The Tibetan Buddhist tradition has produced many meditation masters and teachers (lamas), but women are rarely recognized among their ranks. Her Eminence Dagmo Kusho Sakya (known as Dagmola) is an exception. According to a press release, she is a well loved and respected female lama in the Sakya lineage. She will be speaking at Sravasti Abbey — the Buddhist monastery outside Newport — during a weekend retreat July 20 to 23.

On July 20 Dagmola will teach from a brief commentary on the four-line text, “Parting from the Four Attachments,” which encompasses the breadth of Buddhist practice. On July 21 she will offer an empowerment into the practice of White Tara — a female emanation of enlightened mind representing the qualities of compassion, long life, healing and serenity — and give teachings on the practice. Then, on July 22 she will teach on developing bodhicitta, the compassionate heart dedicated to benefiting all beings.

“Dagmola’s students revere her for her legendary kindness, selfless service, shining devotion, and deep faith,” notes longtime student Bob Saunders in a press release. “Receiving teachings and empowerment from her is a great opportunity and blessing.”

Dagmola was born in Kham, Eastern Tibet. As the niece of one of the most highly realized Sakya masters of the 20th century, H.E. Deshung Rinpoche III, she had unusual access to Buddhist training and began studying at an early age. On a pilgrimage to Sakya, the headquarters of one of the four major orders of Tibetan Buddhism, she met her future husband, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinpoche, who was being prepared to become the Head Lama of the Sakya Order. Upon marriage, she accepted the heavy responsibilities of entering the ranks of Tibetan nobility and of representing the ancient tradition of this spiritual lineage.

She resides with her husband, Dagchen Rinpoche, in Seattle where they founded what became the Sakya Monastery in 1974. She regularly bestows initiations and teaches at Sakya Monastery. She founded the Tara Ling Center in Pasadena, California and has established centers in Kona, Hawaii; Flagstaff, Arizona; and Mexico City.

Commuters are also welcomed to attend some or all of the events.  Teachings schedule is as follows:

Contact Sravasti Abbey at (509) 447-5549 or email office.sravasti@gmail.com or visit www.sravasti.org for more information.