Sakya Monastery

Sakya Monastery, also known by its Tibetan name Pel Sakya, meaning "White Earth" or "Pale Earth," is a historically and religiously significant Buddhist monastery located in Sa'gya Town, within the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Established in 1073 by Khön Könchok Gyalpo, it became the primary seat of the Sakya school, a prominent lineage within Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery's powerful abbots played a crucial role in the governance of Tibet during the 13th and 14th centuries, particularly under the patronage of Yuan China.

History and Architecture

The original structures of Sakya Monastery were founded in 1073. A "southern monastery" was later established in 1268 under the direction of Drogön Chögyal Phagpa, requiring a substantial workforce for its construction. While the powerful abbots of Sakya governed Tibet for a period, their influence waned with the rise of other Buddhist schools. The monastery has endured significant destruction throughout its history; most of the southern complex was lost to fire in the 16th century and only fully restored in 1948. The northern monastery was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, though the southern half was spared. The monastery underwent renovation and rebuilding in 2002.

The architecture of Sakya Monastery is distinct from that found in Lhasa and the Yarlung Valley. The Lhakang Chempo, also known as Sibgon Trulpa, is the sole surviving ancient building, originally a cave that was expanded and restored. This structure houses some of Tibet's most magnificent surviving artwork that appears to have been preserved from recent damage.

Library and Art Collections

Sakya Monastery is renowned for its vast library, said to contain as many as 84,000 books. These works cover a wide range of subjects, including Buddhist scriptures, literature, history, philosophy, astronomy, and art. Notably, the library houses some of the heaviest books in the world, with one scripture weighing over 500 kilograms. The collection also includes many well-preserved palm-leaf manuscripts, benefiting from the region's arid climate.

Beyond its literary treasures, the monastery boasts an impressive collection of over 3,000 murals. These artworks depict religious narratives, historical events, and cultural themes, offering valuable visual records of scenes such as Phagpa's meeting with Kublai Khan. The main library hall features a 66-meter-long mural illustrating the life of Gautama Buddha. The hall also contains over 1,100 pieces of porcelain dating from the Yuan dynasty to the early 14th century.

Modern Era and Indian Branch

Following the 1959 Lhasa uprising and the subsequent Chinese invasion of Tibet, the majority of monks were compelled to leave Sakya Monastery, with only a small number of aged monks remaining by the end of 1959. The 41st Sakya Trizin, Ngawang Kunga, went into exile in India, where he reestablished Sakya Monastery in Dehra Dun. This Indian branch continues to preserve Sakya traditions, supported by senior monks and scholars who escaped Tibet. The monastery in India has established various institutions, including a monastic college and a nunnery, and continues its religious and educational programs under the guidance of successive Sakya Trizins.