Introduction to the  Drikung Kagyu Lineage

The Kagyu (bka’ brgyud) lineage is sometimes referred to as the “lineage of oral-instructions”. The “Ka” (bka’) of Kagyu refers to the authoritative instructions, precepts or words (Skt. vacana) of the Buddha while “gyu” (brgyud) is the uninterrupted lineage of masters and students.

The Drikung Kagyu Order was founded in 1179 by Kyobpa Jigten Sumgön. It is headed by the two Kyabgon Rinpoches, His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang and His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chungtsang. While Chungtsang Rinpoche resides in Lhasa, Chetsang Rinpoche has established the Drikung Kagyu seat in exile in Dehra Dun, in the northeast of India.

If you would like to read more about the history of the lineage you can do so on the Official Website of the Drikung Kagyu Order of Tibetan Buddhism