Why do Tibetan monks clap their hands during debate?

Question

Seen on cable TV - history channel or similar.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I don't know, I heard of that before.

Answer 2

Part of it is just working out aggression. Part of it is making it more difficult to concentrate, so the answerer has to work harder. But the clap is not just a clap. Bottom/left hand is held up, right hand starts above the head, like Manjusri's flaming sword of wisdom. The sound as the hand strikes is the burst of wisdom that cognizes emptiness. Then, the hands turn so that left is pointing down (closing the door to the lower rebirths) and then the right lifts up, lifting beings to higher rebirths. At the same time the left foot goes down to press down, or subjugate, demons. There's some other significance to the use of the mala, but I have to go wash my dishes now.