Buddhism is an important part of Tibetan traditional culture. Tibetan Buddhism has four main characters: firstly, in choosing religions, 'Mizong' is the focus; secondly, religion ceremonies are different is schools; thirdly, Lama has special status, who is the center of Tibetan Buddhism; fourthly, Living Buddha is both the religion and political leader in Tibet.

1.Living Buddha

The term Living Buddha emerged in the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) when Emperor Kublai Khan honored Pagba, head of the Sagya Sect, by granting him the title 'Buddha of the Western Paradise' . Thereafter, eminent Tibetan monks we distinguished them in the practice of Buddhism were referred to as 'Living Buddhas' . However, the term Living Buddha was not recognized as a special title for a monk who became the successor of the deceased leader of a monastery until the eventual introduction of the Living Buddha reincarnation system. The reincarnation system for the Living Buddhas is the main point distinguishing Tibetan Buddhism from other forms of Buddhism. Dalai and Panchen, the two highest Living Buddhas, are the political and religious leaders of inner and outer Tibet. Due to different territories and the number of dependent people, the Dalai and Panchen have varying political rights, but one religion, they are absolutely equal.

2.Lama

Lama is a respectful form of address to senior monks, who has much knowledge and self cultivation. It can be used to refer to Panchen, Dalai and other monks in Tibetan Buddhism.

3.The Prayer Wheel

Prayer wheels are the most common religious utensil in the regions of Tibetan Buddhism, and they can be seen almost everywhere. In fact, this religious instrument was invented by the hinterland Buddhists, and was initially used by Chinese Buddhists around the 6th century.

There are two types of prayer wheels in Tibet, the bigger one is called Manitong (bucket-shaped prayer wheel), and the smaller one is called Manilun (wheel-shaped prayer utensil). Manitongs are made of wood (painted red usually) or copper, and are often placed in rows with a height of 1-2 meter under the eaves or along the corridors of monasteries. The Six Syllable Truth is engraved or written on the surface of the cylinder of Manitongs. There is a wooden frame over the bucket and bearings are installed on the top and bottom sides, so the bucket can start rotation just by a slight push. The bucket is hollow, with sutras inside. The times of rotation of the bucket symbolize the times of reciting the Buddhism Incantation by the believers. However, the bucket should be turned clockwise.

Silver or copper is forged to produce Maniluns on which the Six Syllable Truth and some other patterns were carved, and a handle is installed on the bottom of the wheel. With the wheel in the right hand and prayer beads in the left hand, the believers, especially the elderly, turn the wheel while murmuring the Six Syllable Truth. This has become a representative phenomenon in the areas of Tibetan Buddhism.

4.Gongba Monastery

Gongba Monastery is located at southeast of Guide Bain. The whole area is more than 49,669sqkm2. The outside wall is 5m high, 1m wide and 880m long. All the buildings in the monastery face south, in which the main hall lays at the center northern wall with Puxianwenshu Hall in the ease, Shangjing Hall in southwest and Xiajing Hall in northwest. The initiator of Gongba Monastery is Gongge Gajuba, who studies Buddhism in Zhanxi Lunbu Monastery in Tibet in childhood.

5.Changfo Monastery

Changfo Monastery also named Baifo Monastery, which is located on southern bank of Huanghe River, 15km away from Gongba Monastery. The whole area is four mu, in which there are two wood-made halls. It is famous for a large white stone, which has three shining Tibetan words.

6.Tiewa Monastery

Tiewa Monastery is located at Douhoulou Village of Donggou Town, which is 22.5km away from southeast Gui'de County. It's one of most ancient monasteries in Gelu School. It was founded in 1616AD. Since its foundation, there have been six living Buddhas presiding over the monastery.