Video: Bhutanese Monks in Debate #1
One day I am lucky enough to come upon monks practicing for debate. Tibetan Buddhism has a long tradition of philosophical debate where all the monastic community will gather to confront and question one individual to see what wisdom and learning he has attained. Much like a chess match, many of the questions and responses follow a known pattern–make a wrong move in your answer and you will quickly find yourself intellectually boxed in. You must be well-versed in scripture yet also be a critical thinker of philosophy in order to succeed. And you need to be calm under the interrogating eyes of dozens (or even hundreds) of monks. This is also not a reserved podium debate. The older monks are in your face, clapping their hands as they make their points, wait impatiently for your reply, and come yet again with another offensive.
Today they are preparing for this intensive questioning with a courtyard practice session–more relaxed than a formal debate, with senior monks laughing as they hammer students with questions and watch them struggle for a reply.
Video: Bhutanese Monks in Debate #2