Ajari

Ajari is a term used in Buddhist and Hindu contexts to denote a teacher or master. It is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word ācārya, which broadly means teacher, preceptor, or learned scholar. In many traditions, an ajari is expected to have deep study, realization, and the authority to instruct others in the Dharma and sometimes to transmit lineages.

In Buddhist lineages, ajari can be a formal title for a senior teacher who has been recognized by a lineage and authorized to teach, give Dharma transmission, and sometimes ordain students. The exact criteria for being named an ajari vary by tradition and school; some require formal recognition by a senior teacher, demonstration of experiential understanding, and a verified Dharma lineage.

The use and status of the title are not universal. Different Buddhist communities use a range of terms for senior teachers, such as roshi, sensei, lama, or guru, and the prestige associated with ajari can differ between lineages and cultures. In some tantric or Vajrayana contexts, an ajari may hold significant responsibility for transmitting specific initiations or practices, while in others the term may be more honorary.

See also: ācārya; guru; dharma transmission; teacher-student lineage; Zen and Japanese Buddhist terms.