Rinpoche

Rinpoche [alt. Rimpoche] (T. rin po che རིན་པོ་ཆེ་), is an honorific term used in the Tibetan language. It literally means "precious one", and may be used to refer to a person, place, or thing--like the words "gem" or "jewel" (Sanskrit Ratna).

The word is used in the context of Tibetan Buddhism as a way of showing respect when addressing respected, notable, learned and/or an accomplished Lamas or teachers.