13 monks earn top degree in Tibetan Buddhism

The monk candidates were from some of the region's key monasteries, including Gandan, Sera, Drepung, Radren, Tashi Lhunpo, Dakpo Shadrubling and Champaling, as well as Dondrubling monastery in Yunnan province.

Following fierce competition, all 13 monks were awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa after the debate on Sunday. Tsultrim Gyaltsan, a 50-year-old monk from the Sera monastery in Lhasa won first place on Monday.

Since 2004, 177 Tibetan Buddhist monks have been awarded the degree of Geshe Lharampa.