Kagyu

The History of the Kagyu Lineage

The Kagyu lineage is referred to as the "oral lineage". While some Tibetan schools emphasize book learning before practice, the Kagyu lineage places primary trust in a student's ability to learn through practice and direct experience. Therefore, the relationship of the student to the teacher in the Kagyu lineage is a critical part of a student's success on their path.

The important early masters of the Kagyu lineage,Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, and Gampopa systematized Buddha's more potent teachings into one of the most effective, direct methodologies in Buddhism today for swift advancement on the path. Beginning in the 12th century, the Kagyu spiritual leadership landed with the first Karmapa, Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa, marking the start of centuries of spiritual guidance by reincarnated realized masters that continues to this day.