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

3GSTIBET.submit to a variety of successive usurpers, the powerful principle ofindependence is now nearly extinguished, and they are fitted for theabject slaves of despotic tyranny ; without firmness to assert theirrights, and without resolution to resist the pressure of a foreign yoke,however feeble the power by which it is imposed.Under lessauthority, therefore, than the sanction of a Lama, yourplans cannot be pushed to any great extent. They were first taken upby a man, who dared to deviate from the narrow policy of implicitobedience ;who had ability to lead the affections of his own subjects,and command the support of the neighbouring states ; and who wasurged to extend his connections, as well by an attention to the interestsof those over whom he ruled, as by the impulse of ambition. Suchwas Teshoo Lama. His successor will doubtless assume the office,with strong prepossessions in favour of the same project ; and I confidentlyexpect that he will be taught to feel, and to indulge the prideof having first encouraged in his pre-existence, and perfected in hisregeneration, a plan evidently designed for universal benefit. TheRegent's letter will, I presume, be the best criterion, by which to judgeof his dispositions; though it may be observed, that, in receiving meat tliistime into the country, he has acted rather according to his privatesentiments, than in conformity with the wishes of the governmentof Lassa. Dalai Lama himself, indeed, has not been averse to myadmission; but there is a bias on the government, an external force,that turns it from its natural course, and hinders it from pursuing thecurrent of itsown interests and inclinations.Tibet has, from time immemorial, been the resort of merchants.