Monks Debate in Tibet
Debate is an integral part of a Tibetan monk’s training, and is an effective means of expanding the mind, increasing mental sharpness, developing analytical capacity, and gaining internal clarity. There are two parties to the debate: a defender and a questioner, each with clear roles and strict rules of behavior which assure an orderly exchange of questions and answers. The defender is usually a novice, while the questioner is a more experienced debater.
These debates are usually cause for lots of fun, because it is easy to make mistakes in this very formal debate, but also the monks try to be very creative with their answers. Ways to hold a debate: the standing ‘attacker’ poses a statement and claps his hands, the opponet is sitting, and needs to defend himself with a logical answer. Then the attacker tries to undermine the logic of the defender, or comes up with a new argument.
If the questioner has been able to draw the defender into making errors and contradicting himself, the questioner wraps his upper robe around his waist, as a sign of his understanding and control. No longer bending forward, he stands tall and makes forceful sweeping gestures, clapping his hands loudly to stress the power and decisiveness of his arguments. Finally, after 2.5 hours, it all comes peacefully to an end.
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All image captured | Nikon D7000 and AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24 mm F3.5-4.5G-ED
Hello Didx
nice to see you back .. I envy your exposure to such culture I wish one day I will be able to travel and see for me… such wish is part of my Bucket List 
Great post and photos and usual. welcome back dear friend
January 3, 2012 at 18:14
Hi Dunia,,,
Thanks a lot my dear friend
Thanks for stopping by and appreciate \(^_*)>
January 11, 2012 at 09:55
How impressive.Thank you for sharing. and happy new year.
January 3, 2012 at 19:05
Thanks a lot Cocomino…
January 11, 2012 at 09:56
wow – what an experience – happy new year!
January 4, 2012 at 09:36
Thanks for stopping by my friend
January 11, 2012 at 09:56
Wonderful images of this intriguing activity. I’ve seen this in practice myself with some local monks. It’s absolutely fascinating. Nice to see you back Didex. A Very Happy New Year to you!
January 4, 2012 at 18:57
Hi Meanderer, how are you…
thanks a lot my friend, thanks for stopping by
January 11, 2012 at 09:57
nice documentary and happy new year
January 9, 2012 at 15:40
Thanks a lot Joshi,,, happy new year
January 11, 2012 at 09:58
That does look like fun! What wonderful shots.
January 10, 2012 at 14:48
Hi Lady Fiona,,,
thanks a lot for stopping by,,,
January 11, 2012 at 10:21
I really love these photos and your writings about what’s actually happening in these photos. You still have an amazing and incredible eye for a great photo. Amazing work
January 11, 2012 at 03:08
Hi Kay,,,
thanks a lot for your appreciate…
January 11, 2012 at 10:22
Flawless pictures Didex!
January 15, 2012 at 21:59
Thanks Patricia
January 16, 2012 at 15:33
Great post Didex. I never knew that monks would debate each other. I always learn from here and your photo essay is great.
January 18, 2012 at 06:48
Hi Lionel,,, How are you??
Thanks for stopping by and thanks a lot for your appreciate of my pictures…
January 19, 2012 at 09:35
great documentary set …
January 31, 2012 at 01:31
Thank you
January 31, 2012 at 09:40
Isn’t it amazing the huge variety of cultures and traditions co-existing in our planet? I wish one day I’ll be able to “first-person” know many of them
Beautiful shots Didex!
June 24, 2012 at 05:04
Thanks a Lot Javi
August 27, 2012 at 19:34
Fantastic blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any community forums
that cover the same topics discussed here?
I’d really love to
be a part of group where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any
recommendations, please let me know. Appreciate
it!
January 19, 2013 at 04:09