Tibetan Buddhism is a unique and deeply spiritual tradition that has shaped the religious, cultural, and political landscape of Tibet for centuries. However, it was once widely referred to as Lamaism, a term that was used primarily by Western scholars and travelers. This name reflected the central role of lamas (spiritual teachers) in Tibetan Buddhism but also led to misunderstandings about the nature of the tradition.
To fully understand why Tibetan Buddhism was once called Lamaism, we need to explore its origins, the role of lamas, how the term developed, and why it eventually fell out of use.
1. The Origins of Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism emerged from Indian Mahayana Buddhism and was influenced by Tantric traditions from India and Central Asia. It was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century CE during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo, who invited Buddhist scholars from India and Nepal.
Over time, Tibetan Buddhism developed its own unique practices, including:
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Tantric rituals
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The tulku system (reincarnated spiritual leaders, such as the Dalai Lama)
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Monastic discipline
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The use of mandalas, mantras, and meditation techniques
These elements set Tibetan Buddhism apart from other Buddhist traditions, making it distinct in both beliefs and practice.
2. The Role of Lamas in Tibetan Buddhism
The word ‘lama’ comes from the Tibetan term bla-ma, meaning ‘high priest’ or ‘spiritual master.’ Lamas play a central role in Tibetan Buddhism because they serve as:
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Teachers who guide followers on the path to enlightenment.
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Ritual leaders who perform sacred ceremonies.
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Reincarnated spiritual figures (like the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama).
Unlike in other Buddhist traditions, where monks are primarily scholars, Tibetan Buddhism places great importance on the authority and wisdom of lamas. This emphasis contributed to the Western perception that Tibetan Buddhism was more about following lamas than following Buddha, which led to the term ‘Lamaism.’
3. How the Term ‘Lamaism’ Developed
The term Lamaism was first used by European explorers and Christian missionaries in the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, Western scholars viewed Tibetan Buddhism as very different from the Buddhism practiced in India, China, and Southeast Asia.
Some key reasons why Tibetan Buddhism was labeled Lamaism include:
A. The Dominance of Lamas in Society
Tibetan society was heavily influenced by Buddhist monasteries and lamas, who held religious, educational, and even political power. The Dalai Lamas and Panchen Lamas were both spiritual leaders and rulers, leading Western observers to believe that Tibetan Buddhism was more focused on lamas than on Buddhist teachings.
B. Misunderstanding of Tibetan Buddhist Practices
Many Western scholars misinterpreted Tibetan Buddhist rituals, especially the use of:
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Chanting and mantras
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Complex Tantric rituals
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Ornate temple decorations and statues
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Monastic hierarchies
These practices were seen as departures from ‘pure’ Buddhism (as taught by the historical Buddha in India). This led some to believe that Tibetan Buddhism was a separate religion rather than a Buddhist tradition, reinforcing the use of the term Lamaism.
C. Christian Missionary Influence
European Christian missionaries who visited Tibet often used the term Lamaism to emphasize what they saw as ‘corruptions’ of Buddhism. They believed that:
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Lamas held too much power, similar to Catholic priests.
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Tibetan Buddhism relied too much on rituals and ceremonies rather than pure spiritual practice.
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The tulku system (reincarnation of high lamas) was not part of ‘true’ Buddhism.
By calling it Lamaism, they suggested that it was a different religion rather than an authentic Buddhist school.
4. Why the Term ‘Lamaism’ Fell Out of Use
Although the term Lamaism was widely used for centuries, it is now considered outdated and inaccurate. There are several reasons why it is no longer used:
A. Tibetan Buddhism Is Not Separate from Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism follows the core teachings of the Buddha, just like Theravāda and Mahāyāna Buddhism. Although it has unique practices, it is still a Buddhist tradition. Calling it Lamaism wrongly suggests that it is a completely different religion.
B. The Influence of Tibetan Scholars and Buddhist Leaders
In the 20th century, Tibetan scholars, Buddhist monks, and leaders like the Dalai Lama emphasized that Tibetan Buddhism is not Lamaism but a legitimate form of Buddhism. Their teachings helped correct misunderstandings in the West.
C. Academic and Cultural Awareness
Modern scholars now recognize that the term Lamaism was based on misunderstandings. Instead of using this term, they use the correct name: Tibetan Buddhism. Today, Buddhist studies focus on the historical and philosophical roots of Tibetan Buddhism rather than outdated Western labels.
5. The Lasting Legacy of ‘Lamaism’
Although the term Lamaism is no longer used, its history shows how Western perceptions of Buddhism evolved over time. It also highlights the central role of lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, which remains a key feature of the tradition.
Some of the lasting influences of this misunderstanding include:
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Hollywood and media portrayals – Early movies and books sometimes described Tibetan Buddhism as a mysterious, priest-led religion, reinforcing the old ‘Lamaism’ view.
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Tourist expectations – Some visitors to Tibet still expect monks to be powerful religious figures, rather than understanding the broader Buddhist teachings.
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Debates about political and religious authority – The role of the Dalai Lama as both a spiritual and political leader continues to be a major global issue.
Even though Lamaism is no longer an accurate term, it serves as a reminder of how cultural misunderstandings can shape history.
6. What Can We Learn from This?
The story of why Tibetan Buddhism was once called Lamaism teaches us several important lessons:
A. Understanding Different Cultures Requires Open-Mindedness
Early Western scholars made assumptions about Tibetan Buddhism without fully understanding it. This reminds us to study religions and cultures deeply before making judgments.
B. Religious Labels Can Create Misunderstandings
Calling Tibetan Buddhism ‘Lamaism’ made it seem separate from other Buddhist traditions, when in reality, it is a rich and authentic form of Buddhism. Labels matter when discussing religion and culture.
C. The Importance of Correcting Historical Mistakes
Modern scholars and Buddhist teachers have worked hard to educate the world about Tibetan Buddhism. Their efforts show that it is never too late to correct misunderstandings and spread accurate knowledge.
Tibetan Buddhism Is Not ‘Lamaism’
Tibetan Buddhism was once called Lamaism because of Western misunderstandings about the role of lamas, monastic life, and Buddhist teachings in Tibet. However, this term is no longer used because it wrongly suggests that Tibetan Buddhism is a separate religion rather than a legitimate Buddhist tradition.
Today, Tibetan Buddhism is recognized as one of the most influential Buddhist traditions in the world, with millions of followers across Tibet, Nepal, India, and beyond. By understanding its true history, we can appreciate its depth, wisdom, and enduring spiritual legacy.