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

TIBET. 319It is worthy of notice, how materially an effect depends upon a previouslydeclared design, and how diametrically opposite theemotionsmay be, although produced by appearances exactly similar. InEngland, I had been accustomed to esteem general illuminations, asthe strongest expression of public joy ; I now saw them exhibitedas a solemn token of melancholy remembrance, an awful tributeof respect paid to the innumerable generations of the dead. Thedarkness of the night, the profound tranquillity and silence, interruptedonly by the deep and slowly-repeated tones of the nowbut,trumpet, gong, and cymbal, at different intervals ;the tolling of bells,and the loud monotonous repetition of sentences of prayer, sometimesheard when the instruments were silent ; were all so calculated, bytheir solemnity, to produce serious reflection, that I really believe nohuman ceremony could possibly have been contrived, more effectuallyto impress the mind with sentiments of awe.In addition to this externaltoken of solemn retrospect, actsof beneficence performed duringthis festival, are supposed to have peculiar merit, and all persons arecalled upon, according to their ability, to distribute alms, and to feedthe poor.This is a festival of equal celebrity in Bengal and Hindostan, withboth Mohammedans and Hindoos ; by the former it is called Shubibauraut,by the latter Cheraug-pooja.Being governed in all the concerns of life, by an awful regard tothe dictates of superstition, it is no wonder that we find this peopleplacing implicit confidence in a series of lucky and unlucky uays.Devoted to astrology, they yield a willing homage to its professors.