Tibetan monk eyes Buddhism’s highest degree
Print Edition
NGAWANG Sogdoi, a 34-year-old monk in the Tibet Autonomous Region, is very anxious these days.
Ngawang, along with eight other candidates, took a seven-day preliminary examination needed to earn the Geshe Lharampa — the equivalent of a doctoral degree 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, slightly more than 100 monks have received the degree in Tibet. Most of the degree holders are over 40 years old, making Ngawang one of the youngest candidates.
Drepung Monastery, where the preliminary test of the examination takes place, is crowded as usual. At Tsogchen (Great Chanting Hall), candidates are tested by more than 20 examiners and 400 peers who can also raise questions.
The history of Lharampa goes back 400 years.
“It is the dream of almost all monks to reach such a level,” says Ngawang, who became a monk at the age of eight, and started learning scriptures at the age of 15.
“I finished the ‘Five Classics of Buddhism’ at the age of 28,” he says. Ngawang’s brother is also a Lharampa degree holder.
The Lharampa examination takes the form of debate, questions and answers. Ngawang is from the Rato Monastery in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa. He goes through two examinations a year, but none is more demanding than the Lharampa exam.
A test of brains
“It is a test of brains, physical strength, stamina and devotion to Buddhism,” he says.
The examination started at 9am and did not end until afternoon. Candidates barely drank any water for two hours during the debate.
“The Geshe exam brings together high monks from many monasteries. I’m the only one from my monastery to take the exam. I have many things to worry about,” Ngawang says.
Emphatic clapping during the examination conveys the intensity of the debate for outsiders, and it serves as a quick reminder for Ngawang to stay focused in his interpretation of Buddhism.
“If I give an answer that does not quite address the question, the examiner will clap his hands and sometimes speak up loudly to correct me,” he says.
“Through the study of Buddhism, I have learned several ways to stay calm, and I am grateful for that,” he says.
Ngawang gets up at 6am and spends nearly 11 hours each day learning scriptures and other lessons at Rato Monastery.
“To prepare for such a high-level examination, I have had to put in extra work, and when I lie down, it is usually 1am,” he says.
Drepung Monastery is not closed to visitors during the exam season, so tourists may observe the examination.
“Standing here, I can imagine the long history of this monastery, and I am very lucky to see such an examination as part of the Tibetan culture,” said Franz from Germany, giving only his first name.
When Ngawang finishes the preliminary test, he will have to wait until April next year to take the final test at Jokhang Temple.
In 2016, Ngawang also attended the high-level Tibetan Buddhism College of China in Beijing to further his study. His studies at the college will also earn him a doctoral degree in the academic field.
Ngawang traveled to Tianjin, Chengde and Shanghai during his studies in Beijing and speaks fluent Mandarin.
“My aim is to continue to study every single day. After the examination I will return to my monastery. I’m a quiet person, and it’s best for me to spend the rest of my life learning in the monastery,” he says.
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