About Samye Dzong Africa

BUDDHISM AND THE KAGYU LINEAGE

Buddhism, one of the major world religions, began with the teachings of the Buddha, the 'Awakened One', in India some 2,500 years ago. Rooted in ethics of kindness and non-violence, it emphasises the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. With its profound insights into reality and the workings of the mind, Buddhism offers a wealth of methods to clear away confusion and cultivate wisdom. Its core teachings are not specific to any culture or era and are as fresh and relevant today as when first given. They have been preserved and practised through the centuries in a multiplicity of traditions within diverse societies.
The Kagyu Lineage is one of the four main traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a very complete form of Buddhism, reflecting its origins in 8th - 12th century India at a time when all levels of Buddhism - hinayana, mahayana and vajrayana - were flourishing. Its speciality lies in the profound meditation techniques of mahamudra - experiencing the true nature of mind. These quintessential teachings of Buddhism were gathered by an illustrious line of Indian meditators and then taken to Tibet. Thereafter they were preserved in particular by the extraordinary line of the Karmapas. The present head of the Kagyu lineage is the 17th Karmapa, Urgyen Trinley Dorje.

The Karmapa is part of a reincarnate lineage reaching back to the birth of the first Karmapa in 1110. The present Karmapa was born in Tibet in 1985 and enthroned at Tsurphu monastery, his traditional seat, in 1992. To preserve the integrity of his spiritual leadership, he escaped to exile in India in 2000, as his predecessor had done in 1959. Information on his current activities is available at www.kagyuoffice.org.