The Kagyu school is a major lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, known for its strong focus on oral transmission and practical meditation. In Tibetan, “Kagyu” means “teaching transmission,” where “Ka” refers to the Buddha’s words and “gyu” signifies lineage. This focus on direct, spoken teachings distinguishes the Kagyu school, especially in its emphasis on esoteric practices passed down from teacher to student. This method of transmission is central to the school’s approach to learning and practice. These masters are revered for their deep commitment to meditation and the intense spiritual practices they undertook, marking Kagyu as a lineage of dedication and resilience.
Emphasis on Practice Over Doctrine: The Kagyu Approach
One of the defining characteristics of the Kagyu school is its emphasis on practical meditation over textual study. This approach has cultivated generations of dedicated meditation practitioners, including Milarepa, who is celebrated for his asceticism and profound spiritual accomplishments. Kagyu’s teachings center on two main practices: the Six Yogas of Naropa and the Mahamudra path, with Mahamudra (the “Great Seal”) especially regarded for its depth.
Key Practices of the Kagyu Tradition: Six Yogas of Naropa and Mahamudra
At the core of the Kagyu school’s practice are the Six Yogas of Naropa, a set of advanced tantric meditation techniques that help practitioners progress toward enlightenment. Additionally, Mahamudra, meaning “Great Seal,” is a practice that reveals the nature of mind and reality, incorporating wisdom from both Sutra and Tantra teachings. Together, these methods form a comprehensive spiritual path that is unique to the Kagyu tradition.
The First School to Implement the Reincarnate Lama System
A key innovation of the Kagyu school was the introduction of the tulku (reincarnate lama) system, where spiritual leaders reincarnate to continue their work. This tradition began with the Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu, a prominent branch of the Kagyu school, and the first recognized reincarnate lama in Tibetan history.
The Kagyu Lineage and Its Connection to Vajradhara
The Kagyu lineage traces back to Vajradhara (Dorje Chang), the embodiment of the Buddha in tantric form, who transmitted esoteric teachings to Bodhisattva Prajñabhadra. This wisdom lineage then passed through Indian masters like Saraha, Tilopa, and Naropa, eventually reaching the renowned Tibetan translator Marpa. Today, this lineage continues unbroken, passed down through generations to the present day.
Exploring the Five Founding Masters of the Kagyu Lineage in Tibetan Buddhism
The Kagyu lineage in Tibetan Buddhism, one of the oldest and most influential, was shaped by five founding masters. Their dedication and spiritual breakthroughs set the foundation for the teachings of the Kagyu school. Let’s take a closer look at each of these great masters, their lives, and their contributions.
1. Tilopa: The First Founder of the Kagyu Lineage (988–1069)
Overview of Tilopa’s Life and Teachings
The Kagyu tradition traces its roots to Tilopa, a legendary figure and revered teacher from India. Tilopa’s journey was extraordinary and often unconventional. He was known to receive direct teachings from deities and enlightenment through intensive meditation. Before achieving full realization, he is said to have meditated motionlessly in a graveyard in Somapuri, West India, for twelve years.
Tilopa’s Spiritual Practices
Tilopa received guidance from several great masters and deities, who provided him with advanced teachings and empowerments. In his early years, he worked in humble trades, like pressing sesame seeds for oil, which earned him his name “Tilopa.” His life and teachings became foundational for the Kagyu lineage, providing the basis for subsequent masters.
2. Naropa: The Faithful Disciple and Scholar (1016–1100)
Naropa’s Quest for Enlightenment
Naropa, a brilliant scholar, was a renowned Buddhist master before meeting Tilopa. Despite his accomplishments, he knew that his understanding was incomplete, so he sought a true master. Upon hearing Tilopa’s name, he felt immense faith and dedication. He traveled far to find Tilopa, only to discover him living as a fisherman along the Ganges River.
Naropa’s Trials and Transformations
Tilopa tested Naropa through twelve major and twelve minor challenges to break down his ego and attachments. Naropa endured severe trials, like jumping from great heights and experiencing physical pain, all to overcome the limitations of the self. After years of dedication and hardship, Naropa received profound teachings directly from Tilopa, leading him to the ultimate realization.
3. Marpa: The Translator and Pioneer of Kagyu in Tibet (1012–1097)
Marpa’s Journey to India and Nepal
The teachings of Naropa were passed down to Marpa, a Tibetan disciple who became one of the most important figures in Tibetan Buddhism. Coming from a wealthy family, Marpa traveled to India three times and Nepal four times to receive teachings from Naropa and other masters. These journeys were filled with hardships and intense devotion.
Marpa’s Contributions to Tibetan Buddhism
Marpa is credited with translating and introducing the “Six Yogas of Naropa” and “Mahamudra” (the Great Seal teachings) into Tibet. He played a critical role in reviving Buddhism in Tibet, following a period of decline. His dedication to translating texts and teaching disciples helped establish the Kagyu school in Tibet, where his influence spread widely.
4. Milarepa: The Renowned Poet-Saint of Tibet
Milarepa (1052-1135) is one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered saints, celebrated for his perseverance and profound practice. Born into a prosperous family in Mangyul, on the Tibet-Nepal border, Milarepa faced tragedy after his father’s death when relatives took over his inheritance. Driven by anger and a desire for revenge, Milarepa learned sorcery to punish those who wronged his family. However, he soon felt remorse for his actions and sought a path of spiritual redemption.
Milarepa’s Path to Enlightenment: He became a disciple of Marpa, who, in order to purify Milarepa’s karma, imposed a series of rigorous tasks on him, including constructing and then demolishing a stone tower multiple times. Only after years of hardship did Marpa transmit the teachings, which Milarepa used to retreat to mountain caves, where he attained enlightenment through solitary meditation. Milarepa’s life story and his “Songs of Realization,” later collected as the “Hundred Thousand Songs,” continue to inspire practitioners seeking a life of simplicity and dedication to Dharma.
5. Gampopa: The Physician and Founder of the Monastic Kagyu Tradition
Gampopa’s Background and Training
Gampopa, a physician-turned-monk, received teachings from Milarepa. As a dedicated disciple, Gampopa synthesized Milarepa’s yogic teachings with monastic disciplines, creating a structured Kagyu monastic tradition. This synthesis led to the growth of the Kagyu lineage across Tibet, and many sub-schools emerged from his teachings, including the Karma Kagyu.
Legacy of Gampopa in Tibetan Buddhism
Gampopa’s structured approach and his disciples’ contributions helped the Kagyu lineage thrive. His work led to the formation of multiple sub-schools, ensuring the teachings of the Kagyu masters would endure through generations.
Early Branches of Kagyu: Marpa Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu
The early Kagyu transmission branched into Marpa Kagyu and Shangpa Kagyu. The Marpa Kagyu lineage, named after Marpa himself, followed his teachings closely. Meanwhile, the Shangpa Kagyu lineage was established by Khungpo Naljor, a disciple of Naropa and Naropa’s sister, Niguma. Both lineages laid the groundwork for the diverse and dynamic traditions within the Kagyu school.
The Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, known for its esoteric practices, developed during the “Later Propagation” period of Buddhism in Tibet (11th–12th century). Often called the “New Translation” school, it traces back to two founding figures: Khyungpo Naljor (990–1140) and the translator Marpa Lotsawa (1012–1097). Both traveled extensively, particularly to Nepal and India, to learn Vajrayana practices and teachings directly from renowned Indian masters. They focused on the teachings of the “Four Oral Instructions” (Bka’ brgyud bzhi), oral transmissions that emphasize lineage continuity, known in Tibetan as “Kagyu,” meaning “oral transmission.”
1. Shangpa Kagyu Lineage: The Legacy of Khyungpo Naljor
Khyungpo Naljor founded the Shangpa Kagyu lineage, an independent Kagyu tradition. He began his studies at a young age, learning Tibetan and Sanskrit and practicing Bon before eventually turning to Buddhism. Khyungpo Naljor traveled to Nepal to deepen his understanding of Vajrayana and later went to India, seeking teachings directly from great masters like Maitreya.
Upon returning to Tibet, he received full ordination and began teaching in Shangs (Shang region), establishing a strong presence. His teachings became deeply rooted in this area, which led to the lineage being named the Shangpa Kagyu. Unlike the Marpa Kagyu, the Shangpa Kagyu lineage was an independent branch that maintained similar teachings yet was directly sourced from Indian teachings, lending it a distinct character in the broader Kagyu tradition.
2. Marpa Kagyu Lineage: The Marpa-Milarepa Transmission
The Marpa Kagyu lineage, led by Marpa Lotsawa, evolved separately, with a significant emphasis on the transmission between Marpa and his disciple Milarepa. Marpa’s travels to India to study Vajrayana practices under the guidance of masters such as Naropa solidified his reputation as a key figure in bringing Indian esoteric teachings to Tibet. After his disciple Milarepa achieved mastery, the teachings were passed to Milarepa’s disciple, Gampopa (also known as Dagpo Rinpoche), who established the Dagpo Kagyu lineage.
Core Teachings and Practices of the Kagyu Tradition
Core Philosophies: The Path of Transformation
Kagyu teachings hold that all sentient beings possess Buddha-nature. However, enlightenment requires a gradual transformation of the coarse body-mind complex into subtler states. Kagyu practice often distinguishes between preliminary practices and the main path.
In the Kagyu lineage, the teachings are transmitted through Mahamudra (the “Great Seal”) teachings, a path of insight into the nature of mind, similar to the sudden realization traditions found in the Nyingma school. However, practitioners are often advised to start with gradual practices, combining insight with method-based practices like the Six Yogas of Naropa.
Attaining Enlightenment: A Transformative Process
The ultimate attainment in Kagyu practice is achieving the Six Yogas of Naropa, which include progressive stages leading to profound realizations and mastery over physical and mental phenomena. This involves visualizations, energy transformations, and the union of bliss and emptiness.
The Spread and Influence of the Kagyu Lineage
Over time, Kagyu monasteries spread across Tibet and beyond, flourishing in areas such as Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Following the establishment of the Gangpo Monastery by Gampopa in 1121, many Kagyu branches formed, particularly within the Dagpo lineage. The most prominent of these include the Karma Kagyu, Tsalpa Kagyu, Barom Kagyu, and Phagdru Kagyu branches.
Contributions of Gampopa: Founder of the Dagpo Kagyu
Gampopa (1079–1153), also known as Dagpo Rinpoche, was the principal disciple of Milarepa and the founder of the Dagpo Kagyu lineage. Gampopa skillfully combined the teachings of Atisha (from the Kadampa tradition) with Milarepa’s Mahamudra instructions, creating a unique system. His work, “The Jewel Ornament of Liberation,” remains a foundational text in the Kagyu tradition.
Key Branches of the Dagpo Kagyu
The Dagpo Kagyu later divided into four major and eight minor sub-schools, each with its own monasteries and leaders:
1. Karma Kagyu
Founded by Dusum Khyenpa (1110–1193), the Karma Kagyu lineage has been maintained through the continuous reincarnations of the Karmapas. Known for its rigorous meditation practices, the Karma Kagyu tradition is well-respected across Tibetan Buddhist schools. The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje (1924–1981), led the Kagyu schools and contributed to establishing Karma Kagyu communities worldwide.
2. Tsalpa Kagyu
The Tsalpa Kagyu tradition was founded by Lama Zhang, also known as Yudakpa Tsondu Dakpa (1123-1193), a student of Wangom Tsultrim Nyingpo, who was a disciple of Gampopa. Lama Zhang also established Gungthang Monastery and taught many learned students. This lineage focuses on meditation and monastic discipline, with his students founding several important monasteries.
3. Phagdru Kagyu
Founded by Phagmo Drupa Dorje Gyalpo (1110–1170), a prominent disciple of Gampopa, this lineage became famous for its Mahamudra teachings and meditation techniques. Phagmo Drupa’s disciples later established the eight minor Kagyu lineages.
4. Barom Kagyu
Barom Darma Wangchuk, another of Gampopa’s disciples, founded this lineage and established Barom Monastery in northern Tibet. His teachings and monastic practices greatly influenced Tibetan Buddhism in the region.
The Eight Minor Kagyu Lineages
Phagmo Drupa’s teachings inspired his disciples to form eight smaller lineages, each with its own monasteries and communities:
- Drikung Kagyu: Founded by Jigten Sumgön (1143–1217), this lineage is currently led by Drikung Chetsang Rinpoche. The Drikung Kagyu emphasizes meditative retreat practices and the profound “Path and Fruit” teachings.
- Taglung Kagyu: Established by Taglung Thangpa Tashi Pel (1142–1210), this lineage is known for its monastic discipline and widespread influence across central Tibet.
- The Drukpa Kagyu lineage was founded by Drupchen Lingrepa Pema Dorje (1128-1188) and his disciple Chöje Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (1161-1211), establishing Namdruk Monastery in central Tibet. Later, Kunkhyen Pema Karpo (1527-1592) founded Druk Sang-ngak Chöling in southern Tibet, the lineage’s main seat.
- Yazang Kagyu: Created by disciples of Phagmo Drupa, Zarawa Kalden Yeshe Senge and Yasang Chöje Chökyi Mönlam. Yazang Kagyu established Yasang monastery in the Yarlung Valley. The school centers its practices around meditation techniques unique to the lineage.
- Tropu Kagyu: Founded by Rinpoche Gyatsa, nephew and a student of Phakmo Trupa, and his disciple Trophu Lotsawa Champa Pal, this branch is known for its scholarly and monastic achievements. It established an educational center at Tropu Monastery in central Tibet.
- Shugseb Kagyu: Founded by Master Gyergom Tsultrim Senge, this lineage originated in the central Tibetan region, known for its Shuksep monastery, that offer intensive retreat programs.
- Yerpa Kagyu: The Yerpa Kagyu lineage, founded by Yelpa Drupthop Yeshe Tsekpa, disciples of Phagmo Drupa. He developed practices centered on the teachings of its founding masters and has maintained a focus on traditional Kagyu rituals and meditations.
- Martsang Kagyu: Founded by Martsang Sherab Senge, a student of Phakmo Trupa. the Marpa Kagyu lineage incorporates Tibetan translations of Indian Buddhist teachings with specific Kagyu practices.
Legacy of the Kagyu School: Karmapa Reincarnation System
The Karmapa reincarnation system began with Karma Pakshi (1204–1283), the second Karmapa, who was the first officially recognized reincarnated lama in Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapas’ reincarnation lineage has greatly influenced Tibetan Buddhism, with the Karma Kagyu tradition establishing the first systematic approach to reincarnations. This method has since become integral to Tibetan Buddhism.
The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, continues this legacy, representing a new generation of Kagyu leaders. In 1992, he received his official enthronement at Tsurphu Monastery, marking a significant event in modern Tibetan Buddhism.
The Kagyu school, with its four major and eight minor lineages, remains an influential force within Tibetan Buddhism. From the pioneering Karma Kagyu lineage to the various minor branches that emerged, each Kagyu lineage has played an essential role in preserving and spreading Tibetan Buddhist teachings globally. Today, Kagyu monasteries and practices reach from Tibet to Bhutan, India, and across the globe, contributing to the enduring legacy of the Kagyu lineage.
