Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026. Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)
LHASA, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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, the 13 monks attended the debate and award ceremony held at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, the regional capital.
"I have dedicated 37 years to Buddhist scriptural study," said 53-year-old Ngawang Lekshe, who clinched first prize in the debate, adding that he is filled with hope and confidence that he will continue to deepen his study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism.
Since 2004, a total of 215 Tibetan Buddhist monks have been awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa. ■
Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026.
Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026.
Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)
Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026.
Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026.
Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026.
Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Monks attend a sutra debate and award ceremony conferring the title of Geshe Lharampa at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, April 5, 2026.
Thirteen monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Sunday 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. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)
