13 monks earn top degree in Tibetan Buddhism

A dharma debating exam for the 2023 Geshe Lharampa degree in Tibetan Buddhism unfolded at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, on April 23, 2023. [Photo by Phenthok/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The monk candidates were from some of the region's key monasteries, including Gandan, Sera, Drepung, Radren, Tashi Lhunpo, Dakpo Shadrubling and Champaling, as well as Dondrubling monastery in Yunnan province.

Following fierce competition, all 13 monks were awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa after the debate on Sunday. Tsultrim Gyaltsan, a 50-year-old monk from the Sera monastery in Lhasa won first place on Monday.

Since 2004, 177 Tibetan Buddhist monks have been awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa.