MosheR Loc: New York City

When approaching the Sera Monastery by bus, you hear it long before you see it. Located in the serene landscape of Tibet, not far from Lhasa, its capital, it is not only known for its architectural beauty and spiritual practices but also for its unique and captivating tradition of philosophical debates. These debates, conducted in an almost Talmudic fashion, add an intellectual and thought-provoking dimension to the spiritual life of the monks and leave a lasting impression on visitors. It certainly did for my wife and me.

Within the walls of the Monastery, monks gather daily in the courtyard to engage in lively and animated debates that almost look as if they might degenerate in fistfights. Then they abruptly break out in raucous laughter. Dressed in their distinctive maroon robes, the monks demonstrate an extraordinary level of knowledge and understanding of Buddhist philosophy. These debates follow a structured format, with one monk posing a question or asserting a position, and another monk skillfully providing a response or counter-argument.

The debates at the Sera Monastery are not mere exchanges of ideas; they are a disciplined and rigorous pursuit of truth as it is understood within their set of beliefs. The monks have spent years studying sacred texts and delving into the profound teachings of Buddhism. Their debates serve as a platform to refine their understanding, challenge their own assumptions, and expand their intellectual horizons.

Much like the Talmudic tradition in Jewish culture, the debates at the Sera Monastery involve intense scrutiny, critical analysis, and a deep commitment to the pursuit of religious knowledge. The monks engage in a back-and-forth exchange, employing logical reasoning, textual references, and keen insight to dissect and explore the intricacies of Buddhist philosophy. Through this rigorous process, they not only deepen their own understanding of Buddhist traditions, but also contribute to the collective wisdom of the monastic community.

The debates also serve a pedagogical purpose, as they provide a valuable opportunity for senior monks to mentor and guide their younger counterparts. The senior monks, with their years of experience and accumulated wisdom, help nurture the intellectual growth of the younger monks by challenging their ideas, encouraging deeper contemplation, and fostering a spirit of inquiry.

Beyond the walls of the monastery, these debates have become a unique and captivating spectacle for visitors from around the world. The intellectual fervor and passionate exchanges between the monks create an atmosphere charged with energy and enthusiasm. Visitors have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the intellectual rigor and intellectual prowess of these dedicated scholars.

The debates at the Sera Monastery not only serve to expand the knowledge and understanding of the monks themselves but also contribute to the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist philosophy and teachings. They help ensure that the rich intellectual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism continues to thrive and evolve, passing on the torch of wisdom from one generation to the next.

The sky looks so daark because the camera stops down to accomidate for the bright surface of the buildings. I've gotten the same effect in places such as the bottom of Bryce Canyon.


The entrance to the Monks' quarters. The prayer wheels are always spun in a clockwise direction, and always any time one walks in a circle, like a stroll around the block.


The monks gather like this every day, before loudly exchanging ideas.


At this point the place was hushed.


Silent contemplation ... the countdown before the blast-off.


The light in this place was to die for: Straight out of a Rembrandt painting.


Now we begin. Please see the Set 2

MosheR Loc: New York City

This is simply a continuation of my other Sera Monastery post.

Yelling, screaming, and jumpong around.


Threatening gestures. But everyone is in on the joke.


Sometimes the discussions are a bit calmer. But, believe me, they are still quite loud.


This guy was trying real hard to make his point. I didn't know what he was saying, but I believed him anyway.

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The senior monks look on quietly as their students teach and learn from each other.


This guy seemed (to my wife and me) to be in charge of the proceedings.


They all smiled a lot, so this was not a one on photo.

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The guy eyeing me was a mischief maker. When none of the others were looking, he threw spitballs around. They're young, and they're human.

anotherview Loc: California

What is the purpose of the Sera Monastery?

MosheR Loc: New York City

Worship and study. They're Buddhists.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Enjoyed both of these sets. I imagine those debates can get quite heated. Do the senior monks act as mediators?

MosheR Loc: New York City

I don't think so, Barbara. They discussed stuff after the fact, but I had no idea what they were saying.

Mel

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Great shots 🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞 - Years back, I tutored some monks from Thailand in English at their temple (made in a house in suburban Chicago), and it was an awesome, uplifting experience I learned a lot, and the monks were so cool I felt as if we were brothers: loving, funny, great stories. It was an experience I will definitely never forget

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Unforgettably beautiful shots full of faith and warmth 💓💓🔺💓💓

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks very much for that, Joe. Much appreciated.

MosheR Loc: New York City

Yeah. They're not the way most people imagine them to be. Most that I've had any dealings with have been very warm with wonderful senses of humor.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

MosheR Loc: New York City

😁😁😁

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Excellent sets - well done!

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks for looking.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Interesting photos in both sets.