Following the Footsteps of the Sakyapa Masters

The Sakya Order traces its origins to India, particularly to the great adept Virupa, who is the first human to disseminate the most distinctive of its teachings, the practices of “Path and Result” (Lamdri).

It is one of the four major religious traditions that existed in Tibet. The order rose to play a significant role in the development and spread of the new Tantras. It came to Tibet in the 11th century. During the 13th and 14th centuries, the holders of the Sakya tradition were also the principal political powers. It ruled over Tibet. Although its political stature gradually declined over the centuries. Its emphasis on its unique religious traditions continued to be nurtured and sustained.

Consequently, the Sakya tradition strengthened and flourished and produced many great and distinguished practitioners, saints, and scholars. The origins of the Sakya tradition are closely connected with the ancestral lineage of the Khön family. Moreover, a family which itself originated from celestial beings. Beginning with Khön Konchok Gyalpo (1034-1102), the founder of the Sakya tradition, the lineage continues to be unbroken to this day.

Not unlike the other traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a number of sub-traditions gradually emerged within the main Sakya tradition.

The lineages of teachings within the discipline instituted by Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo (1382-1457). In addition, the successive masters of this discipline, namely Konchok Lhundrup, Thartse Namkha Palsang, and Drubkhang Palden Dhondup have come to be known as the Ngor lineage. The lineage of Tsarchen Losel Gyatso (1502-1556), known as the Whispered Lineage of Tsar. It also includes the secret doctrines of the greater or lesser Mahakala, Vajrayogini, Dzambala, and others. In addition, it is known as the Tsar tradition. Another important tradition that arose was the Dzongpa tradition founded by Dzongpa Kuna Namgyal (1432-1496).

To use a simple illustration, the Sakya School of the divine Khön lineage might represent the main trunk of a tree. From which the Ngorpa and Tsarpa schools branch out in different directions. However, it essentially remains connected at the source.

The teaching and practice that is the essence of the Sakya tradition are called “Lamdre (Lam/bras)”. Moreover, it also called “The Path and its Fruit”. Fundamentally, the philosophical viewpoint expressed in “The Path and its Fruit,”. It is the “Non-differentiation of Samsara and Nirvana.” According to this view, an individual cannot attain Nirvana or cyclic existence. Because the mind is the root of both Samara and Nirvana. When the mind is obscured, it takes the form of Samsara and when the mind is freed of obstructions. It takes the form of Nirvana. The ultimate reality is that a person must strive to realize this fundamental inseparability through mediation.

Your key focus of this authentic private group tour programme aims to trace back in time and visit some of the most important sights of Tibetan Sakya monasteries, temples and hermitage caves objectively to explore and learn the mythic and inspirational stories of the great Sakya masters. As part of the key focus of your thematic tour in “Following the Footsteps of the Sakya Masters”, the tour covers the following important seats of Sakya Buddhist tradition. They all are treasuring with the rich history in teachings from past and present of Sakya masters of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet.

1. Sakya monastery the principal monastery of the Sakyapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It has over 900 year’s history
2. Ngor monastery founded by Ngorchen Kunga Sangpo in 1429. It renowned for its rich library of Sanskrit texts and magnificent 15th century Newar derived paintings
3. Nalanda monastery founded by renowned scholar Rongton Chenpo Mawei Senge in 1435. He recognized as one of the “Six Jewels of Tibet”
4. Gongga Chode founded in 1464 by Dorjedenpa Kunga Namgyel of the Sakya school. In addition, it contained important extant murals typical of the free-flowing Khyenri school of painting. Which were the original work of Yamyang Khyentse Wangchuk (b 1524)

The trip will also take us through a classic route in central west Tibet, to witness marvellous landscapes and some of the key stunning sites of historic and religious significance.

For example, the Yamdrok Lake, the Karo La Glacier, and the Pelkhor Chode Monastery in Gyantse. Next, you will go to Shigatse, and visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, which houses the largest gilded Future Buddha. In addition, during your tour in Lhasa, you will be exploring some of the major best-loved sights of religious and historic significance in the city. Moreover, these include the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Get an ample chance to visit and observe the traditional life of the indigenous Tibetan rural communities. Moreover, to visit the handicraft center to see and learn the extraordinary array of authentic Tibetan traditional handicraft. Furthermore, to see and learn the contemporary works of crafts and arts.