Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism (Tibetan: བཀའ་བརྒྱུད་, bka’ brgyud, “Oral Lineage” or “Lineage of the Word”)
The Kagyu school is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its focus on meditation, direct transmission of teachings, and the practice of Mahamudra (“The Great Seal”). The name Kagyu means “oral lineage” or “lineage of the word,” reflecting its strong emphasis on the oral transmission of teachings from master to disciple, often through direct, experiential instruction. The school traces its origins to the Indian yogi Tilopa (988–1069) and his disciple Naropa (1016–1100), and it was brought to Tibet by Marpa the Translator (1012–1097), one of the founding figures of the Kagyu lineage.
Historical Origins:
The Kagyu lineage has its roots in the teachings of the Indian tantric masters Tilopa and Naropa, who transmitted their knowledge and esoteric practices to the Tibetan translator and teacher Marpa Lotsawa. Marpa traveled to India multiple times, where he studied with Naropa and other masters, gathering profound tantric teachings, including the Six Yogas of Naropa—a set of advanced yogic practices central to the Kagyu school.
Milarepa (1052–1135), Marpa’s most famous disciple, is a celebrated figure in Tibetan Buddhism known for his dedication to meditation and solitary retreat. Milarepa’s life story, which involves overcoming great personal challenges and achieving full enlightenment in a single lifetime, serves as an inspirational model for Kagyu practitioners. He transmitted his teachings to Gampopa (1079–1153), who integrated the profound yogic practices of the Kagyu with the monastic and ethical teachings of the Kadampa school. Gampopa is often credited with establishing the Kagyu school as a distinct lineage within Tibetan Buddhism.
The Kagyu Lineages:
The Kagyu school is not a singular tradition but comprises multiple sub-schools or branches, all of which trace their origins to Gampopa and his direct disciples. The most prominent branches are:
1. Karma Kagyu:
The Karma Kagyu is the largest and most influential of the Kagyu lineages. It was founded by Dusum Khyenpa (1110–1193), the first Karmapa, who is believed to be the first consciously reincarnated lama, inaugurating the institution of the tulku system. The Karmapas are considered the spiritual heads of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and they continue to play a central role in Tibetan Buddhism today. 2. Drikung Kagyu: The Drikung Kagyu lineage was founded by Jigten Sumgön (1143–1217), one of Gampopa’s prominent disciples. The Drikung Kagyu is well-known for its teachings on Mahamudra and the Six Yogas of Naropa, as well as its tradition of meditation and retreat practice. The Drikung Thil Monastery remains a key center for the Drikung tradition. 3. Drukpa Kagyu: Founded by Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje (1161–1211), the Drukpa Kagyu school has its stronghold in Bhutan, where it is the state religion. The Drukpa lineage emphasizes meditative practice and Mahamudra, with the Dzogchen teachings also incorporated into its system. 4. Shangpa Kagyu: The Shangpa Kagyu lineage, founded by the Tibetan yogi Khyungpo Naljor (978–1127), is an esoteric tradition within the Kagyu school. This lineage is known for its focus on the teachings of two female Indian masters, Niguma and Sukhasiddhi, and has a rich tradition of yogic and meditation practices.
Key Teachings and Practices:
The most central meditative practice in the Kagyu tradition is Mahamudra, which emphasizes the direct realization of the nature of the mind. Mahamudra teaches that the mind, in its essence, is pure and luminous, and that enlightenment comes from recognizing this inherent purity. The path of Mahamudra involves both samatha (calm abiding meditation) and vipashyana (insight meditation) to cultivate a direct experience of the mind’s true nature. 2. Six Yogas of Naropa: The Six Yogas of Naropa are a set of advanced tantric practices transmitted by the Indian master Naropa. These practices include tummo (inner heat yoga), dream yoga, clear light, illusory body, bardo (intermediate state practices), and phowa (the practice of conscious dying). The Six Yogas are essential in the Kagyu system for gaining control over subtle energies and deepening meditative experience. 3. Lojong and Mind Training: Like other schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the Kagyu school incorporates Lojong (mind training) practices, which are designed to transform negative mental habits and cultivate compassion. The Seven Points of Mind Training and Eight Verses for Training the Mind are widely used texts in the Kagyu tradition. 4. Devotion and Guru Yoga: The Kagyu school places a strong emphasis on devotion to the spiritual teacher (lama or guru), and guru yoga is a foundational practice. Devotion to the guru is seen as a vital method for receiving blessings and realizing the teachings. Milarepa’s relationship with his teacher Marpa is a model for the deep bond between teacher and student in the Kagyu tradition. 5. Yogic and Retreat Practices: The Kagyu school is known for its focus on long-term retreat practices. Milarepa’s example of retreating in solitude for extended periods to meditate on Mahamudra and tantric practices has inspired a strong tradition of retreat among Kagyu practitioners. Many Kagyu lamas and monks engage in three-year retreat cycles to deepen their practice.
Leadership and the Karmapa Lineage:
The Karmapa is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu lineage and one of the most prominent figures in Tibetan Buddhism. The Karmapas are considered tulkus, or reincarnated lamas, and the practice of recognizing reincarnated teachers is closely associated with the Karma Kagyu tradition. The current Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje (born 1985), recognized by the 14th Dalai Lama and many other high-ranking lamas, is considered the 17th Karmapa. However, there has been some controversy over the recognition of another claimant, Thaye Dorje, as the 17th Karmapa, leading to a schism within the Karma Kagyu lineage.
Influence and Contributions:
The Kagyu school has been highly influential in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly for its emphasis on meditation and the direct, experiential realization of enlightenment. The school’s teachings on Mahamudra, the Six Yogas of Naropa, and the importance of long-term retreat have made it a prominent tradition for serious practitioners seeking a profound understanding of the nature of mind.
The stories of Milarepa, Marpa, and Gampopa continue to inspire practitioners today, and the Karmapa lineage plays a vital role in the preservation and transmission of the Kagyu teachings. Kagyu monasteries, retreat centers, and study institutes around the world maintain the tradition’s meditative practices and teachings.
In Summary:
• The Kagyu school emphasizes meditation, direct transmission of teachings, and the practice of Mahamudra, focusing on the realization of the mind’s true nature. • It traces its origins to Indian masters Tilopa and Naropa, and was brought to Tibet by Marpa the Translator. • Milarepa and Gampopa are central figures in its history, and the school is divided into several lineages, the most prominent being the Karma Kagyu. • The school emphasizes advanced tantric practices, such as the Six Yogas of Naropa, and the tradition of long-term meditation retreats. • The Karmapa is the spiritual leader of the Karma Kagyu lineage, one of the most influential lineages in Tibetan Buddhism.