Everyone within them has a precious treasure, a seed waiting to blossom---the potential for complete enlightenment. With the aid of a teacher that precious potential can be discovered. It is through the kindness of a spiritual guide that one gains understanding and discovers their enlightened nature.

A lama (Tib. for the Sanskrit term guru) is a Buddhist teacher who guides the practitioner on the path to enlightenment. A lama can either be a retreat master (drupay lama) who has excelled in practice, or a holder of the lineage who has the authority to transmit all of the teachings to the student. Literally, the word "lama" in Tibetan means one's highest mother, because a lama is a spiritual mother to all beings.

As explained by the 3rd Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, a spiritual friend does not just repeat the words of the Buddha's teachings. A spiritual friend guides the practitioner through all appearances, words and expressions. This is really what a "lama" really is to the practitioner.

Some recent and prominent masters of the Buddha's teachings are included on this site, organized according to Buddhist tradition. Please explore the links below of teachers within the various Buddhist Lineages.