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

JJOOTAN. 33marking the time by a slow movement of the hands and feet, which I consideredas a solemn dance, in strictunison with the monotony of theirmusic. The whole variety of their motions consisted in alternatelyresting on each foot, as tliey advanced one before the other; theirhands being raised about as high as the shoulder, and placed a littlebefoie them, were perpetually turned with a circular kind of motionthat reversed their backs and palms.On the top of the hill, we founda small level spot, which situation seems to be always preferred forthe scene of their devotions. Here, against a large tree, was placed akind of altar, elevated about three feet from the ground :the back andtwo narrow sides were covered with yellow silk, and on the back hungfour handkerchiefs, red, blue, yellow, and white; a white handkerchief,fastened on one side, was suspended in front, and falling in an easy festoonnear the top, was sustained by another on the opposite side.Therewere three lamps burning upon the altar, with flowers and fruits inplates. Before the altar were six persons, arranged in a row, and inthe following order: on the left of the whole stood the Lama; next apriest, who beat on a large tabor, with a long curved iron instead ofa stick; a priest with cymbals; a priest with a tabor; and a priestblowing an instrument made of the shin bone of a man : on the righthand side stood two trumpeters.We were presented with a lighted rod of the perfumed composition,which we held in our hands. A cup full of rice was broughtto us, with one of the lighted rods stuck upright in it : we touchedthe rice, as did the Soobah also, and it was then placed upon thealtar. The Soobah stood on the left side of the altar; we were