a learned monk, someone who is an expert on important Buddhist scriptures
Doctor of Divinity in Buddhist Philosophy; takes 20 years or more to attain
Spiritual title and doctorate; monk or lama who has completed the highest course in metaphysics and other academic monastic studies in the Gelukpa School.
(Tib.): 1. Degree like Doctor of Theology, awarded by the principal monastic colleges of the GELUGPA tradition. 2. Title of some masters of the Old KADAM tradition. Also see this page of the Tibetan Government in exile
(ge-xi): Title equivalent to a PhD in a Tibetan monastery. Geshe is the highest academic title one can attain in Tibetan Buddhism. One must memorize a vast amount of Buddhist material and must pass certain debates before one can attain such title. It usually requires at least twenty years of study.
Geshe is a Buddhist academic degree for scholars. The Geshe degree is awarded in the Sakya and Geluk schools of Tibetan Buddhism. However, disciples from all schools attend the huge monastic universities usually belonging to the Gelug tradition.