Why Are Tibetan Buddhist Monks Called "Lamas" Instead of "Monks"?

Buddhism has long been deeply rooted across China. Among Han Chinese communities, Buddhist monks are commonly referred to as “he shang” (和尚), while elder, highly respected monks are called “zhang lao” (长老). However, among Tibetans and Mongolians, Buddhist monks are respectfully called “lama.”

“Lama” is a transliteration from Tibetan, meaning “spiritual teacher” or “guru.” The syllable “ma” carries the connotation of supreme compassion—like a mother’s unconditional love for her child. One who embodies such boundless compassion and wisdom is honored with the title “lama.”

The history of Buddhism in Tibet is long and complex. According to The New Records of Tibet, as early as 407 AD during the Eastern Jin dynasty, Tibetan King Dorilongzan received sacred Buddhist texts such as the Sutra of a Hundred Bows and Repentances and The Sutra of Many Treasures, along with a golden stupa. This event marked the beginning of Buddhism’s presence in Tibet.

In the 7th century, King Songtsen Gampo officially adopted Buddhism, influenced by his wives—Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty—who brought Buddhist scriptures and images to Tibet. This ushered in the flourishing of Buddhism on the Tibetan plateau.

In the 8th century, Indian masters such as Shantarakshita and Padmasambhava traveled to Tibet, introducing both exoteric and esoteric branches of Buddhism. However, in the 9th century, King Langdarma imposed a ban on Buddhism. It wasn't until the late 10th century, supported by emerging feudal lords, that Buddhism revived in the form of “Lamaism” (Tibetan Buddhism).

By the late 13th century, during the Yuan Dynasty, political patronage enabled the upper clergy to gain administrative power, and Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Mongolian regions and beyond.

Lamaism is the product of centuries-long interaction between Indian Buddhism and Tibet’s indigenous Bon religion. Its development and consolidation were influenced not only by political support but also by its ability to integrate Buddhist teachings with local traditions and customs.

Over time, Tibetan Buddhism branched into several major schools:

• Gelug (Yellow Hat)

• Nyingma (Red Hat)

• Kagyu (White Hat)

• Sakya (Colorful Hat)

Tibetan Buddhism places great emphasis on education, requiring long years of rigorous study. Boys may enter monastic school at the age of eight, undergoing physical exams and beginning with the memorization of moral aphorisms. This initial 12-year stage is called “probationary monk.” Only with a sponsor’s recommendation and official registry as a monk can one shave his head, receive monastic robes, and be given a Dharma name.

To rise further in the monastic ranks, another 12 years of progressively advanced studies are required—focusing on prayer, scriptures, and intensive dialectical debates. Success in these debates marks scholarly maturity.

In Lhasa, two specialized institutions exist for tantric studies: the Upper Tantric College (Gyuto) and Lower Tantric College (Gyume). Students are divided into two types:

• “Tsorampa”: those who have already earned the prestigious Geshe degree

• “Gyirampa”: registered monks from the Three Great Monasteries or affiliated students

Tantric studies focus on advanced Vajrayana practices including Guhyasamāja, Chakrasamvara, Yamāntaka, and Dharma protectors.

Only those who achieve the highest academic rank—Lharampa Geshe—are eligible to assume positions in these tantric colleges. Administrative ranks within the monastery include Gekyö, Umdzé, and Khenpo, with the highest being Chöjé (“Dharma Lord”). At Ganden Monastery, those who serve as Chöjé are eligible to become Ganden Tripa, the head of the Gelug lineage—second only to the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama.

Becoming a lama is no easy feat. Attaining scholarly distinction is even more demanding. A local proverb reflects the hardship:
"To eat the food of a lama, one must have jaws of iron."
Indeed, the path is one of immense discipline and perseverance.

This deep-rooted cultural tradition continues to inspire artisans and cultural preservationists around the world.
GLETERY’s handcrafted Tibetan bracelets aim to reflect this spiritual depth—each piece created in reverence to the Tibetan way of life. Learn more at gletery.com.