12 monks receive Buddhism's highest degree in Xizang(1/7)

Monks attend a debate activity for the degree of Geshe Lharampa in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)

Twelve monks obtained the degree of Geshe Lharampa following a sutra debate on Wednesday. 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.

Monks attend a debate activity for the degree of Geshe Lharampa in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)

Monks attend a debate activity for the degree of Geshe Lharampa in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)

Monks attend a debate activity for the degree of Geshe Lharampa in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)

Monks attend a debate activity for the degree of Geshe Lharampa in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)

A monk (L) receives a certificate for the degree of Geshe Lharampa in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)

Monks awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa pose for a group photo in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Li Lin)