Debate

On Wednesday in philosophy class we got a taste of Tibetan debate. Debate is traditionally part of the monastic training here, and since ani-la is a nun, when she and Ryan got into an argument we got to watch and participate.

Picture this: while having a normal discussion in class, Ryan and ani-la dispute a point. Ani-la gets up out of her chair. She stands in the middle of the room, in nun's robes with a shaved head, and begins to debate. While asking a question, she steps with her left foot and stretches out her left hand. Her right hand makes a gracefully circle over her head, and the end of the question is punctuated by the smack of her left hand on her right.

In traditional debate on the grounds, the questioner stands and steps, while the opponent kneels. There are only four answers you are allowed to give, so the pressure is high. Debate ground can be really loud when you walk by. Apparently ani-la debated the monks at Sarah (who are novices or recently ordained) and schooled them.

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