A Buddhist monk. Traditionally, every Ladakhi family sent one son at the age of 5 or 6, to a monastery to be educated (gompas were then the only schools). On adulthood, he could decide not to become a lama, but this decision was often frowned upon. The practice of sending a son to a gompa is now dying out.
Buddhist priest; some Tamangs use Lama as a surname
Teacher, or one who is revered.
(Tibetan) Learned priest or layperson.
In Tibetan Buddhism, considered a master of certain areas of Buddhism. May be the head of one or more monasteries.
a Tantric teacher or Guru in Tibetan Buddhism
(Skt.: guru) - a teacher, capable of giving initiations and guiding students along the Vajrayana path. There are three basic catagories, only the first adheres to the strict definition. [1] In Sakya all members of the Khon family are regarded as lamas, along with Abbots and Tulkus. [2] If a Dharma student has shown proficiency in academic study and recieved a degree or completed a course of tantric study, and or completed a series of specific retreats, and possibly a three year retreat - the title of lama may be conferred by a senior Lama of the Sakya School. [3] Commonly in Central Asia and India, any monk, or possibly a nun, practicing the Vajrayana Tradition might be referred to as a lama by the general population. A monk living and providing services in a remote community would also be called a lama. Having the title of 'lama' does not automatically imply the ability to give initiations or even to teach the basics of Buddhism. (In the tradition of the Palpung monastery of the Kagyupa School, specifically under the guidance of Jamgon Kongtrul, the tradition was to bestow the title of lama on any monk who completed a three year retreat program).
a trained, authorized, learned and empowered spiritual teacher in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition
(Tib.) corresponds to Sanskrit guru but has a wider range of meanings in Tibetan. Can mean (1) personal religious teacher, especially of Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhism); (2) head or leading figure within a spiritual community ( gompa); (3) a properly qualified performer of Tantric ritual. Note that the roles of lama and MONK are different. Most monks are not lamas, and lamas are not necessarily monks.
A master or spiritual guide in Tibetan Buddhism.
a person who, by virtue of entensive practice, study and devotion to accomplished teachers, is able to teach and transmit the Dharma.
Literally, "superior one." A Buddhist monk of Tibet.
Tibetan spiritual leader.
(Tibetan) Spiritual teacher or senior monk.
The Tibetan term for a respected religious teacher, equivalent to the Sanskrit term guru. A lama is not necessarily a monk, although monasticism is preferred for all lamas in the Gelugpa school. Chinese politicians use the term incorrectly to refer to any monk.
In Vajrayana, the term for teacher or guru. He is usually the head of a monastery or perhaps several monasteries. Some important lamas are considered to be bodhisattvas, such as the Dalai Lama.
A spiritual guide or teacher. One who shows a disciple the path to liberation and enlightenment. Literally, heavy—heavy with knowledge of Dharma.
( Tib. / Skt. guru): A title for experienced and learned religious teachers authorized to transmit Buddhist teachings to disciples. Often used for members of the monastic order in general, or practitioners who have accomplished a three-year retreat.
Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism