These seven-point religious principles were; (1) Not to kill any animals, (2) Not to hunt, (3) Not to collect honey, (4) Not to sell animals to butchers, (5) Not to trap animals/birds, (6) Not to trade meat, and (7) Not to burn forests. Coupled with the endorsement of these principles is the building of mani-walls. A mani-wall is a wall or fence made up of stones inscribed with prayers written in Tibetan. The Tsumba people traditionally rely on these mani-walls to get from village to village.
Together, the mani-walls alongside the Shyakya tradition are believed to bring good luck to the people of Tsum.
The seven-point religious principles exist today because in 1921, the Tsumba people asked Guru, Sherap Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche to come reside in Tsum Valley. As a collective, the Tsumba people believed that Guru, Sherap Dorje Drukpa Rinpoche would bring purity, compassion and security to the valley. However, he would only agree to live in Tsum Valley if the people agreed to impose these seven-point religious principles on to the land. In alignment with his request, the Tsumba peoples agreed to do what he asked.
The building of mani-walls stems from the Tsumba peoples' Buddhist philosophy. The words of prayer carved into the stones which make the walls or fences are believed to echo good luck, and they hold the power to protect the well-being of the locals.
