THE CHIARUNG TRIBES 169 



me a copy of this hymn, but I have not yet succeeded in getting 

 it translated into intelligible English. The principal symbol 

 in use is the Fylfot or swastika, which they call " Yungdrung." 

 A mystical bird, " Chyong " or " Garuda," is also regarded 

 with great favour as an emblem of fruitfulness. In the B5npa 

 temples at Tung-ling shan, near the residence of the Wassu 

 chief, I also recognized the image of Kwanyin (Goddess of 

 Mercy), the God of Wealth, and many demons similar in 

 appearance to those found in ordinary Buddhist temples 

 tliroughout China proper. It would thus appear from the 

 catholic nature of the contents of their temples that these 

 people accept a measure of Buddhism, and Lamaism. both 

 orthodox and unorthodox, and the Bonpa in its entirety. An 

 atmosphere of secrecy and mystery enshrouds the Bonpa 

 temples, which are frequently built in places difficult of access. 

 The cult has been subjected to much persecution at the hands of 

 Lamaists, yet, notwithstanding, it retains a firmer hold on the 

 people of most of the Chiarung states than any other form of 

 religion. In their hearts children of nature, their daily life 

 one constant struggle against an inhospitable soil and climate 

 to win a crop necessary for their sustenance, these people very 

 naturally incline most toward the gods of Increase and 

 Fecundity. 



