What is the dharma debate? Why do monks clap during it? As the daily work of Tibetan Buddhist monks, dharma debate is like a thesis defense for a monk's understanding of Buddhist teachings.

In this video, monks took part in a debate at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet autonomous region, to get the Geshe Lharampa degree - the highest academic degree of Tibetan Buddhism. Check it out.

Reporter: Palden Nyima

Video editor: Palden Nyima

Script: Palden Nyima and Chen Ziyan

Proofread: Liu Ming

Coordinator: Li Jing

Supervisors: Shan Juan and Wang Jianfen

Producer: Zhang Chunyan

Special thanks to Zhao Shiyue and Xing Zhonghao