lamasery

Tibetan religious center

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June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

A lamasery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The term "lamasery" is considered incorrect by some for referring to Tibetan Buddhism and its monasteries, with "lama" originally meaning a spiritual leader or guru.12

Lamasaries served not only as religious centers but also as banks, judicial courts, schools, and social hubs for the laity. Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Tibet around the 7th century CE and became deeply integrated into all aspects of Tibetan life. The art within these centers is primarily didactic and symbolic, requiring knowledge of Tibetan religion and symbolism for full appreciation.345

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monasticism
Other purposes
Vajrayana (Tantric or Esoteric) Buddhist lamasery (monastic religious centre), for example, may serve not only as a dispenser of spiritual counsel but also as a bank, a judicial court, a school, and a social centre for the laity. Some unusual nonreligious functions for which monasteries have been used include coaching…
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Vajrayana (Tantric or Esoteric) Buddhist lamasery (monastic religious centre), for example, may serve not only as a dispenser of spiritual counsel but also as a bank, a judicial court, a school, and a social centre for the laity. Some unusual nonreligious functions for which monasteries have been used include coaching…
Read More