Sakya Monastery

The Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism is a little-known treasure in Seattle, Washington, with a head lama third in rank below the Dalai Lama himself. The monastery is associated with the Sakya school, one of four traditional schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

The building that houses Sakya Monastery started life in 1928 as a Presbyterian church. It became a Tibetan monastery in 1975. In 1993, the brightly-painted little monastery was featured in the film Little Buddha.

The Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism was home to the Tibetan lama Dezhung Rinpoche (1906-87), who arrived in Seattle in 1960 after being forced to flee his Communist-occupied homeland. A white stupa outside the monastery is built in his honor.

The colorful exterior alone - brightly painted in red and yellow and complete with prayer wheels covered in Tibetan script - is worth a visit, but several times each week the public is welcomed in for meditation. The interior features beautiful statues, meditation rooms and a library.

Throughout the year, various memorial events and ritual celebrations take place, some of which are open to the public. Frequent classes and lectures occur in the evening, ranging from "Practical Tibetan" for travelers to bead-making. All events are free but donations are happily accepted.

The Sakya Monastery of Seattle also runs a Tara Meditation Center for retreats, located on Whidbey Island.