Lama

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
This article is about Tibetan Buddhist teachers. For other uses of the word, see Lama (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with the llama, a South American mammal.
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Lama (Tibetan: བླ་མ་, Wylie: bla-ma; "boss"[1]) is a title for a teacher of the Dharma in Tibetan Buddhism. The name is similar to the Sanskrit term guru, meaning "heavy one", endowed with qualities the student will eventually embody. The Tibetan word "lama" means "highest principle", and less literally "highest mother" or "highest father" to show close relationship between teacher and student.[2][3]

Historically, the term was used for venerated spiritual masters

Sakya schools) advanced tantric practitioner to designate a level of spiritual attainment and authority to teach, or may be part of a title such as Dalai Lama[5] or Panchen Lama[5] applied to a lineage of reincarnate lamas (Tulkus
).

Perhaps due to misunderstandings by early western scholars attempting to understand Tibetan Buddhism, the term lama has historically been erroneously applied to Tibetan monks in general. Similarly, Tibetan Buddhism was referred to as "Lamaism"

Bön. The term Lamaism is now considered by some to be derogatory.[6]

In the

Three Jewels), alongside the yidam and protector (who may be a dakini, dharmapala or other Buddhist deity figure). The mind of the lama is considered Buddha – one's highest potential, the lama's speech is dharma, and the lama's body is one's guide and companion on the way to enlightenment, meaning the lama is the perfect embodiment of the sangha. Another expression of lama can be expressed through the 3 Kayas.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Online Etymology Dictionary". Etymonline.com. Retrieved 2013-07-17.
  2. ^ a b c d e "lama" from Encyclopædia Britannica
  3. ^ 5th Shamarpa, Shamar Köncho Yenlak and Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé, Translation: Artur Przybysławski, "Calling the Lama from Afar: Two Suplicaitons to the Root Teacher."Translating the Karmapas’ Works, Vélez-Málaga Spain (2019)p. 15
  4. About.com
  5. ^ a b c d Marcotte, Amanda (2000-01-14). "Who Are the Tibetan Lamas?". Slate.com. Retrieved 2013-07-17.
  6. ISBN 1-896064-12-4
    .
  7. ^ 5th Shamarpa, Shamar Köncho Yenlak and Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Thayé, Translation: Artur Przybysławski, "Calling the Lama from Afar: Two Suplicaitons to the Root Teacher."Translating the Karmapas’ Works, Vélez-Málaga Spain (2019)p. 11
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