What is Kagyu?
The '''Kagyu''' (or '''Kagyupa''') school is one of the four main schools or lineages of [[Tibet]]an [[Buddhism]]. ==History and Branches of the Kagyu Tradition== The Kagyu teachings originated with the Indian [[mahasiddha]]s '''[[Tilopa]]''' and his student '''[[Naropa]]'''. The Kagyu school was founded in Tibet by Naropas follower Marpa Lowatsawa. Gampopa was the first [[monk]] of the Kagyu school. Gampopa's own followers founded many monasteries which resulted in several sub-schools or branches being established. At one time there were more than twelve different branches. Today there are four separate Kagyu sub-schools: * The '''Karma Kagyu'''. This school was started by one of Gampopa’s main students, Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa (1110–1193). The head lamas of this lineage are the successive [[Karmapa]]s. Followers of this school believe they are all [[incarnation]]s or [[Tulku]]s of the first Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa. * The '''Drikung Kagyu'''. This school was started in 1179 by '''Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön'''. The Drikung Kagyu is headed by two lamas known as Drikung Chetsang and Drikung Chungtsang. * The '''Drukpa Kagyu'''. This school was started by the saint '''Tsangpa Gyare''' (1161–1211). Today there are two main branches: ** The '''Northern Drukpa Kagyu''' or Drukpa lineage of Tibet. This school is headed by a lama known as the '''Gyalwang Drukchen Rinpoche''' who followers believe is an incarnation of Tsangpa Gyare. ** The '''Southern Drukpa Kagyu''' of [[Bhutan]]. This school was started there by '''Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal''' (1594–1651). It is the established [[sect]] of Buddhism in Bhutan and is headed by a lama called the '''Je Khenpo'''. The teachings of each of these schools have come down through different successions of masters since the time of Gampopa. However the teachings of all these Kagyu schools is essentially the same. ==Teachings== The Kagyu school generally emphasises '''faith''' in the spiritual teacher or Lama and [[meditation]] practice over study. They teach that without this faith it