Telo Tulku: I would not say that it is compulsory to wear them. Amulets are blessed items that would protect us from harm, diseases, evil, and so on. I truly believe that if it is blessed by a highly qualified monk, an amulet can be effective. It is not a superstitious belief. I believe in it because my amulet that was given to me by a high lama has protected me in a few cases. I cherish the amulet that I wear. I make sure that I am wearing it. I do not believe that every amulet is effective. It is the person who made this amulet, his intention, prayers: this is much more important. If I wear it with faith, belief, then it can be effective. Baasanjav: Can we talk about materials that amulets are made of? TT: It could be a jam stone that can be blessed by a lama. It can be a simple bottle cap. Although it is a simple cap, but highly realised beings (lamas) have the ability to change the purpose of these materials. There are jam stones, metal amulets, amulets made from clothes. There are no set rules about what amulets should look like. B: I heard in Kalmykia that some people have umbilical cords inside their amulets. TT: I have heard that too. I think in Tibetan tradition it is worn for medicinal reasons, to protect from some types of illnesses, viruses or disease. If you boil an umbilical cord, it can be used as a medicine. I have not seen anybody use it this way. In Mongolia people regard umbilical cords as very precious items. In Kalmykia too people consider it as an important item. I do not think it has anything to do with religion, but it is used for some medicinal reasons. I am sure there are some explanations. B: Do you think it is alright to have images of Christian gods or Tsagan Aav on a Buddhist altar? TT: I do not see a contradiction, if it is held out of respect, why not? To have faith in all religions, I do not see it as a possibility. To take