Perhaps their look of antiquity gave them added value as objects of veneration. This morning we went to the Ramoche Monastery in Lhasa. It had its origins in the seventh century, and at present there are about 150 monks here. Tsampa is a roasted barley grain, a Tibetan staple which they often eat by the handfuls. At Ramoche, one finds the Golden Statue of Sakyamuni which is over 2500 years old.
Pilgrims circumambulating the statue often touch their heads to it as an act of devotion.
Four guardians or Protectors can likewise be found here, in addition to Manjusri, the Buddha of Wisdom. Manjusri controls the yama, or devil. A bell hanging from above at the entrance to the shrine room is meant to be rung so as to let the spirits know someone is entering. Almost adjacent to Ramoche is the Tsepaklhakang Temple. It was here that our tour guide went aside to speak briefly to an old monk sitting in a corner.