rhizoverbBeta
DictionarylamaBuddhist spiritual teacher
noun / proper noun

lama

LAH-muh/ˈlɑːmə/

A spiritual teacher or monk in Tibetan or Mongolian Buddhism.

The lama teaches a younger monk from the low platform.

A Tibetan Buddhist lama in maroon and saffron monastic robes sits on a low teaching platform, instructing a younger Tibetan monk who listens attentively below.
Etymology
lamaTibetanchief, high priest

Tibetan blama means “chief” or “high priest,” making religious authority central to the title. English uses it for a Buddhist spiritual teacher or monk in Tibet or Mongolia.

In context

National Geographic3:58
TIBETAN BUDDHISTS BELIEVE THIS IS THE REINCARNATION OF A LAMA, A BUDDHIST SPIRITUAL TEACHER.
God and the Afterlife: The Story of God with Morgan Freeman | MEGA EPISODE | National Geographic

More examples

  • Several lamas attended the ceremony.
  • The visitors listened respectfully to the lama.
  • The monastery invited a lama to give instruction.

Forms

lama · lamas

Similar words

teacher
The broad role without specifying a Buddhist spiritual tradition.