His Holiness Dagchen Ngawang Kunga Sonam Jigdal was born to the fortieth Sakya throneholder, Trichen Ngawang Thutop Wangchuk, and Gyalyum Dechen Drolma in Sakya, Tibet. 

He did extensive studies of the sūtras and tantras under the lotus feet of his father as well as Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and other great masters from all schools of Tibetan Buddhsim. He married Dagyum Jamyang Palmo and had five sons. His activities in Kham were vast and by displaying many miraculous signs such as tying a sword into a knot and having the lotus of devotion blossom in the hearts of disciples.

Later following the change of time, at the invitation from the University of Washington in Seattle to participate in research on Tibetan Buddhism, Rinpoche and his entourage left for America. In Seattle he established Sakya Phuntsok Phodrang and Sagon Tsechen Kunchab Thegchok Dongak Choling as his seat. He bestowed the precious Lamdré five times in Tibet, Nepal, and India and turned the wheel of Dharma by bestowing countless number of empowerments, oral transmissions, and instructions.

In 2016 at the age of 87, amidst many marvelous signs at the Sakya Phuntsok Phodrang in Seattle, Rinpoche departed to the pure land of Sukhāvatī.

Extracted from Biography of H.H. Dagchen Ngawang Kunga Sonam Jigdral, by H.E. Asanga Vajra Rinpoche (Source: Sakya Calendar App).