After Buddhism left India, Tibet became the center. Eventually it spread to the whole Himalayan region, and Mongolia in the 16th century. Over the centuries Tibetan Buddhism came to be known as Lamaist Buddhism. Monks called Lamas are the spiritual leaders of Tibet.
Every Tibetan home has a sacred altar in it.
Members of the family go to this quiet little place. Bowls of food, water, incense burners, and yak-butter lamps are placed in front of Buddhist statues. The Tibetans believed in a religion called Bon long before Buddhism. Buddhists believe in reincarnation, birth, death and rebirth. They also believe in a goal called nirvana, which is acheiving supreme happiness.