Marpa Kagyu

The particular Marpa Kagyu tradition has its origin with the Indian master Tilopa who received all the teachings directly from Vajradhara, the tantric aspect of Buddha Shakyamuni. He transmitted them to the Indian Naropa and from him the lineage was passed onto the first Tibetan, Marpa. Marpa bestowed all instructions to his main disciple Milarepa who transmitted them to Gampopa.

Marpa Kagyu developed into four lineages of the first generation and eight of the second generation. Although often referred to as four greater and eight smaller lineages, we nowadays speak of the lineages of the first and second generation. Gampopa’s main disciples initialized the four first traditions within Kagyu.

Karma Kagyu was founded by Dusum Khyenpa, the first Karmapa.
Dakpo Gomtsul is seen as the founder of Tshal Kagyus, 
Barom Dharma Wangchuk founded Barom Kagyu, and 
Phagmo Drupa Gyalpo started the Phadru Kagyu tradition.

The Phadru Kagyu school further developed into

Drikung Kagyu (founded by Drikung Jigten Sumgon Gonpo) 
Taglung Kagyu (founded by Taglung Thangpa Tashi Pal)
Trophu Kagyu (founded by Rinpoche Gyaltsa and Künden Tsangpa Repa) 
Mar Kagyu (founded by Choje Marwa Druptop) 
Yamzang Kagyu (founded by Yamzang Choje) 
Drug Kagyu (founded by Tsangpa Yeshe Dorje)
Shugseb Kagyu (founded by Nyephu Gyergon Chenpo) und 
Yel Kagyu (founded by Yelphukpa).

excerpted from “The Himalayas and Beyond“