Buddhist Dharma Names Explained: A Complete Guide
A complete guide to Buddhist dharma names — their origins, meanings, and role in practice. Learn how dharma names are given, used, and understood in Tibetan Buddhism.
What Is a Dharma Name?
A dharma name (Sanskrit: dharmanama, Tibetan: ཆོས་མིང, choe ming) is a name received upon formally becoming a Buddhist practitioner. The term "dharma name" is often used interchangeably with "refuge name" or "Buddhist name," though there are subtle distinctions. In the Tibetan tradition, a dharma name is specifically the name received during the refuge ceremony (Tibetan: skyab dro), when a practitioner formally takes refuge in the Three Jewels. This name represents the practitioner's new identity as a follower of the Buddha's path and their connection to the lineage of teachers.
The practice of giving dharma names dates back to the time of the Buddha himself, who gave names to his disciples upon ordination. In the Tibetan tradition, this practice was transmitted from India and developed its own distinctive character. Tibetan dharma names typically incorporate Tibetan translations of Sanskrit Buddhist terms, creating names that are both meaningful in the Tibetan language and connected to the broader Buddhist tradition. The name is recorded in the refuge certificate and is used in formal Buddhist ceremonies and practices.
The Structure of Dharma Names
Tibetan dharma names typically follow specific patterns. Many incorporate "Choekyi" (ཆོས་ཀྱི), meaning "Of the Dharma," as an element — for example, "Choekyi Wangmo" (Powerful Lady of the Dharma) or "Choekyi Yeshe" (Wisdom of the Dharma). "Tenzin" (བསྟན་འཛིན), meaning "Holder of the Teachings," is another common element, as in "Tenzin Dorje" or "Tenzin Dolma." "Yeshe" (Wisdom), "Sherab" (Wisdom/Knowledge), "Jangchub" (Enlightenment), and "Tharpa" (Liberation) frequently appear as second elements, creating names that express the ultimate goals of Buddhist practice.
Some dharma names incorporate the teacher's own name or name elements, establishing a visible connection between student and teacher. A student of a lama named "Tenzin" might receive the name "Tenzin Yeshe" or "Tenzin Dolma," incorporating the teacher's name as a prefix. This practice creates a lineage connection that is visible in the name itself and reinforces the bond between teacher and student that is central to Tibetan Buddhist practice.
The Ceremony of Bestowing a Dharma Name
The dharma name is bestowed during the refuge ceremony, which typically includes making offerings to the Three Jewels, reciting the refuge prayer, and receiving the name from the teacher. The teacher may perform a divination to determine the most suitable name for the student, considering their spiritual disposition, aspirations, and connection to particular buddhas or bodhisattvas. The name is given with a blessing, and the practitioner is encouraged to use it in their practice and to reflect on its meaning regularly.
Using Your Dharma Name in Practice
A dharma name is not merely a formality but an active tool for spiritual development. Practitioners are encouraged to use their dharma name when participating in Buddhist ceremonies, when receiving teachings, and in their personal meditation practice. Contemplating the meaning of the name — breaking it down into its constituent syllables and reflecting on each element — can be a powerful meditation in itself. The name serves as a constant reminder of one's commitment to the dharma and the qualities one is cultivating, making it a companion on the entire spiritual journey from first refuge to full awakening.