Being a Dilly Llama is no easy task. It takes years of training and a lifetime of hard work. Ranging from his signature hand sign to the almost meditative atmosphere he creates, the characteristic details of the Dilly Llama have been noticed by many students and faculty alike. But what exactly makes the Dilly Llama a Dilly Llama? Can you, too, become a Dilly Llama? And most importantly, what is the Dilly Llama way of life?

As implied by the title, the “Dilly Llama” originates from the title “Dalai Lama,” the head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and the face of East Asian meditation. The term is part of the full title “Holiness Knowing Everything Vajradhara Dalai Lama.” However, in Room 203, the title takes on a far more local and far more laid-back meaning.

James Dillhoff, the current Politics & Law and AP Economics teacher, has fully embraced his alter ego: the Dilly Llama. The nickname, coined by his students years ago, stuck after his noticeably calm demeanor during test return days. While some teachers might brace for the wave of student hostility, Mr. Dillhoff simply leans back, smiles, and says his trademark line: “No drama llama.” He, of course, does this with his hands, forming the rough shape of a llama. By joining the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together and sticking out the index and pinky fingers, Mr. Dillhoff forms what he calls the “Drama Llama.” This gesture has become widespread among his students; some claim it brings good luck before a big test; others say it has magical stress-relieving effects.

“It has to be some sort of meditation technique,” Joonho Kim (12), Nepali and Tibetan culture expert, said. “During my many travels to the Himalayan region, I saw many similar forms of hand gestures meant to ease tensions in the mind. Though I do not think the Drama Llama hand sign focuses on chi points, the sensation of the three fingers touching each other and the other two stretching out seems to relax the hand muscles to a certain degree.”

In a period where academic stress and pressure run rampant, the Dilly Llama philosophy serves as a strong reminder that composure and humor go a long way. Because of this, students have come to appreciate the Dilly Llama’s relaxed yet purposeful energy. Some individuals even go so far as to attempt to reach the Dilly Llama enlightenment themselves.

“One reason why I shaved my head was because I was stressed,” William Park (12), buzz recipient, said. “After listening to Mr. Dilhoff explain the concept of the no Drama Llama and trying the motions for myself, I noticed a pronounced difference in my emotional health. It might not necessarily be the action itself, but knowing that there is someone out there who genuinely cares for your mental health is comforting; even more so because of the funny way it is packaged.”

For those hoping to reach Dilly Llama enlightenment, the master has simple advice:

“No drama llama.”