H.E. Sakya Jetsun Rinpoche conducts a fire puja after a major retreat at the Center.

Sakya Kachod Choling was established in 1987 on San Juan Island in Washington State under the direction of H.E. Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche.

Our purpose is to provide Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike a place for retreat in a natural, peaceful and supportive environment.

In addition, the Sakya Society holds teaching events, sponsors guest speakers and cultural programs both at the Gompa and in Friday Harbor. See our calendar for these and other special events.

We also support the cause of the displaced Tibetan people, whose unique and valuable culture is so endangered.

His Holiness the Sakya Trizin blesses the stupa.

The center is located on 20 acres of beautiful tree-covered hillside on San Juan Island, Washington. The serene, natural setting offers a place of refuge and support for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike year round. The facilities at Sakya Kachod Choling are designed to offer very affordable space for private, individual retreat and small group retreats.

H.H. Sakya Gongma Trichen, H.E. Luding Khenchen Rinpoche, H.E. Sakya Jetsun Chimey Luding Rinpoche, and many other wonderful teachers from different Buddhist lineages and traditions have all blessed Sakya Kachod Choling with their presence over the years since 1987 when the land was blessed as a retreat center for H.E. Sakya Jetsun Rinpoche of the Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.