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There are five great masters who hold a special place in Sakya history:
Sachen Kunga Nyingpo (1092-1158)
The first Gongma, was the son of Khon Konchok Gyalpo. Through his efforts, hundreds of sutras and tantras, as well as oral instructions, were gathered and they became the basis for the Sakya canon.
Lobpon Sonam Tsemo (1142-1182)
Succeeded Sachen Kunga Nyingpo as the fourth patriarch of the Sakya School.
Jetsun Dakpa Gyaltsen (1174-1216)
The fifth patriarch of the Sakya School.
Sakya Pandita (1182-1251)
The Fourth Gongma and sixth patriarch of the Sakya order ... was the most famous of all. The fame of his knowledge and scholasticism spread as far as Mongolia and China.
Chogyal Phakpa (1235-1280)
The Fifth Gongma and seventh patriarch of the Sakya school. He was the nephew of Sakya Pandita. During his time, the Sakya Tradition reached its political zenith, with the introduction of Mahayana Buddhism into China and Mongolia.
These five masters - known as ‘Jetsun Gongma Nga’ - are regarded as the real founders of the Sakya Tradition.
(Taken from A Handbook of Tibetan Culture: A Guide to Tibetan Centres and Resources throughout the World)
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