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

312 TIBET.lands assigned to them for their support. In this station, as chief of aflock, the superintendent is styled Lama.Those who enter the religious order,are enjoined sobriety, foregothe society of women, and confine themselves to the austere practicesof the cloister. Of nunneries, as well as monasteries, the number isconsiderable ;and the strictest laws exist, to prevent any woman evenfrom accidentally passing a night within the limits of the one, or aman within those of the other.Indeed there appears to be a regulationamong them, most completely framed to obviate abuse, and establishrespect towards the sacred orders of both sexes.The nation is divided into two distinct and separate classes, thosewho carry on the business of the world, and those who hold intercoursewith heaven. No interference of the laity, ever interrupts theregulated duties of the clergy. The latter, by mutual compact, lakecharge of all their spiritual concerns ;and the former, by their labours,enrich and populate the state.I was one day called tothe window by a sudden and loud crash ofinstrumental and vocal music, which struck up at once, at no greatdistance from my apartments. I soon saw a prodigious crowd advance,and turn into an avenue of the monastery, whether or not forthe purpose of acquiring any addition to their party I cannot pronounce; but presently they appeared again, and I observed a mostmotley group, composed of a very numerous concourse of spectators,as well as a large party of Gylongs, who, as I was told, were engagedin the celebration of some religious festival.A considerable number of priests advanced by files of two and two,