, and valid cognition. Another important figure, Gorampa Sonam Senge (1429–1489), wrote extensively on Madhyamaka philosophy, critiquing the views of other Tibetan schools and offering his own interpretations.
Lineage and Leadership
The Sakya school has maintained a unique system of leadership, with the Khön family playing a central role. The leadership is divided between two main branches: the Dolma Phodrang and the Phuntsok Phodrang. These branches have alternated in providing the head of the Sakya school, known as the Sakya Trizin.
Sakya Trizin
The Sakya Trizin, or "Throne Holder of Sakya," is the spiritual leader of the Sakya school. Traditionally, the position has been held for life, but recent reforms have introduced a rotating system, with each Sakya Trizin serving a three-year term. The current Sakya Trizin, as of 2023, is Gyana Vajra Rinpoche.
Notable Figures
Several notable figures have emerged from the Sakya tradition, contributing to its rich history and development. Sakya Pandita, as mentioned earlier, was a key figure in the early development of the school. His nephew, Chögyal Phagpa (1235–1280), played a crucial role in establishing the Sakya school's political influence, serving as a spiritual advisor to the Mongol ruler Kublai Khan and helping to integrate Tibetan Buddhism into the Yuan Dynasty's administration.
Rituals and Festivals
The Sakya school has a rich tradition of rituals and festivals, many of which are centered around the Sakya Monastery and other important sites. These rituals often involve elaborate ceremonies, including the creation of sand mandalas, the performance of sacred dances, and the recitation of prayers and mantras.
Vajrakilaya Rituals
One of the most important rituals in the Sakya tradition is the Vajrakilaya practice, which is performed to remove obstacles and purify negative influences. Vajrakilaya is a wrathful deity associated with the removal of obstacles, and the rituals involve complex visualizations, mantra recitations, and offerings.
Annual Festivals
The Sakya Monastery hosts several annual festivals, including the Lamdre teachings, which are given to large assemblies of monks and lay practitioners. Another significant festival is the Vajrakilaya Drupchen, a ten-day intensive practice dedicated to the deity Vajrakilaya. These festivals are important occasions for the community to come together and engage in collective practice.
Art and Architecture
The Sakya school has made significant contributions to Tibetan art and architecture. The Sakya Monastery itself is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, featuring massive walls, intricate murals, and a vast collection of sacred texts and relics.
Sakya Monastery
The Sakya Monastery, located in the Tsang region of Tibet, is the principal seat of the Sakya school. The monastery is divided into two main sections: the Northern Monastery and the Southern Monastery. The Northern Monastery, known for its massive library of ancient texts, was partially destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but efforts have been made to restore and preserve its treasures.
The Southern Monastery is renowned for its architectural beauty, including the Great Assembly Hall, which houses a large statue of the Buddha and numerous thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings). The walls of the monastery are adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha and other important figures in the Sakya tradition.
Thangka Painting
Thangka painting is a significant art form within the Sakya tradition. These intricate scroll paintings are used as aids in meditation and ritual practice. Sakya thangkas are known for their detailed iconography and vibrant colors, often depicting deities, mandalas, and scenes from Buddhist cosmology.
Influence and Legacy
The Sakya school has had a profound influence on Tibetan Buddhism and has played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of Buddhist teachings. Its emphasis on scholarship and rigorous practice has contributed to the development of a rich intellectual and spiritual tradition.
Scholarly Contributions
The Sakya school is renowned for its contributions to Buddhist scholarship, particularly in the fields of logic, epistemology, and Madhyamaka philosophy. The works of Sakya Pandita, Gorampa Sonam Senge, and other Sakya scholars continue to be studied and respected within the broader Tibetan Buddhist community.
Political Influence
The Sakya school has also played a significant role in Tibetan politics, particularly during the Yuan Dynasty, when Chögyal Phagpa served as a spiritual advisor to Kublai Khan. This relationship helped to establish Tibetan Buddhism as a major influence within the Mongol Empire and contributed to the integration of Tibetan and Mongol cultures.
Modern Developments
In recent years, the Sakya school has continued to adapt and evolve, responding to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. The establishment of Sakya centers and monasteries outside of Tibet, particularly in India, Nepal, and the West, has helped to spread the teachings of the Sakya tradition to a global audience.
Sakya Centers Worldwide
There are now numerous Sakya centers and monasteries around the world, including the Sakya Monastery in Seattle, USA, and the Sakya Centre in Dehradun, India. These centers serve as important hubs for the practice and study of Sakya teachings, offering retreats, teachings, and community events.
Contemporary Leadership
The current leadership of the Sakya school continues to uphold its rich traditions while also engaging with contemporary issues. The rotating system of the Sakya Trizin has introduced new dynamics into the leadership structure, allowing for a broader representation of the Sakya lineage.