Lama is a priest of the Buddhist religion in Tibet or Mongolia. Lamas live in monasteries called lamaseries. The word lama means a superior, and is applied only to higher grades of monks. In Tibet there are two chief lamas, called grand lamas. One, the Dalai Lama, is the leading religious authority. He was also the political ruler of Tibet until 1959. The Panchen Lama is a spiritual leader. Lamas officiate at all religious ceremonies and festivals.
