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

;264 TIBET.from my own observation, or to repeat the exaggerated reports, whichothers even relate with diffidence, might equally subject me to theimputation of extravagant fiction.The shell, or covering of the pyramid, which constitutes the exteriorof the mausoleum, is a structure, when viewed at some distance, of considerablemagnitude and beauty. It stands upon the side of a rockyhill, and is very conspicuously situated, towering high above thegreater part of the monastery.The architecture must not be criticisedby scientific rules, for the different orders, as adopted in Europe, appearto be entirely unknown in Tibet, where they seem rather tohave chosen the use of a mixed kind. The pillar, scolloped arch, andpediment of Asia, or Hindostan, prevail in the interior apartmentsthe external decorations are of Chinese, or Tartar origin, similar tothose of the watch tower, or temple of the former ;the tented canopyand imperial dragon. As far as the mason has been concerned, it isa plain substantial building of stone, with cement. It is longer infront than in depth, and considerably more lofty than either.The walls are built so much thicker at the base, as to give them avery perceptible slope.The centre of the building has a very largewindow above the portico, furnished with curtains of black mohair. Thewalls, in various parts, are ornamented with circular representationseither of the sun, or full moon, and with gilded crescents.Above thewindow runs a headband all round of a deep garnet colour. Higherthan this headband, in the centre of the front, within a tablet, themystic sentence, Oom maunee paitnee oom, is inscribed, in large goldencharacters.A blank interval then succeeds, and over that, a space of