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Rinpoche, also spelledRimpoche (Tibetan:རིན་པོ་ཆེ་,Wylie:rin po che,THL:Rinpoché,ZYPY:Rinboqê), is an honorific term used in theTibetan language. It literally means "precious one", and may refer to a person, place, or thing—like the words "gem" or "jewel" (Sanskrit:Ratna).[1]
The word consists ofrin (value),po (nominalizing suffix) andchen (big).
The word is used in the context ofTibetan Buddhism as a way of showing respect when addressing those recognized asreincarnated, older, respected, notable, learned and/or an accomplishedLamas or teachers of theDharma.[2] It is also used as an honorific forabbots ofBuddhist monasteries.
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