Kagyu Sect - Drigung Kargyu

Drigung Kargyu - Drigungpa

Drigung Kargyu is one of the branches of Phagdru Sect and established by Drigungpa (1143 - 1127). When he was a child, he learned the Buddhism teachings from the master of Phagmo Drupa. Later he suffered from the disease of leprosy and been cured because of the Buddhism teachings.

Drigung Kargyu - Drikung Thel Monastery

In 1179, he came to the place of Drigung and found a little monastery. Later he began to extend it which has been the famous Drikung Thel Monastery of Drigung Sect. He was the abbot of the monastery.

There are large numbers of disciples gathered in the temple in a year. Because Drigungpa was strict with himself without any meat or alcohol, the teachings of Drigung Kargyu was rigorous too, Drigungpa is famous in Tibet.

Drigung Kargyu - Development

When the fifth abbot took charge of the monastery, Drigung Kargyu became much more famous. At the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty, Drigung Kargyu has been defeated by the Sakya Sect and Yuan army at the same time the Drikung Thel Monastery has been destroyed. During the middle period of the 14 century, Drigung Kargyu has been defeated again by Phagdru Kargyu.

During the time of Ming Dynasty, the 13th abbot of Drikung Thel Monastery has been awarded by Yongle Emperor.

When Gelug Sect grew up, Drigung Kargyu has battled with it again.