In Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, monasteries are filled with monks continuing their religious traditions of prayer and study. CGTN's Guo Tianqi takes a close look at how their religious practices are flourishing in the new era.

A sudden clap cuts through the air, a beat to mark a challenge, a rhythmic dance of questions and answers. Through this intense back-and-forth, young Tibetan Buddhist monks gain their knowledge. 

GUO TIANQI, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region "This is the debating courtyard of Sera monastery which has been around for 600 years, and in the afternoon the students from the Buddhist academy, they challenge and examine each other to deepen their understanding of the Buddhist scriptures they learn in the morning, and debating itself is how the monks earn their degrees."

What has been passed down alongside scriptural debates is the rigorous academic system of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. After entering the monastery, monks are assigned a life mentor and an academic mentor, and then enter different Zhacang or colleges for their studies. They must take 13 to 15 levels of exams and study for decades before being eligible to take the Geshe examination, and earn a higher academic degree. Monks have a busy schedule and must attend religious ceremonies. To avoid disturbing their studies and work, we were invited to visit Danzeng's room in the evening.

DANZENG, Monk, Sera Monastery "I'm 27 years old and have been studying Buddhism for 10 years. My favorite spot is the bookshelf. There are some English books too, but I haven't read many of them. This is a scripture of Manjushri. I write while chanting, spending several hours a day on it. These are theses published by the monastery, all written by outstanding teachers. I'm not yet capable of participating; I need to keep studying—at least for another 20 or 30 years."

"How much do you think you've fulfilled your wish to practice Buddhism for the benefit of all living beings?"

DANZENG, Monk, Sera Monastery "It's too early to talk about that. I feel I'm far from achieving it. I need to continue practicing."

Tibetan Buddhist monks study Dharma to attain enlightenment by eradicating their own ignorance and afflictions, while their ultimate goal is to use this wisdom to benefit all sentient beings, driven by the compassionate vow to help others achieve liberation. GUO TIANQI, CGTN, Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region.