19 Facts About Kagyu

Tibetan Kagyu tradition gave rise to a large number of independent sub-schools and lineages.

The principal Kagyu lineages existing today as independent schools are those which stem from Milarepa's disciple, Gampopa, a monk who merged the Kagyu lineage with the Kadam tradition.

The Karma Kagyu school is the largest of the sub-schools, and is headed by the Karmapa.

Kagyu begins in Tibet with Marpa Lotsawa a Tibetan householder who trained as a translator with lotsawa Drogmi Shakya Yeshe, and then traveled three times to India and four times to Nepal in search of religious teachings.

Kagyu combined the monastic tradition and the stages of the path teachings of the Kadam order with teaching and practice of the Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa he received from Milarepa synthesizing them into one lineage.

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Drubgyu Karma Kamtsang, often known simply as Karma Kagyu, was founded by one of Gampopa's main disciples Dusum Khyenpa, 1st Karmapa Lama.

Kagyu influenced Dolpopa Sherab Gyaltsen, the founder of the Jonang school who systematized the shentong teachings.

In spite of the titular role of the Karmapa, even in exile the various surviving Kagyu subschools maintain a high degree of independence and autonomy.

Barom Kagyu was founded by Gampopa's disciple Barompa Darma Wangchuk, who established the Nak River Barom Riwoche Monastery in 1160.

Tshalpa Kagyu was established by Zhang Yudrakpa Tsondru Drakpa, who founded Tsel Gungtang Monastery.

Tshalpa Kagyu tradition continued to function independently until the 15th century when it was absorbed by the Gelug, who still maintain many of its transmissions.

Taklung Kagyu, named after Taklung Monastery established in 1180 by Taklung Thangpa Tashi Pal.

Trophu Kagyu was established by Gyeltsa Rinchen Gon and Kunden Repa.

The Yazang Kagyu survived as an independent school at least until the 16th century.

Kagyu established two monasteries, Shar Yelphuk and Jang Tana.

Some Kagyu lineages follow the Shentong presentations which was influenced by the work of Dolpopa.

However, as noted by Karl Brunnholzl, several important Kagyu figures have disagreed with the view of "Shentong Madhyamaka", such as Mikyo Dorje, the 8th Karmapa Lama and Second Pawo Rinpoche Tsugla Trengwa, both of whom see "Shentong" as another name for Yogacara and as a separate system to Madhyamaka.

Kagyu argued that the rangtong shentong distinction is inaccurate and not in line with the teachings of the Indian masters.

Central tantric deities of the Kagyu schools are Cakrasamvara and his consort Vajravarahi.