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

APPENDIX^ 467had been erected by divine command, and had existed for many thousandyears.After having passed an hour, or two, in explanation of this famous temple,the Emperor returned to his palace ;and the Lama accompanied CheengeeaGooroo to the house of the latter, in the same gardens, where he was entertainedwith great respect ;and during the whole night the Lama did not goto sleep, but continued in prayer with Cheengeea Gooroo, and instructinghim in certain forms of religion, and prayer. In the morning, on the Lama'sdeparture for his own house, he received rich presents from CheengeeaGooroo. The Lama reposed there for two days, when he was attended bythe prince, and Cheengeea Gooroo, according to the Emperor's commands, toconduct him to the great pond, or lake, on which are two famous vessels ofthe Emperor's, of a most extraordinary size, and construction ; each havingfive or six stories of apartments, one above the other ;all of which are carved,and gilt,in the most curious and superb manner.There are two islands in the lake; on one of which stands the Emperor'sprivate palace, where his women are kept, and which can only be approachedby boats. On the other island stands a very magnificent Chinese Putawlaw, ortemple of public Avorship, which is approached by a handsome stone bridge:here the Lama passed the night ; and in the morning proceeded to visit thevery famous Putawlaw, or temple of public worship, in thecity of Pekin,where hangs a bell, which, the Chinese assured the writer of this narrative,weighs upwards of twenty thousand maunds, and requires an hundred mento ring it. This, however, never is attempted, but to call the people to arms,incase of invasion, insurrection, or on public thanksgivings for any signalblessing, or victory.Having passed some hours in prayer at this place, the Lama returned tohis place of abode, near the city ;and after three days, he was visited by theEmperor, on his way to the royal palace, in the fort, which stands in thecentre of die city of Pekin. On the following day, the Lama visited himthere, and was received with great pomp, and every mark of respect, insomuch,that the Emperor met him at the door, and taking him by the hand30