Sakya Monastery Dharma Lectures

H.H. Sakya Trizin helps guide us to be good buddhists.

His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya is a direct descendant of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, founder of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn about the origins of this distinguished family lineage, known for their three excellent names and their divine ancestors. Included in their history is a royal minister, some of the first Tibetan monks, a noted translator during the royal period, and disciples of Padmasambhava. They took up the new tantras while retaining a few Nyingma tantras. Upsaka Jeff Schoening will discuss the founding of the first Sakya Monastery, the prophecies about Sakya, and the birth of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo. This presentation is based on the writings of Jamgön Améshap, the great Sakya lama and historian of the 17th century, the two Sakya histories by Lopön Thuchey Wangchuk, and over thirty years of Jeff's research on the Sakya lineage.

Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche gives an introduction to the Sakya view, which is the inseparability of Samsara and Nirvana. This will be done through helping us understand how to practice the path with its fruit (Lamdre). He introduces us to how the Buddhadharma is taught in the unexcelled Sakya tradition. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya is a direct descendant of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, founder of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism. Learn about the origins of this distinguished family lineage, known for their three excellent names and their divine ancestors. Included in their history is a royal minister, some of the first Tibetan monks, a noted translator during the royal period, and disciples of Padmasambhava. They took up the new tantras while retaining a few Nyingma tantras. Upsaka Jeff Schoening will discuss the founding of the first Sakya Monastery, the prophecies about Sakya, and the birth of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo. This presentation is based on the writings of Jamgön Améshap, the great Sakya lama and historian of the 17th century, the two Sakya histories by Lopön Thuchey Wangchuk, and over thirty years of Jeff's research on the Sakya lineage.

Ven. Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche discusses the many male deities in Tantric Buddhism. In Tibetan Buddhism some popular male deities include Chenrezig, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Buddha Amitabha, Vajrasattva, Yamantaka, Chakrasambara, Hevajra, and Vajrakilaya. Sometimes deities come in union with their consort, sometimes alone. Depending on the sadhana, these deities are visualized either in front of oneself or as oneself, or both. Also there are various benefits that are associated with the different practices such as health, wealth, longevity, wisdom, and compassion. If you would like to learn about these important male deities, please listen.

Note: Recording begins a couple minutes into the lecture. Belief and correct motivation are two tremendously important things to cultivate. Belief, faith and absolute conviction in the Lama and in the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) are essential for any attainments. Having the correct motivation is an absolute necessity. In this class, Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche gives us insight on these important topics. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva practices the six perfections. The perfection of meditation is one of these six. Within the perfection of meditation, the practitioner practices calm abiding and insight meditation (shamatha and vipassana). This course focuses on the examination of one’s mind which is vipassana practice. Translator: Thupten Jampa.

The practice of Vajrasattva (Dorje Sempa) is for the purification of one’s karma created through the body, speech and mind. The practice purifies and mends broken commitments, especially the Vajrayana vows. This Dharma lecture on the “Vajrasattva practice in Ngondro” is taught by Khenpo Jampa Tenphel Rinpoche. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

Ven. Tulku Yeshi Rinpoche teaches Tibetan Wind Yoga (Tsalung Trulkor)--a spiritual healing practice for the body and mind. It can make your body healthy and your mind peaceful and happy. Some of the conditions it helps are asthma, indigestion, heartburn, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and vision problems. It is a very profound practice, yet it is easy to learn to do anywhere and by anyone.

For Mahayana Practitioners, there are so many teachings and meditations. But in our short lives, we don’t have as much time to devote to study and practice as we’d like. Fortunately, there is a short practice that is very helpful to develop love, compassion, and wisdom. Since the 14th century Tibetan practitioners have practiced this text in their daily lives. The Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices was composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo (1295-1369). Tibetans believe he was the emanation of Chenrezig because he practiced love and compassion actively in his life. In this teaching, Tulku Yeshi will share about this extraordinary master and give a commentary on the first half of the 37 practices.

As one of the pillars of the Theravadan tradition as well as the Mahayana path, the Four Applications of Mindfulness comprise the foundation of the Buddha's teachings. Also known as the Four Essential Recollections, these are simple instructions to be mindful of the body, of feelings, of the mind, of the dharmas, and the phenomena of perception. This teaching is based on Shantideva's Bodhisattvacharyāvatāra, or Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. The teaching is followed by short instructions on how to meditate on the Four Applications of Mindfulness. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

Mahasiddha Nalong Sangye Zangpo lived in the late 18th and early 19th century in Jyekundo area of Kham, Tibet. He was an ordinary monk who went on pilgrimage to Lhasa, Sakya, and Ngor on foot when he was 16 years old. He received teachings from Ngor abbots, returned to Kham, and then he meditated in a cave for seventeen years on Vajrayogini. He sustained himself by eating only barley flour and water. He became realized and gave teachings, showed spiritual power, and helped others. Through his life and his story, he influenced thousands of practitioners.

Compassion and the view of emptiness are at the heart of all the Buddha’s teachings. Without the view of emptiness and practice of compassion one cannot liberate oneself and others. It is important to understand their inseparability and realize the true nature of all phenomena. This is the weapon that is needed for cutting the ego of self-cherishing. Ven. Tulku Yeshi will discuss Nagarjuna’s text Ratnamala.

For Mahayana Practitioners, there are so many teachings and meditations. But in our short lives, we don’t have as much time to devote to study and practice as we’d like. Fortunately, there is a short practice that is very helpful to develop love, compassion, and wisdom. Since the 14th century Tibetan practitioners have practiced this text in their daily lives. The Thirty-Seven Bodhisattva Practices was composed by Ngulchu Thogme Zangpo (1295-1369). Tibetans believe he was the emanation of Chenrezig because he practiced love and compassion actively in his life. In this teaching, Tulku Yeshi will share about this extraordinary master and give a commentary on the first half of the 37 practices.

The purpose of mind training (lojong) is to develop bodhicitta, the mind intent on attaining Buddhahood for the benefit of others. Without bodhicitta, Buddhahood is not possible and, for those intent on following the Bodhisattva path, the practice of training the mind is essential. The Eight Verses of Mind Training of Langri Tangpa are a very approachable set of aphorisms in verse form which contain the essentials of mind training. This practice-oriented class will be based on the Eight Verses and the Four immeasurable qualities together with the central practice of Tonglen as part of daily mind training practice. There will be a brief introduction to mind training and we will discuss the Eight Verses and their meaning with primary emphasis on the practice of Tonglen. We will discuss a daily framework within which to provide personal continuity to this most essential practice.

There are five special levels of meditation that are practiced in both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Venerable Khenpo Jampa explains each level and leads students in meditation on each of them. Translator: Thupten Jampa.

In Buddhism, it is essential and very beneficial to give daily offerings to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. H.E. Dagmo Kusho Sakya covers the eight kinds of offerings and explain how the many different forms of offerings relate to the body, speech, and mind. Common Tibetan offerings include flowers and tormas but an offering can be as simple as a bowl of water on your shrine. She will cover the proper motivation and presentation of katags, candles, and other offerings.

On the path to happiness, it is not what we do that matters but the way that we do it. In this talk, Lama Choedak explains the practical benefits of meditation in developing the Good Heart. “Come and enjoy learning a time-proven skill that will bring you lifelong happiness.”

Each year, members of Tibetan Buddhist traditions participate in prayer festivals known as 'Mon-lam Chenmo' and recite Samantabhadra's King of Prayers for ten days . Many participants know this prayer by heart as they recite it among their daily prayers. But they often do not know the significance of this famous prayer, also known as Aspiration of Samantabhadra. In this specially requested teaching, Lama Choedak offers an overview of this special prayer.

This class gives an introduction and explanation of the profound and fundamental teaching of the Lamdre (The path and its result), of the Sakya Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The Lamdre is a precious teaching from the realized Mahasiddha Virupa (whom our educational institute is named after). The Sakya Lamdre teachings cover the entire Buddhist path from the time of taking refuge until full enlightenment. In addition, Venerable Khenpo Jampa describes the Lamdre lineage and during the last ten minutes leads the students in meditation. Translator: Thupten Jampa.

In this hands-on course, Lama Migmar instructs students on how to make and use a mandala in Ngondro practice. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

Lama Migmar teaches us about the significance of making offerings and demonstrate how to make offerings of body, speech and mind to the Three Jewels. He shows us how to set up the offering bowls, as well as the placement of statues and holy pictures, and other offering items on the shrine. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

Her Eminence Dagmo Kusho Sakya gives a teaching on the Dakini Yeshe Tsogyal. Princess of Kharchen, incarnation of Vajrayogini, and spiritual consort of Guru Rinpoche, she was Guru Rinpoche’s principle disciple and was instrumental in recording and preserving his teachings. She is a true dakini considered to be an emanation of Arya Tara, Prajnaparamita, and Samantabhadri.

Out of his great compassion, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya shared with us his life experiences and the knowledge he learned from his teachers for the benefit of our spiritual growth and development. This was a very precious opportunity to hear directly from the eldest lama in the Sakya tradition and one of the highest Tibetan lamas living today. Here Rinpoche discusses Ngondro and the importance of daily practice. Translator: Dagmo Chimey Sakya.

This is a Vipassana class for beginners and current practitioners. There will be instructions and a short talk before meditating. Questions and discussion will follow. In Vipassana, the object of meditation is within oneself: it is the breath. With daily meditation (sits), one gradually is more and more in the moment. There is no space for thoughts to arise if one has single pointed focus on one's breath. Being so perfectly in the moment (the breath) a new peacefulness and joy arises. This state can be helpful on the journey of understanding emptiness. Ven. Lekshay recommends reading Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, available in the Dharma Shop.

This is a Vipassana class for beginners and current practitioners. There will be instructions and a short talk before meditating. Questions and discussion will follow. In Vipassana, the object of meditation is within oneself: it is the breath. With daily meditation (sits), one gradually is more and more in the moment. There is no space for thoughts to arise if one has single pointed focus on one's breath. Being so perfectly in the moment (the breath) a new peacefulness and joy arises. This state can be helpful on the journey of understanding emptiness. Ven. Lekshay recommends reading Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, available in the Dharma Shop.

This is a Vipassana class for beginners and current practitioners. There will be instructions and a short talk before meditating. Questions and discussion will follow. In Vipassana, the object of meditation is within oneself: it is the breath. With daily meditation (sits), one gradually is more and more in the moment. There is no space for thoughts to arise if one has single pointed focus on one's breath. Being so perfectly in the moment (the breath) a new peacefulness and joy arises. This state can be helpful on the journey of understanding emptiness. Ven. Lekshay recommends reading Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, available in the Dharma Shop.

Out of his great compassion, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya shared with us his life experiences and the knowledge he learned from his teachers for the benefit of our spiritual growth and development. This was a very precious opportunity to hear directly from the eldest lama in the Sakya tradition and one of the highest Tibetan lamas living today. Here Rinpoche discusses his own motivation, faith, and karma. Translator: Dagmo Chimey Sakya.

We are extremely fortunate to have His Eminence Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche give the oral transmission (rLung) of the Aspiration of Samantabhadra prayer and a teaching on the meaning and significance of this important prayer. He is recognized as the main incarnation of the great Buddhist master Dzongsar Khyentse Jamyang Chokyi Lodro, who was one of H.H. Dagchen Rinpoche’s root lamas. H.E. Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche is also considered to be the emanation of Manjushri. He is the head of Dzongsar Monastery in Tibet, Bhutan, and India, Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi Lodrö Institute in India, and the Khyentse Foundation. He has authored many Dharma books, including What Makes You Not a Buddhist (Shambhala 2007).

When it comes to grieving, there are many differences between the Western and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. H.E. Dagmo Kusho shares her own experiences and talks about the Tibetan Buddhist view of grieving. This class provides suggestions for activities that may benefit the dying, as well as instruction on how to move through grief without creating obstacles for the deceased.

Out of his great compassion, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya shared with us his life experiences and the knowledge he learned from his teachers for the benefit of our spiritual growth and development. This was a very precious opportunity to hear directly from the eldest lama in the Sakya tradition and one of the highest Tibetan lamas living today. Here Rinpoche discusses the two stages of Chenrezi practice. Translator: Dagmo Chimey Sakya.

Out of his great compassion, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya shared with us his life experiences and the knowledge he learned from his teachers for the benefit of our spiritual growth and development. This was a very precious opportunity to hear directly from the eldest lama in the Sakya tradition and one of the highest Tibetan lamas living today. Here Rinpoche offers a brief teaching on Karma. Translator: Dagmo Chimey Sakya.

Out of his great compassion, H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya shared with us his life experiences and the knowledge he learned from his teachers for the benefit of our spiritual growth and development. This was a very precious opportunity to hear directly from the eldest lama in the Sakya tradition and one of the highest Tibetan lamas living today. Here Rinpoche discusses Chenrezi and compassion practice as well as Chenrezi's connection to the Sakya lineage. Translator: Dagmo Chimey Sakya.

H.E. Dagmo Kusho instructs the new Buddhist practitioner in the traditional customary protocols learned from her own experience. This class covers in greater detail the little red book of Tibetan Buddhist Customs, which is sold in our Dharma shop. Dagmo Kusho also shares her experiences and stories of the lamas in Old Tibet.

Tibetan Medicine is one of the most ancient practices of healing known to humanity, dating back 4,000 years. Until quite recently this ancient wisdom was practiced throughout Tibet virtually without change, its knowledge handed down through generations of lay and monastic doctors. Today, carried with the Tibetan diaspora, practices of this ancient healing wisdom are being offered in the West as an alternative to mainstream health practices. This lecture will introduce insights of healing principles and the health practice of Tibetan Medicine as applied to illnesses, diagnosis, and treatments. These concepts will be introduced from a historical background to cultural aspect to demonstrate the uniqueness of medical system as an ancient wisdom, but modern science. The lecture will provide useful information to stay healthy using basic methods in diet and behavioral practice in daily life.

The 21 Praises of Tara is one of the key pieces of the Green Tara long sadhana. Each praise describes a different aspect of Tara, who is the feminine yidam of compassionate action. H.E. Dagmo Kusho teaches about each of these different aspects to understand how compassion and protection can be shown when different obstacles arise. Translator: Rigdzin Tingkhye.

We in the west are relatively unfamiliar with the Buddhist world view, even though it has great significance to those who would follow and / or study the path of the Buddha. This talk is an orientation to the Tibetan Buddhist world view. Cosmology is a branch of philosophy dealing with the origin, processes, and structure of the universe. This presentation describes from Buddhist viewpoints the origins of the universe, the process by which it begins, develops, and dissolves, and the way the universe is laid out, from single world systems to cosmically vast ones. We examine the career of Sakyamuni Buddha, from the time his “gotrarigs” (inclination to bodhi) was awakened until his final enlightenment. And finally we will consider the way we in Seattle fit into this Tibetan Buddhist structuring of the universe.

Our beloved teacher, H.E. Jamyang Dagmo Kusho, is the niece of H.E. Dezhung Rinpoche III, co-founder of Sakya Tegchen Choling, the forerunner of Sakya Monastery, Seattle. In this lecture, Dagmo Kusho shares with us her first hand experiences with her uncle: his life; his leadership as Abbot of Tharlam Monastery Tibet and Nepal; their escape from the communists; their life in Seattle; and his teachings. As a living example of boundless compassion, selfless generosity, pure moral conduct, unwavering diligence, and unsurpassed wisdom, Dezhung Rinpoche inspired countless students to practice the Dharma. Furthermore, his life is documented in the book A Saint in Seattle, by David Jackson.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here he discusses the ten powers of the Buddha and the two types of selflessness. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche discusses the Four Thoughts that Turn the Mind to the Dharma. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching on Vajrakilaya and Hevajra - the main Sakya deity practice. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche discusses the importance and benefit of Compassion. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche discusses the history and dharma of the Sakya school. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche discusses the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism and some of his teachers from each of the schools. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche talks about the two different types of God Realms: Worldly and Transcendental. He also explains the different types of protector deities and the different types of protections they give. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche teaches about the three different types of faith: simple, believing, and aspiring. Dagchen Rinpoche also teaches about the importance of clearing away our obscurations, so we can develop a deeper faith, and connection with the Guru, or Lama. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here he discusses the Triple Gem, the two truths, and the abbreviated Heart Sutra, explaining that that the first four lines of the Heart Sutra sum up most of the text. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching on the Heart Sutra practice. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here Rinpoche discusses proper motivation for practice. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.

H.H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya offered this brief teaching during the Chenrezi practice. Here he discusses the two stages of faith. Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening.