Sakya Monastery

Brief information about Sakya Monastery

This monastery is a 'must-see' for visitors to Tibet. The monastery lies 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Shigatse. Sakya, meaning 'Grey Soil' in Tibetan since the soil surrounding it is gray. It is the central monastery of the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Its walls were painted in red, white, and grey stripes, which represent Manjushri, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani respectively. Since the monastery has a colossal collection of precious art pieces, it is deemed the 'Second Dunhuang'. The Drum River divides it into the Northern Monastery and the Southern Monastery.

Established first, the Northern monastery was founded by Khon Konchog Gyalpo in 1073, from which Sakyapa rose and once ruled Tibet. Unfortunately, it is nothing but ruins now due to its severe destruction during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). However, the ruins still reflect its glory and splendor.

The fifth Sakya Throne Holder, Drogon Chogyal Phakpa, known as Phakpa, built the Southern Monastery in 1268. Phakpa was the spiritual guide of Kublai Khan, a Mongolian Chinese emperor who granted Phakpa secular and religious authority over Tibet. After Phakpa, Sakyapa ruled for over 100 years in Tibet. The Southern Monastery remains in better condition. A typical Mongolian structure, the fortress-like monastery covers a space of 45,000 square meters and is surrounded by a moat, and has an outer wall and an inner wall. With fortifications and battlements atop, it has only one entrance on the east.

What to see

The Sakya Monastery is one of the few places where you can feel that the monastery and residents are so unified and blended. Sakya is not like other temples and towns that sit on the China-Nepal highway and can be visited by the way. Sakya is far away from the highway. Therefore, it is a more quintessentially religious atmosphere.

Lakhang Chenmo

The Main Chanting Hall is the central structure of Sakya's inner courtyard. The hall, measuring 5,700 square meters, has 40 huge pillars, four of which are 1.2 meters (4 feet) in diameter. Legend tells us that the four pillars were carried and presented by a Chinese Emperor, a tiger, the Nereus, and a wild yak. Murals in the hall depict the stories about the pillars. Besides statues of Buddhas, the hall houses the greatest religious library in Tibet, containing tens of thousands of sutras written in Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, and Sanskrit. Among them, two sutras named Kanjur and Tanjur were written in ink produced from ground gold powder. In the chapel west of the hall, mandala-making techniques are taught. Ngudung Lakhang, or the North Chapel, houses 11 silver-wrapped stupas of former Sakyapa Throne Holders. Pukang, the Manjushri Chapel, contains a Jowo Shakyamuni, a Manjushri, and other statues.

Murals

Sakya monastery has countless murals, mostly of the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). There are more than 3,000 exquisite murals covering a wide range of subjects including religion, history, culture, and social life. Among them, murals of mandalas and former Sakya Throne Holders are the most outstanding. The Sakyapa sect allows marriage and its religious power is descended from paternal uncle to nephew while its political authority is from father to son. Sakya's collection of treasures also contains 3,000 pieces of pattern sutras written in Tibetan, Chinese, Mongolian, and Sanskrit which cover a wide range of knowledge; other artifacts such as seals, crowns, robes, Buddhist vessels, and statues bestowed by emperors of the Yuan Dynasty are also on display there. 

Events and ceremonies

The Sakya Monastery holds a large number of events and ceremonies every year, the most important of which are: the Tibetan calendar holds a Rainy Festival every May; in July and November the Summer and Winter ceremonies and Tibetan Cham Dancing. The Cham dance is a Tibetan Buddhist ritual dance performed by monks and accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The cham dance is usually performed in front of large audiences during the Monlam Prayer Festival, a sacred festival in the Tibetan calendar. 

The formation of the Winter Ceremony was based on the Sakya dynasty as a political background and the religion in the Tibetan region as an opportunity. It closely integrated the Sakya dynasty's government affairs with folk culture and was a model for the formation of Tibetan religious festival culture.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sakya Monastery is from April to October. The weather is mild during this period and the roads are more accessible. April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and photography.

Altitude and Acclimatization

Sakya Monastery is located at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,108 feet). It's important to allow time for acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Spend a few days at a lower altitude before ascending to Sakya. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities initially, and consider taking medication for altitude sickness if recommended by a doctor.

What to Wear

Dress in layers to adapt to the varying temperatures throughout the day. Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, while daytime temperatures may be warmer. Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong UV rays at high altitudes.

Entry Permits

Foreign tourists need to obtain the necessary permits to visit Sakya Monastery. These include the Tibet Travel Permit and the Aliens' Travel Permit. Ensure you arrange these permits in advance through a licensed travel agency. Always carry these documents with you during your travels.

Cultural Etiquette

When visiting Sakya Monastery, it's important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Always walk clockwise around religious sites, as this is considered auspicious. Refrain from touching religious artifacts or taking photos in restricted areas. If unsure, ask for permission before taking pictures.

Local Guide

Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience at Sakya Monastery. Guides provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significance of the monastery, as well as help navigate language barriers. A knowledgeable guide can also share lesser-known details and stories about the site.

Facilities

Facilities around Sakya Monastery are basic. There are a few small shops and eateries, but it’s advisable to carry some snacks, bottled water, and other essentials with you. Public restrooms are available, but they may be rudimentary, so carrying some tissue paper and hand sanitizer is recommended.

Photography Tips

The monastery’s unique architecture and stunning surroundings offer excellent photography opportunities. The best light for photography is usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Be mindful of the cultural sensitivities and avoid photographing monks and locals without their permission. Capture the intricate details of the murals, statues, and traditional Tibetan architecture.

Nearby Attractions

While visiting Sakya Monastery, consider exploring nearby attractions. The ruins of the Northern Monastery (Sakya North Monastery) offer a glimpse into the region’s historical past. Additionally, the surrounding landscape is perfect for short hikes and enjoying the natural beauty of Tibet.

Health and Safety

High altitudes can affect health, so it’s essential to monitor your body for symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea. Carry a basic first aid kit with you. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and medical emergencies. Drink plenty of water and eat light, nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up.