Loppon Sonam Tsemo: Illuminating the Path of Dharma
We invite you to sponsor the sacred 14 inch statue of Loppon Sonam Tsemo, the second of the "Five Magnificent Sakya Masters" and a pivotal figure whose scholarly brilliance and spiritual attainments continue to inspire practitioners worldwide.
Born in 1142 as the son of Sachen Kunga Nyingpo, Sonam Tsemo demonstrated extraordinary intellectual abilities from an early age. By eleven, he had memorized and mastered complex philosophical texts, and by nineteen, he had become one of Tibet's most accomplished scholars, proficient in both sutra and tantra.
As the abbot (Loppon) of Sakya Monastery, Sonam Tsemo systematized Buddhist philosophy for practitioners, authoring influential works including "The General Path and Result" and "The Door of Entry for the Wise." His clear explanations made profound teachings accessible while preserving their depth and authenticity. His masterful integration of scholarly understanding with meditative experience exemplifies the Sakya tradition's balanced approach to spiritual development.
Perhaps most remarkable was Sonam Tsemo's final demonstration of attainment—according to tradition, at age 41, he ascended visibly into Sukhavati buddha-field while seated on his teaching throne, his body transforming into a rainbow. This extraordinary departure confirmed his realization and inspired generations of practitioners.
By sponsoring this statue, you establish a connection with this incomparable master whose perfect union of scholarship and practice defines the Sakya approach. His presence in our temple will remind visitors of the transformative power of the dharma when study and meditation are united with unwavering devotion.
Your contribution honors Sonam Tsemo's enduring legacy and supports the Sakya Temple of Peace in continuing his tradition of making profound Buddhist wisdom accessible to all.
The Sakya Temple of Peace is currently being built in Kambah, Canberra. This will be a new Tibetan Buddhist temple in the nation's capital and a beacon of peace, kindness and understanding for Australia and the world.
We are so close to realising this dream, but we need your help!
To complete the project on time in only six months by September 2025, we need to raise $500,000 by 31 May 2025.
Scroll down to see all the items below that you can sponsor, ranging from $20 for a Stupa brick to $50,000 for the centrepiece 5.5ft Sakyamuni Buddha Statue. You can sponsor a whole item, or make a contribution towards one or more of them.
All donations are tax deductible in Australia.
Sponsorship of these items will contribute towards our overall goal of raising $500,000. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to opening the doors of this sacred space as scheduled.
If 1,000 people donated just $500 each, we will reach the goal!
Could you be one of these people for this final push to bring the temple to life?
You can also make a general donation by clicking on the Donate Here button above.
Don't want to donate online?
You can make a deposit directly into our bank account. If there is a particular item you wish to sponsor, please email president@sakya.com.au with the details and we will update the Fundrazr tally manually. The bank account details are:
Account name: SBF
BSB: 633-000
Account number: 130 960 883
Thank you for being part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
