In the Tashilhunpo monastery there were many tombs or alters such as these of the Banche Lamas, of the same rank as the Dali Lamas except that they were not involved in government. These alters were decorated with precious gems and some are made of gold.

It is believed that some Lamas are reincarnated as dogs, so in order to save the dogs from being killed when they were starting to overpopulate in the cities they were brought in to the monasteries where they now flourish.

As I walked by one certain area I heard the drone of a large gathering and a lot of loud arressive clapping. Upon further inspection I learned that the lamas were having a philosophical debate and whenever they wanted to show emphasis on a point they would clap their hands at each other.