An Embassy to the Court of the Teshoo Lama in Tibet - Prajna Quest

170 BOO TAN.famous for having been the place of his last regeneration, and ihe sceneof his early studies, A small palace, on a similar plan to all the otherconsecrated habitations in Bootan, has been erected on this memorablespot*, it supports a gilded canopy on its centre; and a forest of flagstaves,with inscribed banners, surround it on all sides : there is alsoa considerable settlement in itsvicinity.On the summitjof this mountain, which is named Pomsela, we foundan extensive monastery, consisting of many separate buildings : themost commodious of the cluster was occupied by a senior Gylong,who, as president, isstiled Lama; the rest were inhabited by the inferiormonks. The religious of this description are numerous in Bootan.Their sole occupation lies in performing the duties of their faith.Theyare exempt fi^om labour ; enjoined sobriety and temperance ; andinterdicted all intercourse with the other sex.Though many becomevoluntary members of this establishment, yet its numbers depend mostupon the custom, which obliges every family that consists of more thanfour boys, to contribute one of them to the order:and the same rule,under particular circumstances, extends sometimes to all the males ofa village. At the age of ten, they are received into the association,and commence their tutelage.Their first years are passed in learningthe rudiments of their profession, and in performing a variety of servileoffices to their instructors; in which drudgery, unless elevated bysuperior talents, they continue beyond the age of twenty.However,though cut off from the enjoyment of some of the most exquisite pleasuresof life, there are yet many advantages annexed to this class.They are certain of a liberal education ;and, as their minds are more