☸ Tibetan Buddhist Glossary

Lam Rim, or the Stages of the Path, is a comprehensive guide to the Buddhist path in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It was written by the great Tibetan master Tsongkhapa and is considered to be a classic of Tibetan Buddhist literature. The Lam Rim outlines the entire path to enlightenment, from the initial stages of renunciation and compassion to the advanced stages of wisdom and meditation. It is often studied and practiced by Gelug monks and lay practitioners, who use it as a guide for their spiritual journey.

A lama is a Tibetan Buddhist teacher or guru who has achieved a high level of spiritual realization and is qualified to guide others on the path to enlightenment. Lamas are often the heads of monasteries or spiritual communities and are responsible for preserving and transmitting the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism. They may also serve as spiritual mentors, providing guidance and support to their students. In Tibetan Buddhism, the lama is considered to be a vital link to the Buddha's teachings and is often revered as a symbol of wisdom and compassion.

Lhasa is the capital city of Tibet and is considered to be a sacred place in Tibetan Buddhism. It is home to many important monasteries and temples, including the Potala Palace, which was the residence of the Dalai Lama until the 1950s. Lhasa is a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come to visit the city's many sacred sites and to receive blessings from the lamas who live there. The city is also an important center of Tibetan culture and is known for its vibrant markets and traditional festivals.

Losar is the Tibetan New Year, celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar. It is a time for renewal, reflection, and festivities, marked by traditional rituals, prayers, and gatherings with family and friends. During Losar, practitioners often engage in purification practices, make offerings to deities and ancestors, and seek blessings for the upcoming year. This holiday is an opportunity for Tibetans to reconnect with their cultural heritage and spiritual roots, and to cultivate a sense of community and gratitude.

Lung, or 'wind' in Tibetan, refers to the vital energy that flows through the body. In Tibetan Buddhism, lung is believed to play a crucial role in physical and mental well-being, and its imbalance can lead to various health issues. Practitioners work with lung through meditation, breath control, and physical exercises like yoga or qigong to restore balance and cultivate spiritual growth. This concept is central to Tibetan medicine and spiritual practices.