Watch the Monks Debate
In the Gelugpa and Sakya traditions, monastery lamas are required to take part in the debates to further their study of Buddhism and progress to more advanced concepts. For this purpose, debates - both training and actual ones - are held on almost daily basis at the monasteries - some of which the visitors can witness. The debates are usually an hour to two hours long, and monks - splitting themselves into groups of usually 3 to 6 people (although we've seen larger groups) - will debate different points of the Buddhist teachings. One monk - the 'debate leader' - illustrates the theory and then gets everybody involved into the discussion. Words are most often supplemented by clapping of hands, or sometimes even physical pushing for an answer!Where?The most famous monastery that allows you to see the debate is the Sera monastery (usually from 3pm in the afternoons, Monday to Friday). We've...
