12 monks obtain highest Tibetan Buddhism degree

Phuntsok Tandar, from Gandan Monastery, won first place on Friday, while Losang Tenzin, from Champaling Monastery in Chamdo city took the second place, and Losang Tenzin from Chamdo's Yendum Monastery secured the third place.

"Geshe Lharampa academic degree represents one of the grandest ceremonies of Tibetan Buddhism. I had opportunity to have the preliminary exam last year in the Sera Monastery, and it's my great honor to have the opportunity to attend the debating exam in front of the precious statue of the Buddha in the Jokhang Temple," said Phuntsok Tandar.

"Next, I will continue to focus on my learning in the field of Buddhism, and I will try my best to help my Dharma friends in the monastery."