Notes on Interacting with Rinpoches and Geshes

Greeting the Teacher:

Presenting a Khata (silk scarf) is a greeting in the Tibetan tradition. It is usually handed to a Geshe or Rinpoche, especially when one has an audience with the teacher, at the end of a teaching or initiation, on special occasions, or at Dharma festivals. Once presented, the lama usually returns the Khata by placing it around the practitioner’s neck, giving you a blessing.

Addressing the Teacher:

Tulkus (i.e., reincarnated lamas), referred to as “Rinpoche,” and when speaking of them, one refers to them by their name as well as their title, for example, “Name” Rinpoche.” In addressing very high Tulkus, such as His Holiness the Karmapa or the Dalai Lama, one would refer to them as: “Your Holiness. In some instances, the term “Kyabje” is used: “Kyabje (Name) Rinpoche.”

The title “Geshe” (pronounced ge-shey) means teacher of the highest degree and is usually supplemented with the addition of the Tibetan honorific suffix “la.” However, the honorific “la” can be used with any name (e.g., Tashi la, Tsering la, or Dorje la) as a sign of respect. Using this honorific to address monks and nuns is very respectful.

Before the Teaching

Please arrive early to avoid disturbing the class once it has started. This consideration also shows that you value the teachings and the teacher. If you must enter the shrine room after meditation sessions or teachings have begun, please do so as quickly and quietly as possible to avoid disturbing others.

Avoid loud talking or laughing around the teaching area. Sit quietly, and be calm and receptive.

Visitors and students are welcome to bring offerings for the altar (i.e., flowers, fruit, or food for our teachers or the food bank). Items should be clean, and fruit should be washed and placed in a container so it isn’t placed directly on the altar.

When the Teacher Enters and Exits

Please stand when a teacher enters or leaves a room. It is also typical to bow slightly towards the teacher with one’s hands at the heart as a symbol of prostrating. Once the teacher has taken their seat, attendees make three prostrations. After the teaching, attendees perform three prostrations before the teacher leaves the shrine room.