The honorific title and salutation in Tibetan Buddhism

(The contents of this post are intended and provided for general information purposes only. It may vary among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism)

When is it appropriate to address someone with Mr/Mrs instead of his given name? How about when it is appropriate to address someone in the Vajrayana? 

When you meet someone new, it's important to know how to address the individual standing in front of you. Properly addressing people in different situation shows you're respectful of their position and mindful in any way. 

The honorific title or it is more appropriate description is used to address or describe Tibetan Lamas and other high-ranking or respected teachers. The original meaning of these descriptions or title salutation in Vajrayana may be different from what we actually understand nowadays.

The following descriptions are in an alphabetical order:-

1) Ani

2) Geshe

3) Khenpo

4) Lama

5) Lonpon

6) Rinpoche

7) Tulku

1) Ani is a female nun.  The Tibetan word for monk is “trapa.” In Tibetan language , the word Ani also translates as aunt, which has special significance in Buddhism as the Buddha's aunt, Mahaprajapati, is said to have been the first Buddhist nun. 

2) Geshe mean "abbot-professor” in Tibetan and is a Tibetan Buddhist academic degree for monks and nuns. The degree is emphasized primarily by the Gelug lineage, but is also awarded in the Sakya and Bon traditions. In the Gelug tradition, the Geshe also refers to either a senior monk who ordains new monastics, or the abbot of a monastery. The title “Geshe” is not just a name for a graduate.“Ge” means “virtue” and “she” means “knowing.” Geshe thus means one who knows virtue, one who knows what should be practiced and what should be abandoned.

3) Khenpo mean "abbot-professor” in Tibetan  and applies more to a student personal Buddhist academic degree for higher Buddhist studies given in Tibetan Buddhism. In the Nyingma, Kagyu, and Sakya traditions, the title is awarded usually after a period of 10-13 years of intensive study , training in Buddist institutes of higher studies, these students are then conferred to the description title "Khenpo". 

The title of Khenpo is more likely to a terminal degree in Buddhist Studies equivalent to a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD of modern educational system. After successfully passing their examination they are entitled to serve as teachers of Buddhism. However, the requirements to obtain the title "Khenpo" can be different among the four schools of Nyingma, Kagyu, Gelug and Sakya of Tibetan Buddhism.

4) Lama is a Tibetan Dharma teacher. Lama has a high definition. In traditional Tibetan Buddhism, the highest accomplished people are called "Lama". Examples are :- His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Lama Tsongkapa , Lama Marpa , Lama Longchen Rabjam, etc. 

Nowadays, the Lama is used in some places of the Himalayan regions as a general name for ordained monks and can be used as an honorific title or description conferred on a monk.  Lama may also refer to Nepali ethnic Tamang peoples or clans and surname of Sherpa people in general.

5) Lopon is a spiritual master and is a degree given in Tibetan Buddhism equal to Master of Arts (M.A.)

6) Rinpoche is a Tibetan word which means “precious one.” in the Vajrayana traditions, Rinpoche is generally placed in a higher ranking than a reincarnation Tulku.  This title of Rinpoche is applied at the end of the teacher’s name.  “Rinpoche” is also occasionally given as a title of respect to living teachers who were not formally recognized as reincarnate lamas while they were young but have demonstrated extraordinary qualities in this life.

Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche

Women are traditionally rare birds among Buddhist lamas. But that shows signs of change. A nun who grew up the only woman among 500 monks in India, Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche represents the Mindrolling lineage, one of Buddhism’s few with a history of female masters. She leads the Lotus Garden Retreat Center in Stanley, VA, where one of her primary projects is directing nuns in a range of social service projects, from actively educating Tibetan women toward financial independence to creating independent living opportunities for senior citizens in Tibetan refugee camps.

7) Tulku - Traditionally is considered to be a reincarnation of a Buddhist master who, out of his or her compassion for the suffering of sentient beings, has vowed to take rebirth to help all beings attain enlightenment. To fulfill this aspiration, a Tulku will generally need to go through the complete process of recognition, enthronement and training.  Formal recognition generally occurs soon after a Tulku has been identified, but only after other important lineage masters have been consulted. 

The next step of enthronement may or may not occur for a Tulku, depending on the circumstances. Enthronement formally invests the Tulku with the responsibility of furthering the activities associated with their particular Tulku lineage. Thus, if there are specific teachings and practice traditions associated with their lineage, and if there are perhaps monks, nuns, monasteries, retreat centers, lay communities and so forth for which the Tulku traditionally takes responsibility, then the Tulku is formally vested with those responsibilities at the time of enthronement. 

In the event that an enthronement ceremony is conducted, it may take place soon after recognition or some years later. If the Tulku is too young to assume their responsibilities upon enthronement, others may be entrusted to take on those responsibilities until the tulku is ready. 

Finally, a Tulku needs to complete a formal course of training which includes years of study and meditation. This training reawakens the Tulku's powers of insight and compassion and develops their skillful means for helping others. It is only after such training that a Tulku is ready to take on the role of a teacher. 

Steven Seagal is an American actor, film producer, screenwriter, film director and martial artist. He has been recognized as a reincarnation of a Tibetan Lama and formally recognized as a Tulku by the late His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, but has not been officially enthroned.

Thank you for reading, may you find peace and great bliss. With your support it helps to spread the Buddha’s precious teachings and turning the Dharma wheels in the world.

Aspiration For Bodhichitta

For those in whom the precious Bodhichitta has not arisen

May it arise and not decrease

But increase further and further.

Dedication of Merit

By this merit may we obtain omniscience then.

Having defeated the enemies wrong-doings.

May we liberate migrators from the ocean of existence.

With its stormy waves of birth, old age, sickness and death.

Note

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