Rinpoche is a title in Tibetan Buddhism which may be given to a religious teacher known as a lama. The word "Rinpoche" literally means "precious one".

In Tibet and Bhutan, when used as "Guru Rinpoche" it refers to Padmasambhava, who first brought Tibetan Buddhism to the Himalayas. When used as "Je Rinpoche", it refers to Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug School. view more...