Lamaism

[ lah-muh-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the Buddhism of Tibet and Mongolia, a Mahayana form including non-Buddhist Indian elements as well as elements of the preexisting Bön shamanism.

Lamaism

/ ˈlɑːməˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the Mahayana form of Buddhism of Tibet and Mongolia See also Dalai Lama

Derived Forms

• ˌLamaˈistic, adjective
• ˈLamaist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• Lama·ist noun
• Lama·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lamaism¹

First recorded in 1810–20; lama + -ism

Example Sentences

Yet one cannot leave the subject of the Lhasa monasteries without remarking on the striking resemblance between Tibetan Lamaism and the Romish Church.

From Project Gutenberg

The entire region is overwhelmed by the intellectual stagnation and moral rottenness of Mohammendanism, except Tibet, which is the stronghold of Lamaism, a corrupt form of Buddhism.

From Project Gutenberg

Certain it is, that while the government of Pekin suffers its own bonzes and priests to remain in the most abject condition, it has always honored and encouraged Lamaism in Tartary and Thibet.

From Project Gutenberg

By custom one or more sons of every family are dedicated to the priesthood, and as Lamaism requires its priests to be celibate, the birth rate is low.

From Project Gutenberg

It is said that the Chinese Government has encouraged Lamaism with the idea of keeping down the population; in this way it would avert the danger of Mongol invasion.

From Project Gutenberg