The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, attends a debate at the Tashilhunpo Monastery in the city of Shigatse, the Tibet autonomous region on Tuesday to attain the highest degree in sutra teachings of the Tibetan Buddhism, equivalent to a doctoral degree in modern education. [Photo by Chogo/For China Daily]

Monks attend a religious event at the Tashilhunpo Monastery in the city of Shigatse, the Tibet autonomous region Tuesday, where the 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, attends a debate to attain the highest degree in sutra teachings of the Tibetan Buddhism, equivalent to a doctoral degree in modern education. [Photo by Chogo/For China Daily]

Monks attend a religious event at the Tashilhunpo Monastery in the city of Shigatse, the Tibet autonomous region Tuesday, where the 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, attends a debate to attain the highest degree in sutra teachings of the Tibetan Buddhism, equivalent to a doctoral degree in modern education. [Photo by Chogo/For China Daily]