Mainland Travel｜Must-Visit in Lhasa: Witness a Debate Session at Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery, officially known as "Sera Mahayana Monastery," is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Alongside Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it is one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa, and also the most recently established among them. Sera Monastery is renowned not only for its exquisite architecture and precious artifacts but also for its world-famous debate sessions, which attract countless visitors. A trip to Lhasa feels incomplete without experiencing a debate session at Sera Monastery. Debate sessions are a method of learning and discussion among Buddhist monks, akin to outdoor classes in schools. Although debates are not exclusive to Sera Monastery, it has gained fame for its openness to tourists, frequent sessions, and large scale. Every year, thousands of visitors come to witness this unique cultural spectacle. ⚠️Important Notes: - Professional photography equipment, such as video cameras and camcorders, is prohibited during debate sessions, but mobile phone photography is allowed. - Do not imitate the monks' gestures, as this is considered disrespectful and a desecration of Buddhist teachings. - Maintain silence and avoid making noise. If you need to discuss with companions, speak in a low voice and refrain from creating noise to attract the monks' attention. - Visitors must observe the debates from the periphery and are not allowed to enter the debate grounds or interrupt the monks' sessions.