Sakya

The "Second Dunhuang" of Tibet

1.Located in Sakya: County, Shigatse, approximately 450 kilometers southwest of Lhasa, Sakya Monastery stands as a monumental fortress on the banks of the Zhongqu River. Known as the ancestral temple of the Sakya school (the "Flower Sect") of Tibetan Buddhism, it is renowned as the "Second Dunhuang" and the "Treasury of Snowyland Buddhist Art" due to its colossal collection of scriptures, murals, and historical artifacts,. Unlike the hilltop palaces of Lhasa, the South Monastery of Sakya is built on the plains with a layout resembling a military fortress, surrounded by grey-white earthen walls and moats. The monastery is distinctively painted with horizontal stripes of red, white, and dark blue (or black), representing the bodhisattvas Manjushri (wisdom), Avalokiteshvara (compassion), and Vajrapani (power), respectively,. This unique color scheme gives the "Flower Sect" its name and creates a striking visual contrast against the stark high-altitude landscape.

A Fortress of History and Politics

2.The history of Sakya: Monastery is deeply intertwined with the political unification of Tibet and China during the Yuan Dynasty. The North Monastery was founded in 1073 by Khon Konchog Gyalpo, establishing the Sakya lineage. However, the majestic South Monastery, which visitors explore today, was built in 1268 by Phagpa, the fifth Sakya throne holder and the Imperial Preceptor to Kublai Khan. For over 70 years, Sakya served as the political and religious center of Tibet, ruling the region under the patronage of the Mongol Yuan court. This era left behind a legacy of imperial gifts and high-status artifacts, including imperial seals, porcelain, and the famous white conch shell gifted by Kublai Khan, which is said to possess the merit of liberating those who hear its sound.

3.The Lakhang: Chenmo and the Four Sacred Pillars

4.The heart of the South: Monastery is the Lakhang Chenmo (Great Assembly Hall), a massive structure covering nearly 6,000 square meters. The hall is supported by 40 enormous wooden pillars, among which four are legendary "Sacred Pillars" with specific origins:

• 5.The Tiger Pillar: Said to be carried here by a fierce tiger.
• 6.The Wild Yak Pillar: Brought by a wild yak.
• 7.The Sea God Pillar: A gift from the god of the sea.
• 8.The Emperor Pillar: Sent by the Yuan Emperor (Kublai Khan). These pillars support a ceiling adorned with intricate Mandala murals that blend Yuan Dynasty artistic styles with Tibetan and Nepali influences, creating a breathtaking canopy of religious art.

The Great Wall of Scriptures

The most awe-inspiring feature of Sakya Monastery for scholars and visitors alike is the colossal "Sutra Wall" located behind the main altar. This shelf stretches 60 meters long and 10 meters high, housing approximately 84,000 volumes of Buddhist scriptures,. It is considered the largest library of its kind in the world. Many of these texts are written in gold, silver, and coral powder on pattra leaves (palm leaves), dating back hundreds or even a thousand years. Legends say that the sheer weight of these holy texts keeps the temple wall from collapsing, symbolizing the upholding of the Dharma.

Visiting the Sacred Fortress

9.Exploring Sakya: Monastery offers a different atmosphere compared to other Tibetan sites; it is quieter, more historic, and filled with a sense of ancient power. Visitors can walk the high defensive walls to get a panoramic view of the Zhongqu River valley and the ruins of the North Monastery across the river. The monastery also houses hundreds of Thangkas and thousands of statues. During major festivals, such as the summer and winter Vajra Dance ceremonies, the monks perform sacred dances to dispel evil spirits, inviting visitors to witness the living traditions of the Sakya lineage.