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

TIBET. 345strations before he was removed.There came this day, a party of Kilmauks,(Calmuc Tartars) for the purposes of devotion, and to make theirofferings to the Lama. When Ireturned from visiting him, I saw themstanding at the entrance of the square, in front of the palace, each withhis cap off,his hands being placed together, elevated^ and held evenwith his face.They remained upwards of half an hour in this attitude,their eyes being fixed upon the apartment of the Lama, and anxietyvery visibly depicted in their countenances. At length, I imagine, heappeared to them, for they began all together by lifting up their hands,which were still closed, above their heads, then bringing them evenwith their faces, and afterwards lowering them to their breasts ; thenseparating them, to assist them in sinking and rising, they droppedupon their knees, and struck their heads against the ground. This,with the same motions, was repeated nine times. They afterwardsadvanced todeliver their presents, consisting of tarreema*, or talentsof gold and silver, with (lie products of their country, to the properofficer;and when he had received them, they retired, apparently withmuch satisfaction.Upon inquiry I learnt, that offerings made in this manner, are byno means unfrequcnt, ami, in reality, constitute one of the most copioussources, from which the Lamas of Tibet derive their wealth.No one thinks himself degraded, by performing tliese humiliations.The persons I have described, as coming for this devout purpose, were^ These are masses of pure bullion, which take the form of the crucible in whichthey are fused, and allowed to cool.No fixed standard regulates the quantity of metalin each. The value of the mass is estimated by its weight, which is engraved upon it.Those of silver usually vary in worth, from forty to fifty pounds.