Department of Religion and Culture Organises 8th Non-sectarian Debate at Dzongsar Shedra

Dharamshala: The Department of Religion and Culture (Central Tibetan Administration) organised the 8th Non-sectarian Debate from 4 to 7 May 2025 at Dzongsar Shedra, in collaboration with Dzongsar Institute, focusing on Abhidharmakośa, a seminal text of the Abhidharma tradition.

The four-day debate was inaugurated by Secretary Dhondul Dorjee of the Department of Religion and Culture, who attended as the chief guest. He was joined by special guests Khenpo Norbu Tsering and Khenpo Tsultrim Palden from the host monastery. A total of 242 participants took part in the debate, including 150 monks from Dzongsar Institute and 92 monks and nuns representing 47 different monasteries and nunneries.

In his keynote address, Secretary Dhondul Dorjee outlined the objectives of the initiative—envisioned by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and held annually since 2015—emphasising its role in fostering harmonious exchange of knowledge and perspectives, and in bringing together all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Secretary also introduced other initiatives of the Department and went on to recount the history of Dzongsar Monastery’s founding, including the establishment of its replica monastery in exile, aimed at preserving its distinct lineage. He noted that, alongside the standard school curriculum prescribed by the Government of India, the institute offers a broad spectrum of Buddhist education to students from diverse backgrounds.

-Report filed by Department of Religion and Culture, CTA