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Are the titles “lama” and “rinpoche” given or self-proclaimed?

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Are the titles “lama” and “rinpoche”, referring to a Buddhist teacher or leader, titles that are granted? Or are they titles that someone can give themselves? Or both? By “granted” I mean they require someone to have some form of formal qualifications (as how US pastors are required to have a bachelors degree); religious training (similar to Catholic priests going to a seminary); or backing of a community (general consensus that this person is worthy of the title, regardless of whether they were formally trained or self-taught). By “give themselves” I mean, can they refer to a person who teaches and guides others how to practice forms of Buddhism, either formally or informally, but independently of an institution? Thanks.
Asked by Richard Cosgrove (133 rep)
Apr 15, 2022, 12:00 PM
Last activity: Apr 18, 2022, 12:12 PM