The Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism

The Kagyu school is one of the major sects of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the sects with the most branches. In Tibetan, the word "Kagyu" combines "Ka," meaning "Buddha's teachings," and "Gyu," meaning "transmission," so "Kagyu" can be understood as "the transmission of Buddha's teachings." Additionally, the term also signifies "oral transmission," reflecting the Kagyu tradition of teaching esoteric practices through oral. Because its founders, such as Marpa and Milarepa, often wore white monastic robes during their practice, the Kagyu school is also known as the "White Sect." The Kagyu school is famous for its practice-oriented approach and has had a profound influence on the development of Tibetan Buddhism.

Formation and Development

The origins of the Kagyu school can be traced back to ancient India, specifically to Tilopa (988–1069), who is revered as the founder of the Indian Kagyu lineage. Tilopa's disciple, Naropa (1016–1100), inherited his teachings and transmitted the "Six Yogas" and "Mahamudra" to Marpa (1012–1096).

In the 11th century, the Kagyu school was introduced to Tibet by the translator Marpa, who brought esoteric teachings from India and transmitted them to his disciple Milarepa. Later, Milarepa’s disciple Gampopa systematized the Kagyu teachings, integrating both Sutra (exoteric) and Tantra (esoteric) traditions. He established the framework of the "Four Major and Eight Minor" Kagyu branches, laying the foundation of the school.

In the 12th century, Düsum Khyenpa founded the Karma Kagyu school. He pioneered the Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation system, establishing the tradition of recognizing tulkus (reincarnated lamas). Over time, the Kagyu sect further split into multiple branches, such as Barom, Phagdru Kagyu, etc. 

From the 13th to the 17th century, the Kagyu school flourished in Mongolia and Tibet, with the Karma Kagyu and Phagdru Kagyu playing a dominant role in Tibet’s political and religious affairs. However, during the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama, the Gelug school rose to prominence, and some Kagyu monasteries were incorporated into the Gelug tradition.

In modern times, the Karma Kagyu and Drukpa Kagyu lineages continue to thrive in Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. The Kagyu teachings have also spread to the Western world, with the Karma Kagyu school gaining a significant following in Europe and North America.

Kagyu Lineage

The Kagyu school emerged during the 11th–12th centuries in the Later Diffusion of Buddhism and belongs to the New Schools (Sarma) of Tibetan Buddhism. It was initially founded by two key figures, Khyungpo Naljor and Marpa. They both traveled multiple times to Nepal and India, studying under many great masters and receiving numerous esoteric teachings, particularly the Four Oral Instructions.

Later, Khyungpo Naljor developed his lineage in western Tibet, forming Shangpa Kagyu tradition, while Marpa established his lineage in Central Tibet, which became known as the Dakpo Kagyu. Although they became distinct traditions, both originated from the same core teachings and received the Four Oral Instructions, so their followers were collectively known as Kagyupas.

Shangpa Kagyu School

The Shangpa Kagyu school was founded by Khyungpo Naljor. He traveled westward to a place called Shang, located in present-day Namling County, Tibet. There, he built 108 monasteries, with Zhangzhong Dorjeden Monastery as the most prominent. Due to this, he became honored as Lama Shangpa, and his tradition was named the Shangpa Kagyu school.

Over time, Shangpa Kagyu flourished, with Namling County as its center. After passing through seven generations, it eventually split into two branches. One of its disciples founded Sangding Monastery near Yamdrok Lake. Notably, Sangding Monastery became the only monastery in Tibet where presiding reincarnated lama are female, while the monks remain male.

Another renowned master was Thangtong Gyalpo, famous for constructing iron chain bridges across Tibet. He is regarded as the founder of Tibetan opera. The Tibetan name for Tibetan opera, Ache Lhamo, literally means "sister goddess". Whether this connection to females was intentional or coincidental remains a mystery.

Dagpo Kagyu

Dagpo Kagyu is the root of all Kagyu sub-schools and is therefore called the source of Kagyu lineages. It was formally established by Gampopa, who integrated Milarepa’s tantric practices with the Kadam’s stages of path, making the Kagyu tradition more systematic. Because Gampopa came from the Dakpo region, he was known as Dakpo Lharjé (the physician from Dakpo). His work - The Jewel Ornament of Liberation became a classic of the Kagyu. The four main Kagyu schools—Barom, Phagdru, Karma, and Tsalpa—originate from Gampopa's four most outstanding disciples. From the Phagdru Kagyu, eight smaller sub-schools developed, including the Drikung, Taklung, and Drukpa Kagyü, etc, collectively known as Four Major and Eight Minor.

Karma Kagyu

It was founded by the 1st Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa, in 1147. This school pioneered the tulku system in Tibetan Buddhism, with the first officially recognized reincarnated lama being the 2nd Karmapa, Karma Pakshi. Tsurphu Monastery became the seat of this lineage for over 800 years, influencing other reincarnation lineages, including the Dalai and Panchen Lamas. The Karma Kagyu tradition also has important propagation centers in Nepal, Bhutan and other places.

Tsalpa Kagyu

Founded by Zangyu Dragpa Darma Drag, who established Tsalpa Monastery in 1175. This school emphasized exoteric teachings and was deeply influenced by the Kadam tradition. During the Yuan Dynasty, it briefly became a dominant power in the Lhasa region, but later declined due to political struggles with the rising Phagdru Kagyu and was eventually replaced by the Gelug school.

Barom Kagyu

It's founded by Barompa Darma Wangchuk in 1153. Known for its focus on retreat in seclusion, it attracted many practitioners but later declined due to internal conflicts.

Phagdru Kagyu

Founded by Phagmodrupa Dorje Gyalpo in 1157, with its teachings centered at Densatil Monastery. In the 14th century, the Phagdru Kagyu overthrew Sakya rule and established the Phagdru regime, which governed Tibet for nearly 260 years. Until the 17th century, it was replaced by the Gelug school. One of its eight sub-schools, the Drukpa Kagyu, spread to Bhutan in the 16th century, becoming the state religion and establishing a theocratic system that continues to influence Bhutan today. The other seven sub-schools are Drikung, Taklung, Martsang, Shugseb, and Trophu, Yamzang and Yelpa Kagyü.

Teachings

The teachings of the Kagyu school can be summarized in three aspects: cause, path, and fruition.

Cause (Foundation) – Buddha-Nature: All sentient beings inherently possess Buddha-nature, which is the pure mind. Although it is obscured by mental afflictions, it can be revealed through practice.

Path (Practice) – Stages of the Path: Under the guidance of a master, practitioners practice the Six Perfections (generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom) alongside tantric practices such as Mahāmudrā and Tummo (inner heat). The primary meditative system includes the Four Yogas: One-Pointedness, Non-Elaboration, One-Taste, and Non-Meditation, gradually realize the truth. Through these progressive stages, practitioners gradually attain direct realization of ultimate reality.

Fruition (Attainment) – Buddhahood Realization: Through practice, one gradually eliminates afflictive and cognitive obscurations, ultimately attaining the realization of Mahāmudrā. This results in the Trikaya, three bodies of Buddhahood—Dharmakaya (Truth Body), Sambhogakaya (Bliss Body), and Nirmanakaya (physical body), and benefit all sentient beings.

Top Monasteries

Kagyu monasteries are spread across Tibetan regions, with their establishment beginning in 1121 when Gampopa founded Daklha Gampo Monastery. As the Kagyu school developed and branched into different sub-schools, the number of monasteries significantly increased, expanding across Tibet (about 200 monasteries), Qinghai(over 100 monasteries), Sichuan(dozens), Gansu, and Yunnan. In terms of quantity, Kagyu monasteries rank third among Tibetan Buddhist schools. Famous Kagyu monasteries include Tsurphu Monastery, Densatil Monastery, Drigung Thil Monastery, Tsalpa Monastery, etc. The three most renowned Kagyu monasteries in Tibet are: 

Tsurphu Monastery

Located in the Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa, it was founded by the 1st Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa. It serves as the principal monastery of the Karma Kagyu school and is historically significant as the birthplace of the Tibetan Buddhist tulku (reincarnated lama) system.

Drigung Monastery

Located northeast of Lhasa in Maizhokunggar County, it was founded by Jigten Sumgön. It is renowned for its strict meditation retreats, the Phowa (transference of consciousness) practice, and its sky burial site, making it one of the most significant Kagyu retreat centers.

Palpung Monastery

Palpung Monastery is located in Dege County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. It was founded in the 1727 by the 8th Tai Situpa "Situ Panchen" and is a major monastery of the Karma Kagyü school. Known for its exquisite murals and strong Buddhist scholarly tradition, it is often referred to as the Little Samye Monastery of Kham. Today, it remains a significant center for Tibetan Buddhist practice and cultural transmission.

Conclusion

The Kagyu school holds a significant place in Tibetan Buddhism, known for its emphasis on meditation practice and oral transmission. It has many branches, with the Dakpo Kagyü being the most influential, further developing into the Four Major and Eight Minor sub-schools. Notably, the Karma Kagyü was the first to establish the Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation system, leaving a lasting impact. While some branches, like the Shangpa Kagyü, have declined, the Kagyü tradition remains an essential part of Tibetan Buddhism, shaping its practices, religious culture, and historical development.