The lama, or spiritual teacher, plays a vital role in Bön, the indigenous Tibetan religion that predates Buddhism. In Bön, the lama is seen as a guide and a source of wisdom and knowledge for practitioners. They are highly respected and revered for their spiritual knowledge and guidance.

One of the main roles of the lama in Bön is to transmit the teachings and practices of the religion to their students. This transmission is known as the "lung," which means oral transmission. The lama is responsible for passing down the teachings and practices accurately and authentically to their students, ensuring the preservation and continuation of Bön.

The lama also serves as a spiritual mentor and guide for their students. They provide advice, support, and guidance on the spiritual path, helping their students to overcome obstacles and deepen their understanding of Bön. The relationship between a lama and their students is highly personal and based on mutual respect and trust.

In Bön, the lama is also seen as a source of blessings and protection. They are believed to have a deep connection with the deities and spirits of the Bön pantheon, and through their prayers and rituals, they can invoke their blessings and protection for their students. The lama also performs rituals and ceremonies for the benefit of the community, such as healing rituals, purification ceremonies, and rituals to appease local spirits.

Another important role of the lama in Bön is to guide their students on the path to enlightenment. The lama is seen as a living embodiment of the teachings and a model for their students to follow. They provide instruction on meditation, visualization, and other spiritual practices to help their students develop their inner wisdom and compassion.

In addition to their spiritual role, the lama also serves as a leader and administrator within the Bön community. They oversee the functioning of monasteries and temples, organize events and festivals, and make important decisions for the community. The lama is also responsible for training and ordaining new lamas to ensure the continuation of the Bön tradition.

In conclusion, the lama plays a multifaceted role in Bön, serving as a teacher, mentor, guide, protector, and leader. They are essential to the preservation and propagation of Bön and are highly respected and revered by practitioners for their wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual guidance.