Eight Lesser Kagyu Lineages

Drigung Kagyu
The Drigung Kagyu lineage (’bri gung) was established by Drigung Kyobpa Jigten Sumgon (’bri gung skyob pa ’jig rten gsum mgon, 1143-1217). Their main seat is the monastery of Drigung Thil (’bri gung thil) in Central Tibet. Within the Drigung Kagyu lineage, existed a sub-sect known as the Lhapa Kagyu (lha pa). This lineage was established by a direct disciple of Jigten Sumgön, by name of Gyalwa Lhanangpa (rgyal ba lha nang pa, 1164-1224). Two masters head the Drigung Kagyu school, the Drigung Chetsang ('bri gung che tshang) and Drigung Chungtsang ('bri gung chung tshang) Rinpoches. Both bear the title Drigung Kyabgön ('bri gung skyabs mgon). The present Drigung Chetsang Rinpoche has established his seat in exile in Dehra Dun/India, while the Drigung Chungtsang Rinpoche remains in Tibet.