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

TIBET. 257Stentorian strength of lungs, there should arise the most surprising discord,the very counterpart of that which isproduced by the vociferationsof an enraged and hostile multitude. But all this was, in fact,nothing more than a pious token of the most ardent zeal, a sort ofcontest for the palm, a struggle, which should do the highest honourto his supreme and tutelary gods.To the public exercises of their faith, must be added the privateprayers in the apartments of the inferior Lamas, which are alwaysaccompanied by music, together with the solemn pageantry of processionsmoving almost every day around the environs of the monastery.All these, taken together, soon sufficiently convinced me, that Iwas inthe midst of mcn^ who made religion the sole business of their life.With the errors of their opinions, or their practice, I had no concern.The immediate advantages resulting from them they themselvesdaily experience.Having voluntarily devoted themselves to the severitiesand the duties of their religion, they obtain a large portion of gratefulrespect- from their countrymen, whose worldly avocations exemptthem from the same particular services.Both, united in one commonbond of union, the one part to labour, the other to pray, enjoy inpeaceand harmony, the fruits of their industry ; and find it unnecessary tosupport a single man in arms, either to defend their territory, ormaintain their rights. Placing their sole reliance in the mediation ofthe sacred Lama, the immaculate vicegerent of the Supreme, they imagine,that he covers them with the broadesi shield, from the encroachmentsof others ;and the benign influence of his doctrines teaches themto be benevolent, mercil'ul, and humane, to all around them.