Over 100 lamas in China get top Tibetan Buddhism degree

Ten Tibetan lamas obtained the top academic degree in Tibetan Buddhism studies following a sutra debate today, taking the total number of holders of such a degree above 100.
At the Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region, the candidates who passed the tests and sutra debate were awarded the "Gexe Lharampa," equivalent to a doctorate in Gelug, one of the six lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.
Gexe means knowledgeable, and Lharampa is the highest among all four ranks in the Gexe system.
A total of 105 lamas in Tibet have been awarded the degree since the test resumed in 2004. The test was suspended after riots in Tibet against Chinese rule in 1988.

Ngawang Chophel, one of the 30 judges on the examination panel, acquired the degree 11 years ago. To date, six of his 50-plus students have received the degree.
"I am delighted at seeing more and more lamas acquiring the Gexe Lharampa degree. I believe inheriting the traditional sutra education system is positive for Buddhist affairs, temple harmony and social peace in Tibet," he said.