Jamyang Losang Jigme Tubdain Qoigyi Nyima, a living Buddha of the Labrang Lamasery, received interviews during a recent media tour to the Gansu province.
Although Lhasa resident Losang was not directly affected by the March 14 riots, he said the incident has left him feeling confused.
"We used to respect the monks so much that some farmers would donate their entire earnings to the temple," the 56-year-old said.
"But we were so disheartened to see them leading the riots in March and participating in violence. We really don't know how to face them in the future," Losang said, while turning prayer wheels under Potala Palace, which reopened to the public late last month after being closed for 10 days due to the unrest.
Many local people share Losang's confusion following the unruly behavior of some monks, who they had previously regarded as peaceful and loving.