The Kagyu Order traces its transmission to Tibet through Marpa (1012-1096) from the Indian Mahasiddha Naropa. Born in southern Tibet, Marpa studied with a number of Buddhist teachers in neighboring Nepal as well as in India. Fluent in Sanskrit, he also became a great translator of Buddhist texts into Tibetan. Through his students and the dissemination of his translations, the Kagyu Order was founded. The tailoring of his robe and his long hair indicate he was a married practitioner, not a celibate monk.

A student of Marpa, Milarepa (1040-1123) is best known for composing 100,000 sacred songs in various caves throughout the Himalayas, an accomplishment suggested by holding his hand to his ear.