Monks chase Buddhism's highest degree

Lamas seeking the religion's most-advanced academic title are judged by 20 examiners and 400 peers in preliminary tests

Ngawang Sogdoi, a 34-year-old monk in the Tibet autonomous region, is the most anxious he has ever been. On Monday, Ngawang, along with eight other candidates, began a seven-day preliminary examination needed to earn the Geshe Lharampa, the equivalent of a doctorate in his school of Buddhism.

Geshe Lharampa, which means "intellectual" in the Tibetan language, is the highest academic title in the Gelug school of Buddhism. Since 2005, more than 100 monks have received the degree in Tibet. Most of the degree holders are older than 40, making Ngawang one of the youngest candidates.