The Four major lineages or Schools in Tibet (Chos lugs chenpo bzhi).

The Four main schools or lineages (Chos lugs chenpo bzhi) of Tibetan Buddhism are as follows

Nyingma (rnying ma): Nyingma is the oldest linage of Tibetan Buddhism which is founded by Padmasambhava and khenchen zhiwatso in 8^th century. Nyingma means the ancient ones in English term. Moreover reveling treasure “terma” is particular significance of Nyingma School.

(Founder of Nyingma Tradition: Padmasambhava & Khenchen zhiwatso, 8th Century)

Sakya (sa skya): Sakya means Grey Earth in English and it was headed by Sakya Trizin. This tradition was founded by Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034-1102), a disciple of great Lotsawa Drogmi shakya and this school represents one of the first Sarma Tradition (new tradition) in Tibet.

(Founder of Sakya Tradition: Khon Koncho Gyalpo, 1034-1102)

Kagyu (bka ‘brgyud): meaning of kagyu is oral transmission and it was brought down through Indian scholars like Tilopa, Naropa and Tibetan masters Marpa Lotsa and Milarepa. It believes that the founder of Kagyu is Marpa Lotswa (1012-1099) and latter it was break down into two, the larger one, Dagpo Kagyu and the smaller shangpa Kagyu linage. Dapo Kagyu further breaks down into four sub-sects and eight minor sub –sect. Four sub sect are karma Kagyu (headed by Karmapa), Tsalpa Kagyu, Barom Kagyu and Pagtru Kagyu. Most of the eight minor sub sect are breakdown from Pagtru Kagyu which is founded by Phagmo Drupa and most notable of these are Drikung and Drukpa Lineages. (Founder of Kagyu Tradition: Marpa Lotsawa, 1012-1099)

Gelug (dge lugs): the meaning of Gelug is a way of virtue in English and it was founded by Je Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) in 14^th to 15^th century. The head of this tradition is Ganden Tripa and this school emphasis on logic and debate. Gelugpa is youngest but largest sect in Tibetan Buddhism and people call Yellow sect as they wear yellow color hat.

(Founder of Gelug Tradition: Je Tsongkhapa, 1357-1419)