Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism
"Through the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism, may the radiant flower of
Tibetan Culture be preserved for the benefit of all beings."

H.E. Dagmo Kusho’s Birthday Celebration 2019

folder_open Events

Speech by David Spiekerman


In the high country of eastern Tibet known as Kham over 80 years ago, a baby girl was born who eventually would be absolutely instrumental in transforming the spiritual lives of thousands of human beings across Mother Earth. With the loving guidance of her husband and root guru, the great Sakya throne holder His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang, this baby girl would become a powerful Tibetan Buddhist lama who would accomplish in countless ways the qualities and activities of a bodhisattva.

Dear Dagmo Kusho, today we celebrate your birthday in order to acknowledge the profound and generous contributions that you have made to all of us in our Buddhist-inspired quest for enlightenment.

Dagmo Kusho, we truly thank you for being the closest and most faithful and fearless disciple of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang. You are an embodiment and inspiration of the powerful merit accumulated as the direct karmic result of serving a great Buddhist master. Especially, you always have encouraged girls and women to be fearlessly determined to practice the holy Dharma and have taught them that the karmic benefits of their active devotion to the holy Dharma are identical to the devotion and practice of boys and men.

Dagmo Kusho, we thank you for giving birth and raising to maturity five sons and fathers of the next generation of Sakya throne holders. We can not emphasize enough how essential and vital have been your loving kindness, compassion, and wisdom in nurturing and protecting your Sakya Dungseys.

As Dagmo Kusho’s great uncle Ngawang encouraged and protected her when she was a small child in Kham, and as His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang instructed her in the Dharma as an adult over THEIR long and fruitful lives together, so now Her Eminence Dagmo Kusho offers us her guidance and protection with the essential caveat that the power of this protection depends entirely on our faithful devotion to the practice of the holy Dharma that she has magnificently demonstrated over eighty years.

Dagmo Kusho, in your self-effacing, modest, and charming disposition that is grounded in the diamond-like clarity of your mind, you have become a supreme and shining example of what a realized human being looks like.

We are eternally grateful that you, Dagmo Kusho, for your willingness to share your hard-earned wisdom with so many of us. Although your dear Great Uncle Ngawang prophesized great things for you, let’s make no mistake, it was your tireless and warm service and diligent practice of the Holy Dharma that allowed you to fulfill your dreams and promise.

Dagmo Kusho, may your life continue to bless and benefit countless sentient beings. Mother Tara, we love you forever!

Read More

Third Year Memorial Anniversary of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang

folder_open Uncategorized

By Adrienne Chan, May 2019
Worldwide memorial ceremonies were held in honor of H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang’s parinirvana. Often in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, more emphasis is placed on a Lama’s parinirvana than their birth. The reasons for commemorating a Lama’s passing are twofold: 1) disciples are celebrating the guru’s lifetime accomplishments, and 2) they are supplicating for the Lama’s rebirth to benefit all beings. This year, 2019, is the third anniversary of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang’s parirnirvana. Memorial events were held by devotees all over the world including: Seattle, India, Nepal, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New York and Hawaii.

SEATTLE:
For the Royal Sakya Phuntsok Phodrang Family and Sakya Monastery, year 2019 is auspicious because it marks a time when many of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s wishes have been or are being realized:

1) Consecration of two life-size statues of H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang, Sakya Monastery, Seattle
2) Consecration of the H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang memorial stupa in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
3) Completion of life size statues of H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang in Tibet, Hong Kong, China, Nepal and India
4) Completion of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s book, “The Life and Legacy of H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya”.
5) Completion of Holy tsa tsas (relics made from blessed ashes and bones of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang)
6) Beginning of the construction of Sakya Monastery in Jaigon, India
7) Hosting the Monlam Festival for Peace in Seattle, July 12-14, 2019

H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s parinirvana was on April 29, 2016 according to the western calendar or the 3rd month 22nd day of the Tibetan lunar calendar.
Hence, we honored the above milestones by celebrating H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s memorial on two occasions: April 29, 2019 (western calendar date) and May 25 (lunar calendar date)-May 27, 2019. For both ritual ceremonies, the center of reverence was a domed, encased 4-inch holy tsa tsa relic of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang.

The April 29th memorial to our beloved Guru was led by Omze, Ven. Khenpo Jampa, Lama Migmar, Lama Kelsang, Gen Tashi Nyima, Lama Norbu and Ven. Lekshey. The Guru Devotion practice was recited in the morning and afternoon. At the conclusion of the afternoon practice, an auspicious photo of the 35 Buddhas signed by H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang was distributed to all.

From May 25-27, 2019, the Chenrezi Drup Choe practice was recited for 3 days to honor H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang. Prayers were led in Tibetan by Dorje Lopon Khenpo Jampa. The ordained who assisted were Ven. Tulku Yeshi, Lama Migmar, Lama Kelsang, Gen Tashi Nyima, Lama Norbu and Lama Thupten Dhargye. In attendance also were H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s devoted wife H.E. Dagmo Kusho, their five sons: Khondung Minzu Rinpoche, Khondung Ani Rinpoche, Khondung Mati Rinpoche, Khondung Zaya Rinpoche and Khondung Sadu Rinpoche and members of the Dungseys’ Seattle families. H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s sisters, Jetsun Tsegen, Jetsun Chime and Jetsun Kunyang also participated. Other extended family members included H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s niece, Tsering Walgren and her husband Blaine Walgren, and Mangtho Gyatso (Jetsun Chime’s husband). Over the three days, in addition to our sangha members and the Seattle Tibetan community, H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s disciples from California, Indiana, Colorado and Vancouver, Canada also participated.

A most auspicious ceremony was held on Sunday, May 26, 2019. That morning H.E. Dagmo Kusho and the Sakya Phuntsok Phodrang Khondungs distributed holy tsa tsa pendants in the likeness of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang to all the attendees—about 180 devoted students. Over the last 3 years, the holy tsa tsas were made and prayed over by devoted Sakyapa monks and finally, the Eminent Sakya Khondungs. H.E. Ngor Luding Khen Rinpoche presided over hundreds of lamas, tulkus, and sangha members to consecrate and bless the holy tsa tsas. With faith and Guru devotion, the tsa tsa relics will bless you with all things good and will protect you.

After the three days of glorious prayers, a candlelight vigil was held on the final evening, May 27, 2019.

NEPAL/INDIA:
His Eminence Avikrita Rinpoche arrived at Pema Ts’al Sakya Monastic Institute in Pokhara, Nepal on May 23, 2019. From May 24th-May 26th to commemorate the 3rd Anniversary of the Parinirvana, his grandfather H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang, he led a three-day Vajrakilaya Drub Choe (grand puja). During that time, he also bestowed a Vajakila Torma Empowerment and gave a public talk. When he returned to New Delhi, India, he continued honoring Dagchen Dorje Chang’s memory by leading and dedicating an India-Marici Fellowship event to feed the poor.

INDIA:
His Eminence Abhaya Rinpoche and monks honored H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s memorial at Dzongsar Institute through the recitation of the Guru Puja prayers.

INDIA:
His Eminence Asanga Rinpoche and sangha commemorated the 3rd Anniversary of the Parinirvana of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang on May 25, 2019 in Manali, India by performing the Lamdre Lama Chopa puja in the morning and protector deity puja in the afternoon, under many auspicious signs.

INDIA:
Gen Kungsang led 55 of the New Delhi Ashram monks in Guru Puja honoring H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang.

TAIWAN:
Ven. Gongpo and David Lim led the Sakya Sonam Dargye Choling members in the Guru Puja practice in memory of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang.

HONG KONG:
Led by Dr. Lam, William Wong and Edward Wong the Maha Sandhi Yoga Center members celebrated H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang’s memorial through the recitation of the holy Padmasambhava Guru Puja prayers.

NEW YORK:
The Sakya Tsechen Association (New York/New Jersey) members recited the Sakya Pandita Guru Yoga, Manjushri, Aspiration of Samantahbhadra and dedication prayers in memory of H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang

HAWAII:
Amidst thousands of people honoring the U.S. Memorial Holiday by the releasing of floating lamps, Dr. Kristine Honda, Wangla and Samten released a floating lantern commemorating H.H. Dagchen Dorje Chang.

Read More

H.E. Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche Bestows Mahakala Initiation

folder_open News

By Alyssa McFarland, April 2019


His Eminence Khöndung Gyana Vajra Rinpoche visited Seattle, WA April 24-26 and bestowed the Mahakala initiation at Sakya Monastery on April 25. H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche is the son of His Holiness Sakya Trichen Rinpoche (the 41st Sakya Trizin) and younger brother of His Holiness the 42nd Sakya Trizin. On March 29, 2020, His Eminence Gyana Vajra Rinpoche will be enthroned as the 43rd Sakya Trizin.

Mahakala is one of the most revered Tibetan protector deities. His purpose is to protect the Dharma and Dharma practitioners and to help in overcoming negative obstacles on one’s path to enlightenment.

Before starting the initiation, H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche said that the motivation for taking an initiation, or any practice, puja or tsok, is very important. The motivation to benefit all sentient beings brings merit and without which, you cannot achieve enlightenment. He advised us to always include all sentient beings in our prayers, to increase merit. Also he told us that all the deities are Buddha, none is better or more powerful than any other; they just appear in different forms because some might people relate to one deity and someone else might relate to a different deity and practice, just as different people have different tastes in movies.

After the initiation, H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche gave a brief teaching directed at new members. He said that the most important part of practice is meditation, but you may have doubts, questions and feelings during meditation, and find visualization difficult. He made the analogy of learning how to drive a stick shift car: at first it is so challenging to keep track of every detail that it seems nearly impossible, but with practice, eventually it becomes natural. He suggested that when you see an injured animal, people fighting or some other similar occurrence, to practice thinking compassionate thoughts. Eventually, with practice, this will become easy. He said anger is the worst of the defilements because it makes you lose your compassion. “Controlling your mind is the key to enlightenment,” he said.

H.E. Gyana Vajra Rinpoche also advised us to understand our limits and not push ourselves too hard especially at the beginning. Balance is very important. Also, the greatest offering we can give our guru is to practice. Our gurus are here for us, and our practice matters to our gurus, but that doesn’t mean you have to practice for hours every day; even just 2-5 minutes of full compassion and concentration is good.

Sakya Monastery has a regular monthly Mahakala puja on the 29th day of each Tibetan lunar month. All those who have had the initiation may attend the puja.

Read More
SmallDharmaRummage

Annual Holiday Sale of Handicrafts and Baked Treats

folder_open Events

Saturday, December 1, 2019
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tibetan clothing, prayer flags, handicrafts, jewelry, art, and more!

Come see the cultural hall and library transformed into a marketplace of vendors at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. Items offered for sale include: blankets, jewelry, statues, prayer flags, incense, clothing, art prints, books, CDs, and Himalayan art calendars. Many of these items make wonderful holiday gifts! Additionally, many baked items are available for sale, including gluten-free.

At 12:00 pm enjoy a free tour of the Shrine Room with its traditional Tibetan murals, sculptures, mandalas, and triple-sized golden Buddha statue. Tibetan tea will be served.

Read More

Sand Mandala Creation

folder_open Events, Front Page

By Lama Migmar
Dates: Monday through Friday, November 4th through 8th, from 1:00-2:00 pm.
Location: Library
Free, donations accepted

This event will take place over five days in November, 2019. The Library will be open for viewing during the above times.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning “cosmogram,” or “world in harmony.”

Sand painting is one of the oldest artistic traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan, sand mandala is called Dhultson Kyilkhor, which means “mandala of colored sand powder.”

In Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhism, it is said that wherever a Sand Mandala is created, all sentient beings and the surrounding environment are blessed. It is said that for children in particular, upon seeing the Sand Mandala, one is left with very positive imprints which will germinate as sprouts of peace as they grow older.

Join us as Lama Migmar shows us how this amazing process is done, talks to us about what Sand Mandalas represent, and how they are used as a meditational aid.

Venerable Lama Migmar was born in Kham (eastern Tibet) and studied Dharma at Kyegu Monastery, the largest and oldest Sakya monastery in the Kham region. He became a monk in 1983. He trained extensively in both sculpture and painting, and went on deity retreats. He was the primary disciple of his master Lobsang Thugje from 1987 to 1993; his master created the statues in His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence in Dharamsala. In 1996, Lama Migmar went to Nepal and worked Thrangu Monastery for several years. After that, he worked in Malaysia in both the H.H. the Karmapa’s center and in Thrangu Rinpoche’s center. Lama Migmar’s work is featured in Kagyu, Nyingma, Gelug, and Sakya monasteries throughout Kham; one monastery contains over 100 of his Shitro deity statues. He has lived in India, Nepal and Malaysia, and created extensive artwork in those locations. He came to Sakya Monastery in 2006, and is Sakya Monastery’s resident artist. He has completed many works, including a large thangka of the Sakya Lamdre lineage on the Southwest wall of the Sakya Monastery Shrine Room. In 2018, he unveiled a thangka of Chenrezi. Currently he is working on other Buddhist paintings and can be commissioned to create thangkas, statues, sand mandalas, and deity masks for Buddhist practitioners.

Read More

Setting up a Home Shrine

folder_open Events, Front Page

By Lama Kelsang
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2019
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Sakya Monastery Shrine Room
Suggested Donation: $20 Members, $30 Non-Members

A shrine is a place that holds the symbols of enlightened body speech and mind. A home shrine creates a sacred space for you to focus your spiritual practice. By making offerings, we purify our obscurations and generate positive merit, which moves us further along the path to enlightenment.

Lama Kelsang teaches us about the significance of making offerings and demonstrate how to make offerings of body, speech and mind to the Three Jewels. He also shows us how to set up the offering bowls, placement of statues and holy pictures, and other offering items on the shrine.

Ven. Lama Kelsang was born in 1980. In his early twenties, he entered Sakya College in Dehradhun, India, where he took monastic vows. There, he studied Buddhist philosophy for five years. During those years, he also received empowerments and teachings from H.H Dalai Lama, H.H Sakya Trichen Rinpoche, H.E Luding Khen Rinpoche, H.E Thartse Khenpo, and Khenchen Kunga Wangchok. He next went to Nepal’s Tharlam Monastery and completed a Manjushri retreat for three months. He received the Lamdre from H.H. Jidgal Dachen Dorje Chang in 2007. He was appointed as a tutor to H.E Asanga Rinpoche, a position he held from 2008 until 2012. After 2012, he was on a three year retreat. He has completed five times the requisite one-hundred thousand accumulations for the preliminary practices (ngondro) and has also completed the preliminary and main practice of Luminous Great Perfection, and the ritual practices of the Longchen Nyingtik tradition. He has lived at Sakya Monastery since 2017.

Read More
Menu