Auspicious Updates about Jaigaon Sakya Monastery, Part Two: Monastery Life

Wishing you a happy Lunar New Year! This celebration marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, with the Chinese New Year on February 17, 2026, and the Tibetan New Year on February 18. This is regarded as an exceptionally auspicious time; the horse represents swiftness, fulfillment of wishes, and noble qualities.

We previously shared updates about Sakya Thegchen Phuntsok Ling in Jaigaon, India, which you can see here. Now we have more updates to share with you, showing the life at the monastery as we begin the new year. Classes for monks are fully underway with a schedule of prayer and study, plus spare time to pitch in with daily tasks and to engage in recreation and sports. These beautiful photos and videos have been shared by Dharma Friend Barbara Lehman, and by Assistant Manager of Sakya Monastery Gonpo. Please click an image to see full size.

Here we see the Monastery from the outside. Note the use of outdoor space by the monks, and by other residents.

When the weather is nice, instructors use outdoor space for lessons.

Studies continue inside. Here we see young monks practicing writing and reading.

Life is not all study for these young monks. helping clean the monastery, aiding in construction and repairs, and monastic duties are also a part of daily life.

The interior of the monastery has been getting marble flooring and trim, with teak wood frames. However, much work remains, such as lighting, doors and detail work.

We are pleased to share with you the progress made so far thanks to the generous donation of Dharma Friends like you. Your generosity helps support the monks and the continued work to complete Sakya Jaigaon Monastery. The work at Sakya Thegchen Phuntsok Ling in Jaigaon, India is now entering a crucial phase. Please donate here or email us at monastery@sakya.org for other donation options.

The good news is, your donation will be doubled! Generous donors will match the first $20,000 raised!

Please consider donating by March 3, 2026, the Festival of Miracles (Tib. Chotrul Duchen), which commemorates the culmination of Buddha Shakyamuni’s display of miracles over 15 days. These miracles include great feats such as pacifying extremists and, in turn, inspiring their followers to take ordination and practice the Dharma. During this period, the effects of our actions are multiplied and thus the strength of our virtuous deeds is greatly increased.

Donate Now

With all your support, we can help fulfill the noble vision of His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Dorje Chang for Sakya Thegchen Phuntsok Ling to swiftly embody the meaning of its sacred name—The Sanctuary for the Mahayana Teachings of Sakya to be Abundant.

In this Year of the Fire Horse, may all of you enjoy good health, a long life, prosperity, and success in all your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Sakya Monastery