In July 2026, the United Kingdom will host an exceptionally rare and significant event within the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche, the 41st Sakya Trizin, and His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Rinpoche, the current 43rd Sakya Trizin, will both be visiting the UK by invitation of Lama Jampa Thaye to give teachings and empowerments.

The presence of both Sakya throne holders together is uncommon and offers a unique opportunity for anyone interested in Tibetan Buddhism and Vajrayana practice to receive teachings and transmissions directly from the living heads of the Sakya lineage.

Who Are the Sakya Trizins?

The title Sakya Trizin, meaning “Holder of the Sakya Throne”, refers to the head of the Sakya school, one of the four principal traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

• His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche (41st Sakya Trizin) served as head of the Sakya tradition for over six decades. He is widely revered for his profound realisation, vast scholarship, and his role in safeguarding the Sakya lineage during periods of great historical change.

• His Holiness Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Rinpoche (43rd Sakya Trizin) is the current throne holder. He represents the continuation of the Sakya lineage into the present era and is known for his clear, precise teaching style and dedication to transmitting the Sakya teachings internationally.

Their joint presence represents an unbroken lineage transmission spanning generations and is rarely seen outside major international Buddhist centres.

UK Teachings and Empowerments – July 2026

The main public events will take place in London and are being organised by Sakya centres in the UK.

Provisional programme details include:

Saturday 11 July 2026

• Manjushri Arapatsana Initiation
  Bestowed by H.H. Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche

Sunday 12 July 2026

• Vajrakilaya Torma Initiation
  Bestowed by H.H. Kyabgon Gongma Trizin Rinpoche

• Amitayus and Hayagriva Initiations
  Bestowed by H.H. Kyabgon Gongma Trichen Rinpoche

About the Initiations and Their Significance

The programme includes a series of Vajrayana empowerments (wang). In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, an empowerment is a formal transmission that establishes a practitioner’s connection with a specific enlightened deity and authorises engagement with the associated meditation practices. Empowerments transmit lineage blessing, stabilise correct view, and create the causes for realisation.

Manjushri Arapatsana – Realising Emptiness

Manjushri Arapatsana is a form of Manjushri specifically associated with the direct realisation of emptiness (śūnyatā). In the Sakya tradition, this empowerment is closely connected with establishing correct view, forming the wisdom foundation upon which Vajrayana practice rests.

Arapatsana Manjushri embodies discriminating wisdom that cuts through inherent existence and conceptual fixation, revealing the empty yet dependently arisen nature of all phenomena.

This empowerment supports:

• Direct insight into emptiness

• The cutting through of ignorance and conceptual grasping

• The union of clarity and emptiness

• The establishment of correct view as the basis for tantric practice

For this reason, Manjushri Arapatsana is traditionally regarded as especially important for grounding Vajrayana methods in wisdom rather than mere technique.

Vajrakilaya Torma – Obstacle Clearing and Auspicious Conditions

The Vajrakilaya Torma initiation is a specific initiation connected with ritual activity and blessing, rather than a full Vajrakilaya empowerment. In the Sakya tradition, Vajrakilaya torma initiations are traditionally associated with the removal of obstacles, the pacification of adverse conditions, and the creation of auspicious circumstances for spiritual practice.

This initiation establishes a beneficial connection with Vajrakilaya through the symbolic offering of the torma and transmits blessing related to enlightened activity.

The Vajrakilaya Torma initiation supports:

• The clearing of obstacles to spiritual progress

• The pacification of adverse conditions

• Strengthening auspicious circumstances

• Receiving blessing connected with Vajrakilaya’s enlightened activity

This initiation does not replace a full Vajrakilaya empowerment but offers a powerful and accessible means of receiving benefit from Vajrakilaya practice within the context of lineage blessing.

Amitayus – Long Life and Spiritual Abundance

Amitayus, the Buddha of long life, is associated with longevity, vitality, and the increase of merit. His practice supports not only physical longevity, but also the strengthening of life force and favourable conditions for sustained Dharma practice.

This empowerment supports:

• Long life and vitality

• Increased merit and positive circumstances

• Stability for long-term spiritual training

• Support for health and well-being

Hayagriva – Compassionate Power and Protection

Hayagriva is a wrathful expression of compassion, closely associated with enlightened speech and the subjugation of powerful inner and outer disturbances. His practice supports fearless compassion and clarity in challenging conditions.

This empowerment supports:

• The transformation of intense emotional energies

• Protection from harmful influences

• Strengthening compassionate activity

• Confidence and fearlessness in practice

The Meaning of Receiving Empowerment

Empowerments (initiations) are not symbolic rituals. They are living transmissions within an unbroken lineage, creating a direct connection between the practitioner, the deity, and the realised masters of the Sakya tradition.

For those who have already taken refuge, receiving these empowerments:

• Establishes the basis for authentic Vajrayana practice

• Deepens understanding of emptiness and compassion

• Strengthens connection to the Sakya lineage

• Supports long-term spiritual development

Tickets and Registration

Tickets for the event are available via Eventbrite.

Venue: Kensington Town Hall, London

🎟️ Book tickets here:

Link: Eventbrite

The Eventbrite listing includes the most up-to-date information regarding the schedule, venue access, and registration options.

Please note: this event is open to those who have already taken refuge as Buddhists.

Why This Visit Matters

Visits from lineage holders of this level are increasingly rare. Having both the 41st and 43rd Sakya Trizins teaching together, by invitation of Lama Jampa Thaye, marks an important moment of continuity for the Sakya tradition in the UK.

For practitioners and interested members of the public alike, this visit offers a rare opportunity to receive empowerments and teachings rooted in an unbroken lineage preserved for centuries.

Staying Informed

Further announcements and updates will be released closer to the event date. For official information, follow:

• Link: Dechen’s Main Website

• Link: Sakya Dechen Ling London

• Link: Sakya Thinley Rinchen Ling Bristol

• Link: Eventbrite event page