From Jun. 23, 11 lamas took part in the six-day "summer exam" for the "Lharampa Geshe" degree in Sera Monastery, Lhasa. [Photo/China Tibet Online]

LHASA, Jun. 30(China Tibet Online) From Jun. 23, a total of 11 lamas took part in the six-day "summer exam" for the "Lharampa Geshe" degree in Sera Monastery, Lhasa, capital of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region.

According to Drukhang Thubten Khedrup, president of the Tibet Branch of the Buddhist Association, in the last week, 11 monks from Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Ganden Monastery in Lhasa, as well as Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse and Champa Ling Monastery in Chamdo, participated in the "summer exam" in Sera Monastery. The candidates, who have undergone rigorous assessments, are learned in religious doctrines, and proficient in the "Five Great Sutras" of Tibetan Buddhism.

Each year examinations are organized in Lhasa’s three major monasteries by The Tibet Branch of the Buddhist Association of China usually. Monks must undergo a rigorous pre-examination and final sutra debate in order to obtain the "Geshe" degree.

The "summer exam" includes sutra debating and tests on political and academic subjects. During this examination, 11 candidates will be ranked based on their scores of sutra debating and academic tests.

Palbar Tsering, a member of the Tibet Branch of the Buddhist Association of China, said that during the exam, Tibetan Buddhist authorities strictly implement the "Regulations on Religious Affairs" and "Measures for Tibet Autonomous Region to Implement ‘Regulations on Religious Affairs’ (Trial)", in a bid to select and nurture more highly qualified lamas, better meet the needs of Buddhist followers, as well as encourage monks to advance their studies and carry forward the fine traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

During this year’s Central United Front Work Conference, President Xi Jinping emphasized that religion should be handled by legal means and guided to adapt to the socialist society. Historically, the social adaptation of religion is a natural trend and pattern so that religion may continue to survive and develop. Because of this, both local and alien religions must continue to adapt to the social development of the country progress with the times.

In Tibetan, Geshe means "good knowledge". The "Lharampa Geshe" is the highest degree of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, equivalent to the doctoral degree in the modern academic system. The success of the "Lharampa Geshe" degree exam fully reflects the freedom of religious belief in China. It not only safeguards the monks’ legal rights to study scriptures and cultivate themselves, but also encourages them to continuously advance their religious studies, as well as actively promote the adaption of Tibetan Buddhism to the socialist society.

In 1988, examinations for the "Lharampa Geshe" degree were suspended for certain reasons. The "Lharampa Geshe" exam was resumed in order to fully implement the national policy of religious freedom, safeguard the legal rights of monks and encourage monks to continuously improve their religious learning.

There are currently two examination systems in Tibetan Buddhism one is the "Lharampa Geshe" degree system, the other is the "Tho Ram Pa" advanced degree system.

The "Lharampa Geshe" degree exam is held twice a year, with one in summer (pre-exam) and one in winter (final exam). Monks who pass the pre-examination must then take part in sutra debates on difficult questions of Tibetan Buddhism posed to them by eminent monks from the Ganden Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery respectively during the great prayer ceremony in Jokhang Temple held during the following Losar (Tibetan new year) before they can finally obtain their degree.

So far, a total of 84 lamas have been awarded with the "Lharampa Geshe" degree.

The "Tho Ram Pa" advanced degree system was established in 2004. Lamas must have a special training at the High-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China, and pass the graduation exam before participating in the "Tho Ram Pa" degree exam, which includes sutra debating and dissertation defending tests.

Candidates can obtain the advanced degree only after meeting the requirements of successful sutra debating and dissertation defending.