A lama is a spiritual leader or teacher in Tibetan Buddhism, often a monk who has achieved a high level of spiritual enlightenment. The term "lama" means "venerable one" or "superior one" and is used to refer to respected monks or priests who guide others on the path of Buddhist practice. Some lamas are believed to be reincarnations of previous spiritual masters and hold important religious roles, including performing sacred rituals and providing teachings. The most well-known lama is the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet itself.

Additionally, in Tibetan Buddhism, a lama is not just a generic monk but a guru or advanced spiritual guide possessing qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and realization of the true nature of reality. They are highly revered within their communities and are often seen as embodying spiritual ideals to help others on their spiritual journey.