The Jokhang was originally founded in 639-647 AD. Inside the main area are six larger-than-life statues of various Buddha incarnations. There is also a photo of the 10th Panchen Lama, the number two-spirtual leader after the Dalai Lama, and a hero of Tibet. There are photos of the Panchen Lama wherever you go in Tibet.
The reverence for the 10th Panchen Lama comes from his stand against Mao Zedong, refusing to denounce the Dalai Lama and going as far as asking him to 'liberate' Tibet after presenting him with a catalogue of the atrocities committed by the Chinese. This was a kick in the teeth to the Chinese who endorsed his appointment.
The Chinese responded by throwing him in jail for 14 years and torturing him. Many Tibetans believe he was poisoned by the Chinese on his release and didn't die of a heart attack as reported.
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