Tilopa is said to be the founder of the Kagyu Lineage. In his biography it tells the story of him going to a dakini land and receiving his teachings there. In this article Torricelli explores the four lineages that Tilopa transmitted to Naropa.

1. A widely attested Tibetan tradition has it that when asked the name of his master,

2. the Bengali mah?siddha Tilopa would answer: T have no human masters. My guru

3. is Sarvajna (Thams-cad-mkhyen)!', which gave rise to general incomprehension and incredulity.

4. Realizing the risks involved in this sceptical response, he thought better to link himself to four distinct lines of human transmission.