1. Tibetan/Mongolian priest
A
teacher of Tibetan Buddhism. Could literally mean either 'Spiritual one' or be from 'La', meaning highest, and 'ma', meaning mother.
The term 'Lama' especially refers to a
teacher (guru) of Tantra, but also to the enlightened nature (or 'inner
teacher') of such gurus - but not to just any Tibetan monk.
Similarly, it is used in other honorific terms such as 'Dalai Lama', which specifically refer to reincarnated Lamas.
2. Genus
The term 'lama' also refers to the genus of camelids that includes llamas and alpacas. It also is used in reference to female llamas.
Llama: Lama glama
Alpaca: Lama pacos
Guanaco: Lama huonaeus
3. Laughing Ass Majorly Away
Self-explanatory really.
4. Common mispelling of animal, llama
This has led to many
people declaring the incorrect phrase 'Lama lama
duck!', thinking that they are referencing a certain Flash animation. Moreover this has led to the
random and often pointless insertion of the word 'Lama' into conversation - highly confusing for some.
Properly applied, this term refers to
one who has developed the highest qualities and therefore directly perceives all beings impartially with the selfless love and compassion of a mother for an only child.
"
Llama! Lama,
duck!"
