Founded by Jigten Sumgon (1143-1217), members of the the Drikung Kagyü Order are spiritual descendants of the illustrious Phagmodrupa who was a Dharma brother of Düsum Khyenpa the first Karmapa. Both were students of Gampopa (the Doctor from Dagpo) who was originally of the Kadampa Order . The core transmission lineages of the Drikung Kagyü (The Profound Action Lineage, The Profound View Lineage, and The Profound Blessing Meditation Experience Lineage) originate from the Kadampa lineage and have been transmitted through the generations by the Drikung lineage holders who are shown below.
Since the 17th century the lineage holder has alternated between the "Chetsangs" who are considered to be emanations of the boddhisattva Avalokiteshvara and the Chuntsangs who are considered to be emanations of the boddhisattva Mañjuśrī and of Padmasambhava.
The present head of the Drikung Kagyü is Konchog Tenzin Kunzang Thinley Lhundrub.