The Elders
There are many local Mani associations that are mainly composed of the elders in Tibetan rural areas. It’s a very important daily routine for them to recite Mani scripture (om mani ped me hom). The Tibetan people believe in the life cycle and that evil deeds will cause suffering. They have to do good things and recite the Mani all the time to relieve their sins and prepare for better next life.
The Mani association in La-Tzu is quite large and very well known. Besides reciting Mani, the elders improve the village in many ways such as raising food and money, taking care of children and constructing the ritual hall. Their outstanding contribution is to rebuild the temple that was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in China.