The monk is the only one in sight, he is the one who takes care of the inner sanctuary located through another doorway to the left off this room. It is the most sacred portion of the monastery and houses some of the oldest religious treasures in the country. The sanctuary is a small room. Stepping in, there is a large and tall altar with flowers, decorative cakes and various religious objects and offerings. On the back wall are three large seated Bhuddas - the Present Bhudda, the Past Bhudda and the Future Bhudda.
Ancient silk is draped around their gold-leaf bodies.
The three Bhuddas sit emanating utter stillness, detachment, and patience. From the ceiling billows a large silk sheet, attached at the corners only. The colors are muted, a combination of rusty-coppery reds and shades that have faded over the more than 1300 years since they were new. They cast a warm glow over the entire sanctuary. I take in this sight, and still marvel at the impression it left with me.