Final exam

A lama seeking the highest academic degree in Tibetan Buddhism (in hat) takes questions from senior monks in a final examination on Tuesday. Ten candidates from monasteries across the Tibet autonomous region were examined — and passed — in Lhasa, beginning on Friday at Ganden Monastery. The test covers general knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism and the Tibetan language, and includes debates on doctrine. About 100 lamas have been awarded the degree since the test resumed in 2004.