Irina recalls that when she was young, old men always emphasized the importance of daily prayers. Hence, Irina prays every morning as soon as she gets up. She prays for the wellbeing of her children and grandchildren as well as for the sake of other people. Irina’s mother also read mantras twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.In her youth when she was a veterinary nurse, Irina worked with a former lama called Dordzhi Tikeev who taught her not to throw away intestines, as this act negatively affects livestock. Things turned out just as the former lama predicted – today the number of livestock has gone down.From Dordzhi Tikeev, Irina also learnt to show respect to the altar when entering one’s house. In the morning, the first part of freshly made tea should be sprinkled to the skies and a bit of fresh meal given to birds. It is a way to remember one’s deceased relatives.