Over 320 monk and nun students who recently completed their studies at Xizang Buddhism University have been encouraged to practice and promote positive thoughts in Tibetan Buddhist doctrine.

They participated in a graduation ceremony at the university in Lhasa on June 30 that saw the conferral of graduation certificates and academic titles, and the commendation of exceptional teachers and students.

During the ceremony, graduate student Tenzin Yontan, a monk from the Gonsar Monastery in Driru county, Nagchu, delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the teachers whose knowledge and dedication illuminated the path for the students.

With the knowledge learned in the college, graduates would engage in social development and progress, he said, and promote patriotism and dedication to Tibetan Buddhism, contributing "every bit of our efforts to maintaining social stability, harmony and national unity".

Tenzin Tsomo, a graduating nun from a monastery in Amdo county, told Chinanews.com.cn she had studied at the university for six years.

"I have had the opportunity to learn courses such as religion, Tibetan and Mandarin languages," she said. "My speaking and writing abilities have improved dramatically, and I have done my graduate paper in Tibetan."

Drubkhang Thubtan Khaidrub, executive vice-president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China and head of the university, emphasized the pivotal role the graduates will play in the healthy development of Tibetan Buddhism, encouraging them to continuously enhance their religious knowledge and moral values, and embrace diverse cultural experiences.

At the same time, they should learn to use the national language and script, infuse Tibetan Buddhism with excellent traditional Chinese culture, actively engage in doctrinal interpretation, promote positive thoughts in Tibetan Buddhist doctrine such as promoting equality and tolerance, poverty alleviation, and helping the needy, and jointly promote the Sinicization of Tibetan Buddhism, he added.

Founded in 2011, the university says it has nurtured more than 1,700 graduates under the guidance of 73 faculty members.