The 2026 inter-nunnery debate called the Jang Gonchoe was held this year from September 20th to October 20th in Dharamsala and brought together 475 participants from 11 Tibetan nunneries in India and Nepal.
The gathering created a vibrant atmosphere of learning, discussion, and intellectual exchange, as the nuns came together to explore Buddhist philosophy, sharpen their reasoning skills, and learn from one another.
The winter debate session is a cornerstone of the nuns’ education, allowing scholars from different nunneries to gather, challenge, and refine each other’s philosophical understandings. The event was opened to nun in 1995.
The Power of the Jang Gonchoe: Decades in the Making
Monastic debate is of critical importance in traditional Tibetan Buddhist learning. It is through debate that nuns test, challenge, and consolidate their classroom learning.
Although nuns practice debate daily within their individual nunneries, the annual Jang Gonchoe debate provides essential, intensive training and practice for those who wish to pursue higher degrees, such as the Geshema degree, the highest academic degree in the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, roughly equivalent to a doctorate.
Tibetan Buddhist nuns practice debate at the 2026 Jang Gonchoe. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.
In 2026, the nuns marked 30 years of the nuns’ annual inter-nunnery debate, which began in 1995. Prior to 1995, this learning opportunity was not open to women.
Over the last three decades, this intensive month-long training has been held in various locations such as the sacred city of Bodh Gaya and Dolma Ling Nunnery. The 2026 Jang Gonchoe took place in Dharamsala. It was extra special because the nuns also had the opportunity to debate in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Tibetan Buddhist nuns debate in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama Oct 18 2026 by Tenzin Choejor OHHDL
The structure of the Jang Gonchoe is famously rigorous. Nuns take part in structured debate sessions with individual and group debates. This is followed by an evening inter-nunnery session, where two nuns must defend their positions and answer quick-fire questions from an opposing team from another nunnery.
The Tsenphue Damcha or night-long monastic debate ceremony is an important element of the annual Jang Gonchoe. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.
This intensive environment does more than sharpen reasoning skills; it builds immense confidence, deepens understanding of Buddhist studies, and brings nuns closer to monks in learning opportunities and spiritual advancement.
Special Events at the Main Temple in Dharamsala
On October 17, 2026, at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Dharamsala, the nuns held their Geshema Damcha (the Oath-Taking Ceremony). During the ceremony, participating nuns of the Jang Gonchoe posed questions to the graduating Geshemas. It is the concluding ritual before the nuns officially graduate as Geshemas.
The 2026 Geshema Damcha at the main temple in Dharamsala. Damcha refers to the formal answering part of the monastic debate process, where candidates defend their knowledge against challengers. Photos OHHDL
On Sunday, 18 October, a very special event for the nuns was held at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamsala, just outside His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s residence. The large courtyard became a vibrant forum for this ancient form of analytical scholarship.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with 2026 Geshema grads and other Tibetan Buddhist nunsJPG
Met by leadership from the Tibetan Nuns Project and the Buddhist Women’s Education Society, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived to observe the fruits of the nuns’ hard work.
During the special event, nuns took part in rigorous debate presentations in front of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. They showcased their analytical skills on complex topics such as the Mahayana generation of bodhicitta and the correct reasoning behind the selflessness of persons. His Holiness also blessed each of this year’s 33 Geshema graduates.
The Closing and Graduation Ceremony
On 20 October, the formal closing ceremony took place at Lower TCV where the majority of the 2026 Jang Gonchoe was held. This event drew together distinguished leaders and monastic scholars, including the chief guest, Kyabje Ling Choktrul Rinpoche, who personally presented the hard-earned diplomas to the 33 new Geshema grads.
The closing ceremony of the annual Inter-nunnery debate session and the Geshema graduation 2026.
The ceremony featured inspiring reminders of how far the education of Tibetan nuns has come, alongside guidance for the future. Chief guest Kyabje Ling Choktrul Rinpoche noted that, compared with the nuns of earlier times in Tibet, the nuns of today are very fortunate, and must hold on to these opportunities.
Secretary Jigme Namgyal urged the graduates to pursue single-pointed meditation or text study. For younger nuns, he emphasized a modern, well-rounded approach: studying Buddhist philosophy alongside sciences, grammar, and languages. Rinchen Khando Choegyal, TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor, spoke about the critical importance of harmonizing outer conduct with inner discipline and mental peace.
Rinchen Khando Choegyal, TNP’s Founding Director and Special Advisor, spoke at the closing ceremony. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.
Speakers explicitly reminded the assembly that these transformative educational pathways exist because of the visionary benevolence and decades of advocacy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Looking Forward
What was once an impossible dream for generations of Tibetan women is now a thriving annual event. We are extremely grateful to all our supporters who have made it possible for the Tibetan Nuns Project to fund the annual inter-nunnery debate for three decades.
The training that nuns receive at the annual inter-nunnery debate is essential for the Geshema degree. The graduation of the 9th group of Geshemas is proof that when given equal opportunities, dedication and intellect thrive.
You can help put more of our core programs on solid ground by donating to our Long-Term Stability Fund. Learn more and donate here.
Tibetan Buddhist nuns praying at the annual inter nunnery debate 2026. Photo by the Dolma Ling Media Nuns.
