lamaseries

A lamaserai, also spelled lamasery, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. These monastic institutions serve as centers for religious practice, education, and community life. Historically, lamaserais played a significant role in Tibetan society, often holding considerable political and economic influence. They are typically characterized by their unique architecture, featuring prayer halls, monks' quarters, administrative buildings, and often stupas or other religious monuments.

The term "lamaserai" is derived from "lama," a Tibetan honorific for a spiritual teacher. The inhabitants of a lamasarai are primarily monks, although some may also include nuns. These individuals dedicate their lives to Buddhist teachings, meditation, ritual, and the study of scripture. The daily life within a lamasarai is structured, with routines that include chanting, communal meals, and periods of study and meditation.

Lamaserais are found throughout Tibet and in Tibetan communities across the Himalayas and in other parts of the world. Prominent examples include the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, which, while having a broader historical function, also served as monastic centers. The monasteries are not only places of worship but also repositories of religious art, literature, and cultural traditions. Their establishment and development are deeply intertwined with the history and spread of Tibetan Buddhism.