In Buddhism, lineage is a sacred connection between teachers and students that preserves the Buddha’s teachings and spiritual traditions across generations. It forms a web of relationships that reflects the guidance and realization flowing among teachers, students, and friends. Lineage holders shape our understanding and practice of buddhadharma, and ensure the authenticity of dharma teachings. Most Buddhist lineages trace back to Ananda and Mahakasyapa. Lineage traditions are dynamic and depend on the actions, speech, and thoughts of lineage holders.

More broadly speaking, our personal lineage includes all of the cultural heritage we receive from our families and communities, and what we choose to uphold and continue, or to disrupt and discontinue, is up to us.

The three yanas have different methods for passing down lineages, and within them, there are many levels of sub-lineages. There are many titles and honorifics for lineage holders and teachers.

Theravada: While lineage is important, it is often transmitted through the monastic community. Compared to other traditions, it places greater emphasis on personal practice and less on a direct connection to a teacher. The titles for ordained male and female members of the Buddhist community are bhikkhu (monk) and bhikkhuni (nun), respectively. However, the lineage for ordaining bhikkhunis in Theravada is considered to be broken. Teachers are referred to as “Venerable” or “Ajahn”.

Mahayana: Teachings are more widely shared among lay practitioners and various monastic lineages. Practitioners may learn from different teachers based on their specific interests and needs. Mahayana lineages encompass many schools of thought and traditions, many of which connect to the Chinese master Bodhidharma. Mahayana teachers have a variety of titles—“Master,” “Roshi” and “Sensei” are a few.

Vajrayana: There is a highly structured lineage system comprising four main schools: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya, and Gelugpa. Connecting with a qualified teacher (a lama) is considered essential, as the transmission of teachings often requires a deep personal bond and empowerment through initiations. This defines the guru-disciple relationship. These esteemed lamas are called “Rinpoche.”

Every individual stands at the intersection of the past and the future, responsible for making choices about what to continue or disrupt through their body, speech, and mind. Not all of our cultural heritage or family traditions are relevant or beneficial—we have the agency and responsibility to choose what we will continue, interrupt, or adopt.

Reflect on their roles as stewards of their heritage and lineage traditions.

• What beliefs—cultural or social—have you inherited that are actively shaping your life?
• Whom do they benefit?
• Is anyone harmed by them?
• What is your role in the process of continuation of these systems?
• What do you wish to change and why?

Compare how the three main Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana) pass down teachings, evaluating the strengths of each approach. Examine your own cultural and family traditions, and analyze which ones benefit people and which might cause harm. Evaluate how these ideas were transmitted to you, and how you transmit them to others, and develop criteria for responsibly choosing which ideas and traditions are worth continuing or changing.