Interviewee Profile

Name: Sakya Trizin, His Holiness the 41st
(Alias: No)

Gender: Male

Interview Age: 72

Date of Birth: 1945

Birthplace: Tsedong, Utsang, Tibet

Year Left Tibet: 1959

Profession: Monk

Monk/Nun: Currently

Political Prisoner: No

Interview Details

Interview No.: 32U

Date: 2017-03-31

Language: English

Location: Rajpur, Uttarakhand, India

Categories: Buddhist Traditions

Keywords: Buddhist beliefs, childhood memories, customs/traditions, escape experiences, refugee in India -- life as, Utsang

Summary:

His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin was born in Tsethong in Utsang Province in 1945. He fondly recalls his aunt who raised him after the passing away of his parents. He talks about his family's special Sakya lineage and the tradition of preparing the children for their future as leaders of that sect of Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness describes his religious education in the Sakya tradition provided by his root guru and other lamas.

During his first visit to Lhasa in 1950 at age 8, His Holiness was nominated as the Trizin 'Throne Holder' of Sakya by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. His official enthronement celebration did not take place until 1959. Soon after the situation in Lhasa became dangerous under the Chinese occupation and His Holiness escaped to India. He moved around to various places in India such as Darjeeling, Dharamsala, Mussoorie and finally settled in Rajpur, where he established the Sakya Monastery in 1964.

His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin explains the recent changes he made by nominating his son to be the next Sakya Trizin. He plans to complete his autobiographical book soon. His Holiness shares his thoughts on the relevance of Buddhism in today's world.

Interview Team:

  • Marcella Adamski (Interviewer)
  • Tenzin Yangchen (Interpreter)
  • Tenzin Choenyi (Videographer)
Interview Video

Link: Watch On Youtube

Topic: Interview with His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin on 3/31/2017

Length: 00:35:25


Short Videos

Link: Watch On Youtube

Topic: Becoming the Throne Holder of the Sakya Tradition

Length: 00:03:57


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