Kagyu is one of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in the 11th century by Marpa Lotsawa, a translator who brought teachings from India to Tibet. Known as the "Oral Lineage," Kagyu emphasizes direct master-to-disciple transmission, with a strong focus on meditation and yogic practices like Tummo (inner heat). Its most famous figure, Milarepa, turned from a vengeful sorcerer to an enlightened yogi, leaving behind the iconic Hundred Thousand Songs. The schoolβs Karma Kagyu branch, led by the Karmapa, is especially prominent, with key monasteries like Tsurphu in Tibet. Kagyu blends rigorous practice with a rich poetic tradition, shaping Tibetan spiritual life deeply.
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