Kagyu Sect - Taklung Kagyu

Taklung Kagyu - Taklung Tonpa

Taklung Kagyu is also one of the branches of Phadru Kagyu and established by Taklung Tonpa (1142 – 1210). When he left home at the age of 18 years old, he firstly learned the teachings of Kadam Sect. When he got 24 years old, he met Phagmo Drupa and began to learn the teachings of Kagyu Sect.

In 1180, he was invited to come to Tasklung to build the Taklung Monastery. Because he was strict with himself and everything, people respected him very much. The Taklung Kagyu has been gradually established at that time.

After the death of Taklung Tonpa, two of his cousins fight with each other to get the status of the abbot of Taklung Monastery. The one of Sanjewen built another monastery in Kham region in 1276, which has become the centre monastery of Kham Region of Taklung Kagyu.

Taklung Kagyu – Development

During the time of Yuan Dynasty, Taklung Kagyu contacted with Sakya Sect closely. The 3rd abbot of the Taklung Monastery has met with Phagspa Lama several times. The cousin of the 3rd abbot of the Taklung Monastery has been send to Phagspa to take care well.

The 9th abbot of the Taklung Monastery has been awarded by the Yongle Emperor of Ming Dynasty.

The Buddhists of Taklung Monastery has been praised because of the strict dharma. Around 1240, the Buddhists have also been praised by Kuoduan (a great Mongolian General).