Tibetan Masters of the 10th-11th Centuries
During this period, there was an influx of new translations, teachers from India who formed the Kadam, Kagyu, and Sakya schools as well as some important Nyingma figures.
Atiśa Dīpankara Śrījñāna (982–1054 CE)
11th century
The Indian master Atisha's importance to Tibetan Buddhism cannot be overstated. He founded the Kadam school with his students which influenced all the lineages in Tibet. Explore the many works by and about his here.
Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo (1012–1088)
11th century
Rongzom Chökyi Zangpo (1012–1088)—also known as Rongzompa, Rongzom Mahapandita, Rongzom Chozang, and Dharmabhadra— is along with Longchenpa and Mipham Rinpoche, one of the pillars of the Nyingma tradition who systematized much of the philosophical principles of the school.
Tilopa (988-1068)
11th century
One of the great 84 Mahasiddhas and the root of much of the Kagyu tradition, explore ten books related to this great tantric master.
Naropa (1016-1100)
11th century
The famous student of Tilopa and guru to Marpa, explore the fascinating life and teachings of Naropa.
Marpa (1012-1096)
11th century
The student of Naropa as well as the guru to both Maitripa and Milarepa, Marpa was the Tibetan founder of the Kagyu tradition.
Milarepa (1040-1123)
10th-11th centuries
Tibet's "patron-saint" and yogi par excellence. Beloved by all the schools, his life exemplifies the complete Buddhist path.
Gampopa (born 1079)
11th century
The great Gampopa, aka Dakpo Lhaje, the physician from Lhaje, was a monk whose systemization of the Kagyu teachings form the root of the Drikung, Drukpa, and Karma branches of the Kagyu tradition.