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A Glimpse of Buddhist Scripture Debating at Sera

Buddhist scripture debating is a typical way for Tibetan monks to study Buddhist scriptures. The most famous Buddhist Scripture Debating in Tibet is at Sera Monastery. Let’s get a glimpse of Buddhist Scripture Debating at Sera Monastery in Lhasa. 

With a six-hundred-year tradition of debating about Buddhist scriptures, the Sera Monastery is one of the greatest dedications to Dge lugs pa, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism. If you want to know what Tibetan temples look like, Sera monastery is not to be missed during your Tibet tour, especially the Buddhist Scripture Debating which is the highlight of the monastery.  
 
 
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The Buddhist Scripture Debating looks like an aboil debate of wisdom, in which one sitting on a Tibetan rug, always answers, while the other standing with exaggerated body gestures, always asks. Despite not being able to understand what they say, many tourists still visit here, just to feel the atmosphere.  
 
Monks can be seen preparing for monastic exam by staging mock debates in the ritual way. Some sit cross-legged under the trees, while others run from group to group giving vigorous hand-claps to end a statement or make a point. Master and dignitaries sit on the raised tiers when a real exam takes place.
 
As a traditional characteristic of Tibetan Buddhism, debating helps monks deepen their understanding about Dharma. They are separated into different groups with two or more members. Usually, the standing ones are raising questions, and those sitting down need to respond. The questions could be any issues about Buddha’s Dharma.
 
 
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During debating, monks use a variety of gestures. Different gestures have different meaning. Raising their hands means thinking about Manjushri Bodhisattva’s sword, which is used to cut off evil ideas. Putting hands down means thinking about suppressing their own evil ideas. Sometimes, people are arrogant, assuming that they know everything, so they need to do this to get rid of these kinds of ideas."
 
 
Master Catherine Jigme

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

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