The Jang Gunchoe is a month-long debate session traditionally held by monks from various monasteries, who gathered in a place called Jang in Tibet to practice their debating skills. Debate is an important method of learning Buddhist philosophy and it has been continued by the Tibetan monasteries in exile. In the past, nuns did not engage in debate, but in 1995 a debate session for nuns from several nunneries was organized which has become an important annual event. It is a powerful means to strengthen the nuns’ self-confidence and provides a valuable opportunity for the different nunneries to share their knowledge and deepen their understanding of the Buddhist texts.
This year, Jang Gonchoe was held beginning on 20 September in Dharamshala, bringing together approximately 450 participants from 11 nunneries. 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.
