Today is the commemoration day of #SakyaPandita, one of the forefathers of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and a throne-holders of the Sakya Monastery. Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen (1182–1251), or Sapan as he is affectionately known to his devotees, is perhaps one of the most revered Buddhist scholars of Tibet. One of his major accomplishments was becoming the teacher of the Mongol court and saving Tibet from its brutal invasion. Due to this, for Tibetan Buddhists, Sakya Pandita is an important example of how knowledge and wisdom can overcome political and military power. Part of a set, this painting depicts Sakya Pandita with Chogyal Pagpa, his nephew and successor, shown here at his right. The stories surrounding Sakya Pandita have become an important part of Tibetan folk culture. One story describes the Mongol emperor Godan sending emissaries throughout Tibet to find the greatest Buddhist master. The emissaries found Sakya Pandita in the remote Sakya Monastery and took him...