The Sakya tradition hinges on a living, face-to-face relationship between teacher and student, where the torch of wisdom passes directly down a continuous lineage. At its heart lies the Lamdré system (“Path and Its Fruit”), a blend of sutra clarity and tantric power.

First comes the reading transmission, or lung, in which the root texts—often Hevajra, Vajrayoginī and other central tantras—are chanted aloud by the teacher. Hearing each syllable in perfect sequence safeguards the integrity of the practice manual, much like a precious heirloom passed untouched through generations. Once lung is received, the student holds the authentic text within the mindstream.

Next arrives the empowerment, or wang, unlocking the tantric deity’s mandala and bestowing its blessings. During these ceremonies, symbolic gestures and ritual implements link the disciple’s consciousness to the enlightened qualities embodied by the Yidam. Empowerments are literal power-on switches, clearing the way for deeper meditation.

Oral instructions, called tri, follow. Here the teacher unpacks hidden meanings, offers practical pointers on posture, visualization, and mantra recitation, and shares pith advice that can’t be gleaned from books. This part often feels like sitting down with a trusted mentor over tea—warm, spontaneous, and tailored to the student’s capacity.

Sakya masters also weave in countless commentaries and personal anecdotes, ensuring that each practice is rooted in real-world experience. Regular retreats help cement these instructions; it’s one thing to learn the theory of Hevajra, another to hold that deity in the mind for days on end.

Today, students worldwide—whether at Sakya Monastery in Brooklyn or in Dogar village high in the Himalayas—continue to receive these three modes of transmission intact. Thanks to modern technology, livestreamed ceremonies and digital texts now widen access. Yet even in the era of Zoom, the living connection with a qualified Sakya teacher remains absolutely indispensable.