China news agency Shigatse October 15 electric
question: Panchen Lama Tashilhunpo participate in high-level debate by
China News Agency reporter Lu Mei
Recently, Panchen Erdeni Chökyijebu, member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, vice-chairman of the Chinese Buddhist Association, and chairman of the Tibet branch of the Chinese Buddhist Association, participated in a high-level debating activity at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse City, Tibet Autonomous Region.
On October 6th, the high-level debating scene of Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Photo by China News Agency reporter He Penglei
Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Gelugpa monasteries follow the order of study established by Master Tsongkhapa, first revealing the sect and then tantra. They emphasize a step-by-step, step-by-step learning process. In the study of the religion, they pay special attention to the training of the scriptures.
The highest degree of Xianzong at Tashilhunpo Monastery is Geshe Gachin, and the current academic system of Xianzong's "Five Dalun" is 18 years.
The 11th Panchen Lama has completed more than 20 years of training since he was sitting in bed, and he has completed the study of "Five Majors" and other courses.
In order to participate in the high-level debate at Tashilhunpo Monastery, he carefully prepared several days.
On October 6, the 11th Panchen Lama held a debate with the eminent monks at the high-level debating scene at Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Photo by China News Agency reporter He Penglei
The debate activity of the day kicked off in the evening.
The 11th Panchen Lama came to the balcony on the second floor of the Dogga Courtyard of Tashilhunpo Monastery and ascended to the throne accompanied by the chanting and prayers of more than 300 monks.
When the debate officially began, the eminent monk Gaqin Lobsang Cicheng walked to the 11th Panchen Lama, and then slowly eased the monk's robe and wrapped it around his waist. From the "Five Dalun" Prajna (Mahayana) The first part of monasticism) began to clap and ask questions.
On October 6, the 11th Panchen Lama held a debate with the eminent monks at the high-level debating scene at Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Photo by China News Agency reporter He Penglei
Debating scriptures is one of the teaching and assessment methods of Tibetan Buddhism, and clapping and asking questions is its unique form.
The questioner stepped back and threw the rosary on his left arm with his right hand. While stepping forward, the right hand was raised high, patted loudly on the left palm, and asked the question.
That night, the monks in the Dormitory Institute also started debating the scriptures one after another, and there were applause and questioning, and the atmosphere was warm.
Under the eminent monk’s step-by-step questioning, the 11th Panchen Lama looked calm, combining classic teachings with logical reasoning, rigorous thinking, fluent answers, and thorough explanations; when it was his turn to ask questions, the questions raised were full of wisdom and profoundly relevant to Buddhism. An understanding of mysticism.
The whole process fully demonstrated the knowledge of the four methods of learning, recitation, reading, and debate.
On October 6th, the high-level debating scene of Tashilhunpo Monastery.
Photo by China News Agency reporter He Penglei
The Gelug Sect was founded in the early 15th century by Master Tsongkhapa. On the basis of absorbing other sects’ learning systems, the Gelug Sect put forward the concept of "reason more important than classics", forming a set of strict and standardized monastery management system and a gradual Buddhist teaching system It is the most complete among all sects and is highly respected by monks and lay believers.
Dorje Gyaltsen, the current Khenpo of Tashilhunpo Monastery, highly praised the performance of the 11th Panchen Lama in this debate.
He said that in Tibetan Buddhism, both living Buddhas and ordinary monks must strictly abide by traditional religious rituals, and pass strict study and debate examinations to improve their Buddhist attainments and obtain degrees; this debate shows the 11th Panchen Lama. He is erudite, and I hope he will teach more scriptures and spread the Dharma to benefit his life.
(Finish)