In Sakya tradition there were two main monasteries, the North and South Monasteries.  The North Monastery was built by Khön Konchog Gyalpo in 1073, and it specialized in Tantric practices.  The head of the Monastery was titled Gyatso Lopon with assistance from other monks.  However, this Monastery no longer exists.  The South Monastery, Thubten Trulpe Lhakang Chenmo, was built in the 13th century by Sakya Zangpo under the commission of Chogyal Pagpa (Figure 3).  This Monastery specialized in Sutrayana practices and it is one of the few well-preserved Monastery’s in Tibet.  The abbot of the Monastery was titled Khyentri, with assistance from Khyenzur and other monks.  Both Khyentri and Khyenzur had to be present when vows were given to the monks.  Monks in this Monastery are experts in the Tripitaka, and they were famed for their pure moral behavior.  The Monastery that H.H. J.D. Sakya is going to build in India will emulate the Sutrayana South Monastery and the unique traditions and culture. 

The South Monastery