By Lewis Gwilt
At Jamyang, we are blessed to welcome and be in the presence of teachers from across the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. From eminent lineage holders to learned resident Geshes, the titles and honorifics used for our teachers carry centuries of meaning — and can sometimes feel mysterious if you’re new to the tradition.
This guide is offered in a spirit of warmth, to help our community feel comfortable and confident when speaking about our teachers, while also appreciating the living lineage these titles represent.
His or Her Holiness / Eminence (H.H. / H.E.)
This title is reserved for the very highest lineage holders, such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Ganden Tripa, the throne-holder of the Gelug tradition or Her Holiness Sakya Jetsun Kushok Chimey Luding, a principal lineage holder in the Sakya tradition. The position of Ganden Tripa was established within the lineage founded by Je Tsongkhapa, and is held for a fixed term by a senior master chosen for learning, ethical conduct, and service.
When a Ganden Tripa completes their term, they are respectfully honoured as Ganden Trisur Rinpoche, meaning “former throne-holder.” When written, His or Her Holiness/ Eminence is often abbreviated to HH or HE.
Kyabje
Meaning “Lord of Refuge,” Kyabje is an honorific used for exceptionally eminent lamas of vast learning and realisation. Many in our community know this title through Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual guide of FPMT until his passing in 2023. The title reflects the depth of trust and reliance students place in such a teacher.
Rinpoche
Literally meaning “Precious One,” Rinpoche is one of the most familiar honorifics in Tibetan Buddhism. It is used for highly respected teachers, including recognised incarnate lamas as well as senior scholars and practitioners. While many Rinpoches are tulkus, the title may also be used for accomplished teachers who are not recognised as incarnations.
Tulku
Tulku refers to a recognised reincarnate lama — someone identified as the rebirth of a previous master. The title itself does not indicate seniority, role, or level of attainment, but rather a recognised continuity of incarnation. Many tulkus later receive additional titles such as Rinpoche, Khenchen, or Lama, depending on their training and responsibilities. You may sometimes hear teachers addressed as Tulku Rinpoche, combining both forms of respect.
Geshe and Geshema
Geshe is a title awarded to monastics who have completed decades of rigorous study and formal debate in the great monastic universities. It is often compared to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy, reflecting its depth and intellectual discipline. In recent years, the equivalent title Geshema has been formally awarded to women who complete the same course of study; generally speaking ma is a feminine suffix in the Tibetan, and is not always necessary. Many nuns who hold the Geshe Degree are also equitably referred to as ‘Geshe’
Some Geshes may also be addressed as Rinpoche, depending on their role and recognition.
Venerable (Ven.)
Venerable — often abbreviated as Ven. — is a respectful English prefix used for monks and nuns who are not called Geshe or Rinpoche. For example: Ven. Thubten Drolma. It acknowledges ordination and commitment to the monastic path.
Khandro
Khandro means dakini — a realised female practitioner who embodies wisdom and compassionate activity. Adding -la is an informal mark of respect, similar to saying “dear” or “respected teacher.”
At Jamyang, we are very fortunate to receive teachings from Khandro-la (Rangjung Neljorma Khandro Namsel Drönme). She has been recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as a living dakini, and her presence in our community is a great blessing.
Jetsun / Jetsün
Meaning “Venerable” or “Revered One,” Jetsun is an honorific used for highly realised practitioners, both male and female. It often signifies exceptional spiritual accomplishment and ethical integrity. The title may be used on its own or together with Rinpoche.
Kenchen / Khenchen and Khensur
These honorifics are associated with abbots and senior monastic leadership. Kenchen or Khenchen (variant spellings) means “Great Abbot,” and is used for highly learned masters or senior abbots. Khensur means “former abbot,” and is used once a lama has completed their term of service. Such teachers may be addressed as Khensur Rinpoche as a mark of ongoing respect.
Tripa and Trisur
Tripa means “Throne-Holder,” most commonly referring to the Ganden Tripa, the head of the Gelug tradition. Trisur means “former Throne-Holder,” and is used once a Tripa has completed their term. These titles reflect service and responsibility rather than personal authority.
Lama
The word Lama is often translated simply as “teacher,” but its meaning runs much deeper. It points to someone who embodies the Dharma and guides others through lived experience, not only learning. In the Gelug tradition, the title is often reserved for senior figures such as Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the founders of FPMT.
At Jamyang, we use Lama sparingly, usually for lineage figures or teachers whose own students address them this way.
Brother and Sister
“Brother” and “Sister” are informal forms of address you may hear within the Sangha. They are not Tibetan honorifics, but English expressions of warmth and kinship, reflecting shared ordination or a shared commitment to the path. They remind us that spiritual life is lived in relationship with one another.
Why Titles Matter
At Jamyang, we hold these honorifics as reminders of the living lineage we are connected to — a lineage carried through the wisdom, bodhicitta, ethical discipline and realisation of our teachers, and sustained by students who practise sincerely.
These titles are more than names. They help us remember the qualities embodied by our teachers: wisdom, compassion, humility, and service. Using them with care is a simple act of gratitude.
