Seven patriarchs
The Seven Patriarchs (gtad rabs bdun) - Before his parinirvana the Buddha entrusted the care of the Dharma to Mahakashyapa, predicting that seven patriarchs would maintain the purity of the Dharma and serve as reminders of the Buddha's presence.
- Mahakashyapa
- Ananda
- Shanavasika
- Upagupta
- Dhitika
- Krishna
- Mahasudarshana