The Kagyu Lineage

The Kagyupa School is particularly known for its emphasis on meditation practice, rather than intellectual study and for the strength of the Guru-disciple relationship which can bring ordinary beings to Enlightenment in one lifetime.

Tilopa
The Kagyu lineage, originated with the great yogi Tilopa who lived in Northern india sometime around the 10th century A.D. Tilopa received the four special transmissions (T:bka-babs-bzhi) and mastered them. Although there is some discrepancy in historical sources regarding the identities of the masters associated with each of the four transmissions the most common consensus indicates that their sources are as follows:

Origins of the Four Special Transmissions
The first of the four came from Nagarjuna and consists of two tantras, the 'Sangwa Dupa Tantra' (Skt. Guhyasamaya) and the 'Denshi Tantra'. It also incorporates the practices called 'Illusory Body' (T: sgyu-lus) and '(T: pho-ba).

The second special transmission came from Nakpopa and includes the tantra called 'Gyuma Chenmo' (Skt: Mahamaya) and the practice called 'Conscious Dreaming' (T: rmi-lam).

The third special transmission came from Lawapa. It includes the 'Demchok Tantra' and the practice of 'Clear Light' (T: od-gsal).

The fourth was transmitted from Khandra Kalpa Zangmo and includes the tantra known as 'Gyepa Dorje' (Skt: Hevajra), and the practice called 'Tummo'.

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