Lama
/ˈlɑː.mə/noun
A Tibetan Buddhist teacher or monk, especially one regarded as spiritually advanced.
Did you know?The title Dalai Lama combines Mongolian dalai, meaning “ocean,” with Tibetan lama—famously interpreted as “Ocean of Wisdom.”
Etymological Timeline
Early Tibetan
Tibetan
bla-ma
“A spiritual teacher or “superior one”; the first element refers to elevated or spiritual status.”
Medieval Tibetan
Tibetan
bla-ma
“An honorific title for a revered Buddhist teacher or religious master.”
17th Century
Mongolian/Tibetan
Dalai Lama
““Ocean Lama” or “Ocean of Wisdom,” a title associated with the Tibetan spiritual leader.”
18th Century
Hindi
lāma
“A Tibetan Buddhist priest or teacher.”
19th Century
English
lama
“A Tibetan Buddhist monk or spiritual teacher.”
Modern English
English
lama
“A Tibetan Buddhist teacher, monk, or spiritual authority.”
Explore more surprising origins