Kagyü
- Scope note
- A school of Tibetan Buddhism that is currently the third largest in Tibet. The school follows the teachings of Marpa, a distinguished 11th-century translator of Buddhist texts, and the Tantric yogins or siddhas of India. Esoteric Tantric teachings are combined with the monastic discipline of the Kadampas. The more severe practices of Hatha Yoga are emphasized. A more positive ontology of the ultimate status of things is characteristic of Kagyü scholarship, in contrast to the thinking of the Geluks, who regard all phenomena as devoid of inherent existence. Milarepa, considered a great Tibetan poet, was Marpa's chief disciple. Gampopa was, in turn, Milarepa's most important student, and he was responsible for the organization of the Kagyü into a true school. Six separate schools of Kagyü thought (although similar in doctrine) quickly developed, including the Tshal, Baram, Karma, and Druk. Of these, the Druk went on to become the main school of Buddhism in Bhutan and the Karma was the main rival of the now-predominant Geluk school from the 15th to the early 17th century. The idea of succession through reincarnating lamas originated in the Karma school and was later adopted by other Tibetan Buddhist schools including the Geluk.
- Date of creation: 18-Nov-2024
Accepted term: 18-Nov-2024 
