Kagyu (also spelled Kagyü or Kagyud) is one of the major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is known for its emphasis on meditation and the direct experience of the nature of mind. The Kagyu school, which is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism (the others being Nyingma, Sakya, and Gelug), has a rich tradition of oral transmission and esoteric teachings.

Key Aspects of Kagyu:

  1. Origins and Lineage: The Kagyu school traces its origins to the Indian master Tilopa (988–1069 CE) and his Tibetan disciple Naropa (1016–1100 CE). The lineage was further developed by Marpa Chökyi Lodrö (1012–1097 CE) and his student, the renowned yogi Milarepa (1052–1135 CE), whose life and teachings are highly revered in Kagyu tradition.
  2. Core Practices: The Kagyu tradition emphasizes meditation practice, including:
    • Mah?mudr?: A central practice in Kagyu, which focuses on the direct experience of the nature of mind and reality, often referred to as the “Great Seal” or “Great Symbol.”
    • Tibetan Yoga: Techniques and practices aimed at integrating meditation with the body’s energy system, often including advanced yogic practices and visualizations.
  3. Teachings and Transmission: Kagyu teachings are traditionally transmitted through a line of accomplished masters, often involving oral transmission and direct guidance. This lineage-based transmission is crucial for preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the teachings.
  4. Distinctive Features: The Kagyu school is known for its emphasis on the practice of meditation over scholastic study. It places a strong focus on experiential understanding and the realization of one’s own innate nature through meditation.
  5. Major Sub-Schools: Within Kagyu, there are several sub-schools or lineages, including the:
    • Drikung Kagyu: Known for its emphasis on the practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa.
    • Karma Kagyu: Founded by the Karmapa, a lineage that emphasizes both meditation and active engagement in the world.
    • Shangpa Kagyu: Focuses on the teachings and practices transmitted by the Tibetan master Khyungpo Naljor.

Overall, the Kagyu school is renowned for its depth of meditation practice and its lineage of realized masters, emphasizing direct, experiential understanding of the nature of mind and reality.