Takpo Kagyü
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This refers to all the Kagyü lineages stemming from Gampopa, who was also known as Takpopa or Takpo Lharje, “the physician from Takpo.”
Kagyü (Tib. “command lineage”): “Ka” refers to the “word” or oral instructions of the guru.
It carries a sense of enlightened vision and therefore has the connotation of a command to be awake and sane.
The principal teaching of the Kagyü is mahamudra.
The Kagyü lineage is included among the New Translation Schools, along with the Sakya and Geluk lineages.
The Takpo Kagyu
Today, the most well-known Kagyu lineages are those that stem from Gampopa, one of Milarepa’s two main disciples.
Gampopa’s early training included extensive study and practice in the Kadam lineage founded by Atisha.
Later in life, he thoroughly practiced and mastered the teachings he received from Milarepa.
Gampopa combined the teachings of these two lineages and passed on what he had learned to his students.
This union of the Kadampa and Kagyu transmissions was Gampopa’s unique contribution to the Kagyu school.
Gampopa had a number of noteworthy disciples, some of whom founded their own lineages.
Further branch lineages were established by later students. Collectively, all these lineages downstream from Gampopa are referred to as the Takpo Kagyu.
These include the Karma Kagyu founded by the 1st Karmapa, the Drukpa Kagyu founded by Lingje Repa, and the Drikung Kagyu founded by Jigten Sumgon.