Red Caps
🟥 Who are the Red Cap Monks?
The term "Red Caps" refers to the older, non-reformed schools of Tibetan Buddhism. These include:
1. Nyingma School ("The Ancients")
The oldest of the Tibetan schools, dating back to Padmasambhava in the 8th century.
Particularly known for its Dzogchen (the "Great Perfection") teachings.
Highly mystical, symbolic, with a strong emphasis on direct experience rather than pure study.
2. Kagyu School
Founded in the 11th century.
Famous for lineages such as Marpa – Milarepa – Gampopa.
Strongly practice-oriented, with a focus on meditation, yogic techniques, and energy work (Tummo, Mahamudra).
Many of the monks known for their "miracle-working" originate from this school.
3. Sakya School
Also an older lineage, strongly scholastic and ritual-oriented.
Developed a profound philosophy (e.g., "Path and Fruit" – Lamdré).
Intermediary role between Gelug and Nyingma at certain times.
🔴 All of these schools have one thing in common: the monks wear red headdresses on certain ritual occasions.
🧙♂️ What distinguishes them from the Yellow Caps?
Characteristics of the Red Cap Schools: Yellow Cap (Gelug)
Origin: Older (from the 8th century onwards) Founded in the 15th century
Focus: Mysticism, direct experience, meditation, study, logic, ethical discipline
Practice: Tantra, Mahamudra, Dzogchen, yoga techniques: Lamrim, Vinaya, scholasticism
Cap color: Red and yellow
Relationship to magic: Open to visionary practices, mantra, energy work: Structured, reserved approach
