Khön Könchok Gyalpo (1034–1102), scion of the noble Khön clan, gave birth to the Sakya tradition when he founded Sakya Monastery in 1073. From that compact yet mighty seat of gray earth (“sa-kya”), a uniquely balanced approach to sutra and tantra took root—eventually rippling far beyond Tibet.

Three principal lineages shape Sakya’s rich tapestry today:

1. The Seat (Khön) Lineage
   • Direct descendants of Khön Könchok Gyalpo have held the title Sakya Trizin (“Throne Holder”) for nearly a millennium.
   • Recent decades saw Jetsun Dragpa Tenpa Yarpel, the 42nd Trizin, traveling the globe—visiting Bodh Gaya’s 2023 Mahabodhi Center and offering Lamdré empowerments in London and New York.

2. The Ngor Sub-School
   • Founded in 1429 by Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo, Ngor Monastery became famous for its systematic cycles of Hevajra and Vajrayoginī.
   • Ngor masters emphasize precise ritual artistry—thangka painting, mandala construction and intricate dance—often likened to a finely tuned watch.

3. The Tsarpa (Sharpa) Sub-School
   • Established by Sharpa Chöje Shakya Yeshe (1392–1435), this branch leans deeply into the profound Sakya tantras, particularly the path of Vajrakīla.
   • Sharpa teachings have recently been revitalized in places like Kathmandu, where young lamas blend centuries-old chants with modern social outreach.

These three strands—seat, Ngor and Tsarpa—keep the Sakya flame bright, fusing scholarly rigor with tantric depth. Whether unfolding a pithy Lamdré verse or mastering a wrathful deity’s mandala, Sakya practitioners still carry forward Khön Könchok Gyalpo’s original vision: a seamless dance of wisdom and method.