monks debating at Sera Monastery 4

Monks “debating” in an inner courtyard of the Sera Monastery. The monks generally pair off although some form groups of 3 or 5 and the senior monks at the back of the courtyard form groups of 10. One monk stands and presents a question to one of the seated monks. The monk to whom the question has been posed is then required to answer the question based on their knowledge of Buddhist scriptures. During the exchange the standing monk slaps his hands together violently while leaning forward into the face of the responding monk. The hand slapping has something to do with removing evil and sending it to the ground. With 20 or more questioners slapping their hands it makes quite a racket.