Kyabjé 怙主 / 依怙主

Kyabjé (wyl. skyabs rje) is a mark of respect reserved for the seniormost lamas of the tradition, whose realization and powers are extraordinary. For example among today's Nyingmapa lamas it is used for the likes of Trulshik Rinpoche, Penor Rinpoche, Chatral Rinpoche, Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche and Minling Trichen Rinpoche. The term means lord (jé) of refuge (kyab), signifying someone who, on account of his or her extraordinary realization, has the capacity to protect us from the suffering of samsara and its causes, the disturbing emotions. It is sometimes rendered into English as 'His Holiness' or 'His Eminence'.