Dagpo Kagyus
Dagpo Kagyu (also spelled Dhagpo or Dakpo) is not a single person, but rather the collective name for the primary branches of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
The name comes from Gampopa** (1079–1153), who was also known as Dagpo Lhaje ("the Physician from Dagpo"). He is the pivotal figure who merged the hermit-like yogic traditions of his teacher, Milarepa, with the monastic structure of the Kadampa school. All Kagyu lineages existing today trace their roots back through him.
The Origins
The lineage follows a "Golden Garland" of masters starting in India:
- Tilopa & Naropa: Indian Mahasiddhas who received the original teachings.
- Marpa the Translator: The Tibetan who traveled to India to bring the teachings back.
- Milarepa: The legendary yogi and poet, Marpa's main disciple.
- Gampopa (Dagpo Lhaje): Milarepa’s student who founded the first Kagyu monastery, Daglha Gampo, giving the "Dagpo Kagyu" its name.
The "Four Major and Eight Minor" Lineages
After Gampopa, the Dagpo Kagyu split into several sub-schools based on his direct and indirect disciples.
The 4 Major Schools (founded by direct disciples)
| School | Founder | Status Today |
|---|---|---|
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Karma Kagyu | 1st Karmapa, Düsum Khyenpa | Most widespread globally. |
| Barom Kagyu | Barompa Darma Wangchug | Small, surviving in parts of East Tibet. |
| Tshalpa Kagyu | Zhang Yudrakpa | Mostly absorbed into the Gelug school. |
| Phagdru Kagyu | Phagmo Drupa | Historical political power; gave rise to the 8 "minor" schools. |
The 8 Minor Schools
These branched off from Phagmo Drupa (one of the four above). While called "minor," this only refers to their genealogical distance from Gampopa, not their importance.
- Drikung Kagyu: One of the most prominent schools today.
- Drukpa Kagyu: The state religion of Bhutan.
- Others: Taklung, Trophu, Martsang, Yelpa, Yabzang, and Shugseb (most of these have been absorbed into the larger lineages).
Key Teachings
The Dagpo Kagyu schools are famous for two main systems of practice:
- Mahamudra ("The Great Seal"): A meditative tradition focused on the direct realization of the nature of the mind.
- The Six Dharmas of Naropa: A set of advanced tantric yoga practices including Tummo (inner heat) and Dream Yoga.
Are you looking for information on a specific branch of the Kagyu, like the Karma Kagyu, or perhaps interested in the life of Gampopa himself?