Rinpoche, also spelled Rimpoche (Tibetan: རིན་པོ་ཆེ་, Wylie: rin po che, THL: Rinpoché, ZYPY: Rinboqê), is an honorific term used in the Tibetan language. It literally means "precious one", and may refer to a person, place, or thing—like the words "gem" or "jewel" (Sanskrit: Ratna).[1]
The word consists of rin (value), po (nominalizing suffix) and chen (big).
The word is used in the context of Tibetan Buddhism as a way of showing respect when addressing those recognized as reincarnated, older, respected, notable, learned and/or an accomplished Lamas or teachers of the Dharma.[2] It is also used as an honorific for abbots of Buddhist monasteries.
See also
Rinpoches, a partial list of a few spiritual teachers of past and present commonly addressed as Rinpoche.
Tulku, someone who is recognized as the rebirth of a previous practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism.
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