Buddha Shakyamuni taught the three cycles of teachings, commonly known as the Three Yanas (vehicles), which includes Hinayana (basic vehicle), Mahayana (great vehicle) and Vajrayana (indestructible vehicle). All three vehicles share the same ultimate goal of achieving liberation from cyclical rebirth. The third vehicle, Vajrayana, embraces the teachings of both Hinayana and Mahayana but further points to the training of the mind and its qualities, often known as Buddhist tantra.

Tibetan Buddhism belongs to the Vajrayana vehicle and consists mainly of four major schools. Of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism: Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug, Karma Tekchen Zabsal Ling belongs to the Karma Kagyu lineage.