In the Tibetan language, the word “Lama” is a compound of the words “La” and “Ma”.  The word “La” in Tibetan is spelled bla.  This word refers to something that is higher, in position and/or in virtue and spirituality and generally refers to someone who has taken on the responsibility of guiding others.  This is also the term that is used for the equivalent of “soul” in English, although the meanings are slightly different.  The word “Ma” means mother.  Therefore, “Lama” refers to someone that is higher in spiritual development who guides followers, a mother for the soul.