Culture

Tuoranba: What is the weight of a doctoral degree in Tibetan Buddhism?

2026-05-25   

In the 22 years since the implementation of the new academic title system of Tibetan Buddhism in 2004, the Advanced Buddhist College of the Tibetan Language Department of China has awarded 433 people with the advanced academic title of "Tuoranba", which covers all major temples of Tibetan Buddhism sects in Xizang and Tibetan related counties in four provinces. On May 23, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the peaceful liberation of Xizang, the 22nd "Tuoranba" senior academic title awarding ceremony of Tibetan Buddhism was held in the Advanced Buddhist Institute of the Chinese Tibetan Language Department. 34 students from three Tibetan Buddhist sects, namely Gelug, Sakya, and Juenang, have gone through three years of study and numerous challenges, and finally obtained the highest academic title in the modern Tibetan Buddhist education system, namely the "Tuoranba" advanced academic title, becoming one of the 433 "Tuoranba" PhD holders. Tuoranba ": the highest honor of modern Tibetan Buddhist education. Many people are curious about what" Tuoranba "really is? The full name of the Tibetan language is "Tuorenmu Ranjianba", which means "advanced erudite scholar". It is the highest academic title in the modern Tibetan Buddhist education system, and is the highest level and honor in the three-level academic title system established by integrating traditional study levels and degree promotion methods of various sects of Tibetan Buddhism, drawing on modern educational concepts. After years of exploration and development, modern Tibetan Buddhist education has established a complete and standardized system of learning and practice - the three-level academic title system: "Zenranba": primary academic title, namely bachelor's degree; Zhiranba ": Intermediate academic title, also known as master's degree; Tuoranba ": Advanced academic title, also known as doctoral title. Among them, the "Tuoranba" advanced academic title is the top of the pyramid in the three-level academic title system. According to the "Regulations on the Awarding of Tibetan Buddhist Academic Titles", only the Chinese Tibetan Language Advanced Buddhist College is qualified to confer the "Turanba" senior academic title, which has the highest authority in the country. For more than ten years, the ancient Buddha with green lanterns has only been the foundation. To become a successful student and obtain the advanced academic title of "Tuoranba", one needs to "pass three levels" and at least ten years of hard study and cultivation. Entry level: Monks who have devoted more than ten years to learning and studying, and have just glimpsed the path to enter the advanced Buddhist academy of the Tibetan language department in China, generally need to concentrate on studying for more than ten years in the local temple or Buddhist academy. During the study period, they need to memorize and debate scriptures day after day, cultivate their inner nature through arduous practice, and open up the classical principles in their hearts; To achieve outstanding results, excellence, and upright conduct among a group of practitioners. Finally, only by passing written exams, debates, and other selection exams can one enter this prestigious institution in the capital city of Beijing, which is a process of "enduring to take the exam". Advanced Study Level: Students not only need to understand Buddhism, but also need to understand the times. Next, they will undergo 3 years of professional and public courses at the Advanced Buddhist Academy. In terms of professional courses, with the Five Great Treatises as the main classics, we will continue to strengthen the foundation of Buddhism; Public courses involve knowledge of history, law, science, culture, etc., enhancing comprehensive qualities and cultivating patriotism. Simply put, it means understanding the teachings of Buddhism and adapting to the requirements of the times; We should not only cultivate our hearts and observe the precepts, but also understand the national conditions and righteousness, and ultimately grow into outstanding monks who possess both moral integrity and professional competence, and serve as role models for others. Graduation pass: "On site discussion". Only those who pass the exam comprehensively can be awarded the title. Graduation requires a full process assessment including "qualification review, debate examination, thesis defense, and evaluation voting". Qualification review, examination of academic experience, compliance with laws and regulations, and ethical conduct. Those who fail to meet the requirements will be disqualified; The debate exam is a "live discussion of the Tao", where students engage in verbal battles, cite classics, and answer questions one by one, competing for classic memorization, logical reasoning, and on-site determination; Thesis defense requires presenting profound and insightful insights, facing the questioning of scholars and experts directly; Finally, it is necessary to undergo collective evaluation and approval by the Advanced Academic Title Evaluation Committee in order to obtain the "Tuoranba" advanced academic title. The 34 students awarded this title have come to this glorious moment with solid knowledge and firm beliefs. At the ceremony of awarding academic titles, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Buddhist Association of China, the Director of the Guidance Committee for Tibetan Buddhist Academic Titles, and the Dean of the Advanced Buddhist College of the Tibetan Language Department of China, Jamyang Living Buddha, presented academic title certificates to the students; The 11th Panchen Lama Erdeni? Quejijiebu met with 34 new "Turanba" and congratulated them with high hopes. 433 people in 22 years: "Tuoranba" group has gradually become the backbone of the healthy inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism. Since the implementation of the new academic title system of Tibetan Buddhism in 2004, the Advanced Buddhist College of the Tibetan Language Department of China has awarded 433 people with the advanced academic title of "Tuoranba", which has spread over Xizang and major temples of Tibetan Buddhism sects in Tibetan prefectures and counties in four provinces. As the backbone of the healthy inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism, some members of the "Tuoranba" group serve as sutras in temples, promoting the concept of Tibetan Buddhism's protection of the country, benefit of the people, and compassion for the world; Some work in democratic management institutions of temples, contributing to the legal and standardized management of temple affairs; Some of them perform their duties in various levels of political consultative conferences and Buddhist associations, playing an active role in promoting the sinicization of religion in China and forging a sense of community for the Chinese nation. In the future, they will carry this honor and responsibility to safeguard the healthy inheritance of Tibetan Buddhism, pass on the torch of patriotism and love for religion, and contribute to the prosperity of the snowy plateau and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, contributing to the strength of the Tibetan Buddhist community. (Looking into the New Era)

Edit:Luoyu Responsible editor:Wang Xiaojing

Source:"United Front News" WeChat public account

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