Lama

The name is similar to the Sanskrit term guru, meaning "heavy one", endowed with qualities the student will eventually embody.

[1][2] Historically, the term was used for venerated spiritual masters[3][4] or heads of monasteries.

[1] Today the title can be used as an honorific title conferred on a monk,[1][4] nun or a lay person (especially in the Nyingma, Kagyu and 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[4] or Panchen Lama[4] applied to a lineage of reincarnate lamas (Tulkus).

[5] In the Vajrayana path of Tibetan Buddhism, the lama is often the tantric spiritual guide, the guru to the aspiring Buddhist yogi or yogini.

As such, the lama will then appear as one of the Three Roots (a variant of the Three Jewels), alongside the yidam and protector (who may be a dakini, dharmapala or other Buddhist deity figure).