Also 9 erron. llama. [Thibetan blama, the b being silent.] The title given to the Buddhist priests of Mongolia and Thibet. The chief Lamas of Thibet and Mongolia are called respectively Dalai (dalae or delli)-lama, or simply Dalai, and Tesho- or Teshu-lama; the former is the higher in dignity, and is known to Europeans as the ‘Grand Lama.’
The Dalai Lama lives in the strictest seclusion, and is worshipped with almost divine honors. When he dies, the lamas profess to search for a child who gives evidence that the soul of the deceased pontiff has entered into him; when found, the child succeeds to the office.
1654. trans. Martini’s Conq. China, 13. This Letter … he sent by one of their Indian Priests (whom they call Lama).
1698. J. Crull, Muscovy, 64. A certain High Priest, whom they call Dalae-Lama, or Lamalamalow.
1753. Hanway, Trav. (1762), I. II. xvi. 68. Their supreme deity is the delli lama.
1807. W. Irving, Life & Lett. (1864), I. 199. When surrounded like the grand Lama … by a crowd of humble adorers.
1876. Times, 15 May, 5/2. The greater in this last respect, we need hardly say, is the Dalai (or ‘Ocean’) Lama of Lhasa; the other is the Panchen Rinboché (‘Jewel Doctor’), or Teshu Lama of Tashi-lunpo.
1881. Ch. Bells, 10 Dec., 24/1. In spite of the determined antagonism of the preaching of the Shamans and Lamas from Mongolia.
1895. Waddell, Buddhism of Tibet, 1. Tibet, the mystic Land of the Grand Lama, joint God and King of many millions.
attrib. 1799. W. Tooke, View Russian Emp., II. 119. We find in the russian empire … the lama, and the schamane religions.
1861. Swinhoe, N. China Camp., 366. The majority of the llama temples were situated outside the wall.
Hence Lamaic a., of or pertaining to the lamas; believed or taught by the lamas. Lamaism (also lamism), the system of doctrine and observances inculcated and maintained by the lamas. Lamaist, one who professes lamaism; also attrib. Lamaistic a., of or pertaining to the lamaists. Lamaite = LAMAIST. Lamaitic a. = LAMAISTIC.
1814. trans. Klaproth’s Trav., 115. This is the greatest festival of the Lamaites.
1817. Edin. Rev., XXVIII. 313. Prayer is one of the principal duties enjoined by Lamaism.
1827. H. E. Lloyd, trans. Timbowski’s Trav., II. 207. Before the introduction of the Lamaic religion among them [the Mongols].
1834. Good’s Study Med. (ed. 4), III. 108. The cruel and senseless penances and punishments sustained in many of the convents and nunneries of Lamism.
1840. Carlyle, Heroes (1858), 188. I find Grand Lamaism itself to have a kind of truth in it.
1852. Blackw. Mag., LXXI. 347. The Lamaitic worship.
1883. Athenæum, 24 Feb., 242/1. The Lamaistic deviations from the simplicity of Gautama’s teaching.
1889. G. Kennan, in Century Mag., March, 657/2. The great annual festival of the lamaists in July.
1895. Waddell, Buddhism of Tibet, 287. The Lamaist temple is called ‘God’s house.’ Ibid., 298. The Lamaist sceptre or Dorje.
