panchen lama: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Religious
Quick answer
What does “panchen lama” mean?
The second-highest-ranking lama in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, considered a major spiritual leader and the reincarnation of Amitabha Buddha.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The second-highest-ranking lama in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, considered a major spiritual leader and the reincarnation of Amitabha Buddha.
A title for a lineage of high lamas in Tibetan Buddhism, traditionally the teacher of the Dalai Lama and a key figure in the religious and political history of Tibet. The role is central to the Tibetan Buddhist system of reincarnation (tulku).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Usage is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same religious, historical, and political connotations in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in contexts related to religion, Asian studies, or international politics.
Grammar
How to Use “panchen lama” in a Sentence
[The] Panchen Lama + [verb] (e.g., resides, teaches)[Subject] + recognise/appoint + the Panchen LamaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “panchen lama” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Panchen Lama succession is a complex process.
- Panchen Lama recognition has been controversial.
American English
- The Panchen Lama recognition process is disputed.
- It's a key Panchen Lama institution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, political science, and Asian studies texts discussing Tibetan Buddhism or Sino-Tibetan relations.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation outside of specific news contexts.
Technical
A technical term within Tibetan Buddhist theology and hierarchy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “panchen lama”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “panchen lama”
- Incorrect: 'a Panchen Lama' (when referring to the specific title holder). Correct: 'the Panchen Lama'.
- Incorrect: 'Panchen Lama is in Tibet.' Correct: 'The Panchen Lama is in Tibet.'
- Misspelling as 'Panchan Lama' or 'Panchen Llama'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the Dalai Lama is considered the highest spiritual authority. The Panchen Lama is the second-highest and traditionally acts as the Dalai Lama's teacher.
Due to the political controversy surrounding the identification and recognition of the 11th Panchen Lama, with China and the Tibetan government-in-exile supporting different candidates.
'Panchen' is a Tibetan abbreviation of 'Pandita Chenpo', meaning 'Great Scholar' or 'Great Learned One'.
Historically and within traditional Gelug school doctrine, the Panchen Lama is always identified as a male reincarnation (tulku).
The second-highest-ranking lama in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, considered a major spiritual leader and the reincarnation of Amitabha Buddha.
Panchen lama is usually formal, academic, religious in register.
Panchen lama: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpæn.tʃən ˈlɑː.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpæn.tʃən ˈlɑː.mə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PAN' (bread) + 'CHEN' (sounds like 'chain') + 'LAMA'. Imagine a chain of lamas, each one a new link (reincarnation), sitting on a giant pancake (pan). The 'chen' reminds you it's a 'great' (chen means great in Tibetan) pancake chain of spiritual leaders.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING TREASURE (of wisdom); A BRIDGE (between spiritual and temporal realms); A SUCCESSOR IN A CHAIN (of reincarnation).
Practice
Quiz
What does the title 'Panchen Lama' primarily designate?