Twelve monks achieve highest Tibetan Buddhist degree at Jokhang Temple

Twelve monks obtained the Geshi Lharampa degree, the highest traditional degree in Tibetan Buddhism, at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Xizang autonomous region, on Wednesday.

The examination centered around intense debates about the five classic scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism. The assessment committee awarded Losang Phuntsog first place for outstanding performance.

"I am very pleased to have obtained the degree. In the future, I will continue to study and do what I can for the benefit of the Buddhist doctrine and all sentient beings," he said.

Local officials congratulated the 12 monks with dried fruit, robes and monetary gifts.

Since 2005, 189 monks have obtained the Geshi Lharampa degree, which is similar to a Ph.D. in Buddhist studies.