12 monks receive doctoral degree equivalent in Tibetan Buddhism

A monk (L) receives a certificate for the degree of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

LHASA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Geshe Lharampa is the highest degree in the exoteric teachings of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, equivalent to a doctoral degree in modern education.

Hailing from Xizang Autonomous Region and southwest China's Yunnan Province, the 12 monks attended the debate and award ceremony held at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the regional capital.

"I'm very happy that I was awarded the degree today after studying the five Tibetan Buddhism classics for more than 20 years," said 40-year-old Losang Phuntsog, adding that he would pass on what he learned to more monks.

Since 2004, a total of 189 Tibetan Buddhist monks have been awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa. ■

Monks attend a sutra debate at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

Monks attend a sutra debate at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

A monk (R) receives a certificate for the degree of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

Monks attend a sutra debate at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

Monks awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa pose for a group photo at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

Monks attend a sutra debate at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)

Monks attend a sutra debate at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate Wednesday in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)