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Glite Dictionary
Lamaism

Lamaism

9.9
A Tibetan form of Buddhism that mixes teachings with local shaman beliefs
  • noun
  • /ˈleɪməˌɪzəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : lamaismo
  • Many followers of Lamaism engage in rituals that reflect both Buddhist teachings and indigenous beliefs.

Examples

  • There are many Tibetan legends that tell of the confrontation and subduing of the early Bon religion by Lamaism.

    Academic text (1990)

  • In effect, Lamaism and shamanism in Tamang culture have worked out a truce.

    Academic text (1990)

  • It wasn't called "Lamaism" for nothing.

    Blog text (26)

  • The myth says the bombo had not been entirely successful in this latter task, therefore creating the need for Lamaism in the first place (see Peters 1981).

    Academic text (1990)

  • "Lamaism" was a late 19th-century term coined by early Western Orientalists (itself a suspect term) operating from deep-set theistic bias and speculating in ignorance.

    Blog text (26)

  • Lamaism is a rich tradition that blends Lamaism with local shamanistic practices.

  • Understanding Lamaism requires exploring its integration of Indian Buddhism and local shamanistic elements.

Synonyms

Tibetan Buddhism
vsLamaism
1 4.7

A form of Buddhism from Tibet that mixes Indian teachings with Tibetan religion

is similar but highlights shamanism and other local religious elements

Surface Forms

Lamaism singular
Lamaisms plural

Morphology

Lamaism = lama (transparent) = lama + ism

The noun is a regular formation from 'lama' + the productive suffix '-ism' meaning a doctrine or practice associated with lamas, so the meaning is directly derivable.

Etymology

Lamaism comes from the Tibetan word lama, meaning 'teacher', plus the ending -ism, which means 'belief or practice'. So Lamaism names the form of Tibetan Buddhism built around these spiritual teachers and local rituals.