Cultural ToursThe earliest debate originated in ancient India. In 782 AD, Tibetan ruler Trisong Detsen asked Chinese monk Mokyan and Indian monk Padmasambhava to debate gradual and sudden enlightenment at Samye Monastery. This first “Lhasa Debate” established the precedent for Tibetan Buddhist debate. Over the years, the practice of debate has only increased. In the 11th century, it reached Tibet via Atisha. Subsequently, Master Tsongkhapa elaborated on it, and it became a core practice method of the Gelugpa monastery step by step. In Sera Monastery, this tradition has been preserved for over 600 years. As you walk along the ancient buildings, you can almost hear the rhythm of history.
I. Time and place of Sera Monastery debate
Except on Sundays, there is a daily debating session from 3 pm to 5 pm. The debating garden is located at the north end of the passageway leading to the main entrance. At this time, many monks in red robes would queue up to enter the garden. Visitors are better to arrive half an hour earlier. In this way, they can outdo the pack’s stampede, obtain the best spots, and even have time to walk around and scout for shopping souvenirs like thangkas painted by hand and Tibetan incense.
II. Forms and rules of debate
The types of debate are highly diverse, and the most common of these are confrontation and thesis debate. In a confrontation debate, there are two debaters whose turns alternate; one questions while the other answers without the authority to counter-question, and after a while, their turns get swapped. In a thesis debate, a single monk asserts a point, and others can protest. One can answer with only “yes”, “no”, or “uncertain”, and evidence in support from both sides needs to be produced by Buddhist scriptures.
In such debates, the monks are organized into different groups and engage in one-on-one or one-on-many debates. Generally, the standing monk becomes the questioner, and the respondent sits. The questioners utilize a variety of symbolic and vivifying gestures to accentuate the debate. For example, waving their arms symbolizes the sword of Manjusri Bodhisattva cutting down ignorance. Plopping palms firmly on the ground indicates repression of greed, anger, and ignorance inside. Firm clapping serves two purposes: reminding the other side to respond hastily and, by its clear sound, conveying several things. If a response is delayed, the opposition is indicated on the other side by three claps. The debaters express gratitude if the debate is held to be successful by stomping on the floor. All this ritualistic and mysterious waving is so engaging that individuals not even conversant with the Tibetan language can enjoy watching this sight.
III. Content of the debate
The substance of the debate draws from the classic works of Tibetan Buddhism, the “Five Great Treatises”. These include the *Abhidharmakosha*, the *Madhyamika Shastra*, and others. The monks engage in intense debates and serious discussions on teachings and philosophical ideas contained in these classics. Through questioning and answering sessions, they gain in-depth understanding and insights into the Dharma. If you enjoy Buddhist culture, why not learn some pertinent information beforehand? Thus, you can realize the wisdom hidden there when you view the debates more easily.
IV. The meaning and value of the debate
For tourists, the Sera Monastery debate is a must-see spectacle of Tibetan culture. Even knowing nothing of Tibetan or Buddhism beforehand, it’s still easy to get some sense of debate passion from monks’ meaningful expressions and vivid body language. In Sera Monastery, you can sense the unique charm of Tibetan Buddhist culture alone. The single-minded passion and strong faith of the monks in their faith are so touching. This memorable journey will be one of the most worthwhile experiences of your Tibetan tourism, bringing to your travels a rich, warm color.
Conclusion
Desire to see the magnificent view of Sera Monastery debate? Come and have a glimpse! We are a professional Chinese tour agency that provides all travel services. In addition to comfortable travel and accommodation, our guides also conduct professional introductions to deliver in-depth insights into Tibetan Buddhist culture. If you are a first-time traveler to Tibet or an experienced Tibetan traveler, we can customize a special itinerary according to your requirements. Travel with us now and have a surprising adventure in Tibet!
