Sakya Lineage (Primary Title)
thanka (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
The teachings of Virupa, known as the Lamdrey, upon which the Sakya tradition is based, were received through a series of visions by that order’s patriarch, Sachen Kunga Nyingpo. In its inception, then, the Sakya lineage is a visionary line—neither one of direct oral transmission emphasized by the Kagyu nor of the time-transcending Nyingma terma treasures. Once Sachen founded the Sakya monastery, however, a new, strictly historical line of succession took shape, with the legitimacy of the Lamdrey teachings depen-dent on their demonstrable transmission from lama to pupil. This picture features two human links in that lineage’s chain of wisdom. The pupil, on the right, is Gorampa Sonam Sengge (1429–1489), who appears transitioned to the role of teacher.
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.