My time spent with Tibetan monks

I was greeted by 400 noisy debaters

I was met at Goa airport by three monks who placed white scarves around my neck in a Tibetan welcome and drove me to the monastery. I arrived at nightfall and as I stood nervously in my room I could hear shouting, stamping, clapping, and laughter. This seemed strange--not the peaceful monastery atmosphere that I had expected. Dorje took me outside to the courtyard, where several hundred monks were standing in groups under the mango trees, debating. It is part of their education, Dorje explained, where they learn to question each other and their teachings. As each question must be accompanied by a stamp and a clap, 400 debating together made a noisy introduction to my stay.

Unlike the monasteries …