History of the Amitabha Phowa Transmission
In the sutras, Buddha Shakyamuni describes in detail the magnificence of the realm of Sukhavati, the pure land of Buddha Amitabha.
Besides being a place of magnificent beauty, Sukhavati is a realm beyond all gross physical and mental sufferings, where practitioners swiftly traverse the path to enlightenment, aided by Buddha Amitabha, countless bodhisattvas and Mahayana practitioners, as well as by the land itself.
Many great masters of each of the lineages of Tibet have taught Amitabha prayers and phowa practices to assist their students gain rebirth in Sukhavati. Many of the founders and lineage holders of the Sakya tradition have themselves manifested taking rebirth in Sukhavati.
They have passed down to us these practices, and we are very fortunate that His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin has consented to bestow one such practice here in Silver Spring, Maryland.
This is a very special opportunity, and we hope to see you there.
About His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin, Gyana Vajra Rinpoche
His Holiness Gyana Vajra Rinpoche has received from his Noble Father, His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trichen most of the major initiations, empowerments, oral transmissions, blessings and pith instructions that are inherent to the Sakya Tradition.
Having fully realised the Buddha’s teachings, both sutric and tantric, Rinpoche personifies kindness and compassion. Combining ancient wisdom and contemporary knowledge, his unique teaching style is direct, profound, and relevant to our everyday reality, as complex Buddhist concepts are made accessible through examples that all students can easily relate to. Rinpoche chooses to guide his students along the Dharma path as a friend, while his openness and sense of humor bring joy to all who come into his presence.
About the Transmission and Teaching
We are very fortunate that His Holiness has accepted our request to bestow this very profound and sacred transmission and teaching. Please see below for information on how to receive the transmission.
| Venue | DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC Silver Spring |
| Address | 8777 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
| Room | Cedar Room |
| Date | Wednesday, November 19, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 pm |
| Cost | No charge |
Registration
Although this event is offered free of charge, we request all students to register in advance to assist us in planning the event. To register, please click the button below and you will be taken to a form where you can provide your name and other important information.
Sponsorship
This and future events are only possible through the generosity of Dharma sponsors. At Sakya Phuntsok Ling, we strive to make Dharma accessible to all with the interest in participating, regardless of their present financial circumstances. To do this, we rely on donations large and small. If you would like to join in sponsoring this event, please read below for more information.
As a token of our appreciation, all sponsors will have prioritized seating for this event.
Membership
Members provide regular monthly support to allow Sakya Phuntsok Ling to continue to provide Dharma programs to all, free of charge.
All members will be welcomed to a members dinner reception with His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin.