Lama Dhampa Sonam Gyaltsen is the fourteen Sakya throne holder. His father was Dagchen Zangpo Pal and his mother was Jomo Lugkye. He was ordained at the age of seventeen. He completed his training in sutra and tantra under Choeje Dragphugpa, his elder brother, Buton, and Pang Lotsawa among others. He was recognized as an accomplished scholar.

Sonam Gyaltsen’s principal students were: Buton, Gadenpa Kunchok Sonam, Jamyang Namkha Dorje, Nyethangpa Sherab Nangwa, Yanglunpa Senge Gyalsten, Choeje Palden Tsultrim, Choeje Sungpa, Choeje Nyawon, the Lachen Kunga Gyaltsen, Jonangpa Khenchen Jangchup Senge, the great Lotsawa Jangchup Tsemo, Je Redawa, and Je Tsongkhapa.

Lama Dampa Sonam Gyaltsen was invited to visit the Mongol (Yuan) court but always declined. Lama Dampa Sonam Gyaltsen was more interested in study, teaching, and meditative retreat. He composed many volumes of commentaries on sutra, tantra, other sciences and history.

In 1374, at the age of 64, Lama Dampa Sonam Gyaltsen passed into parinirvāṇa.