I 



InstitiUions of the Inliabitants ofBoutan. 493 



Their system of the universe consists of, first, the celestial regions, de- 

 scribed as situated on the summit of a square rock of immense magnitude 

 and height, its sides severally composed of crystal, ruby, sapphire, and 

 emerald. Here dwells the Supreme Being, in a habitation to which good 

 men after death have admission, and find clothes, provisions, and every 

 thing they want and wisli prepared for their reception. About half way 

 down is the region of the sun and moon, placed on opposite sides of the 

 rock, and constantly revolving round it for the purpose of giving day and 

 night to the lower world. The vicissitudes of the seasons are also ac- 

 counted for by the irregularity of the superior luminary's monthly revolu- 

 tions. Beneath is the ocean, surrounding the whole, with seven stripes 

 of dry land encompassing the foot of the rock, and some islands, the 

 residence of mankind. The Rajah pointed out that island which compre- 

 hends Boutan, Bengal, &c., as situated in the south or sapphire side. The 

 infernal regions are under the earth, where the wicked are to be tormented 

 in everlasting fire ; melted brimstone will be poured down their throats, 

 and their cries neither pitied nor regarded. 



The priests have no separate buildings erected purposely for the exercise of 

 religious ceremonies, in the manner of our churches, the pagodas of the Hin- 

 doos and Chinese, or the mosques of the Mahometans. Their devotions 

 are always performed before altars erected in large apartments appropriated 

 to this use in the palaces or castles where the Gylongs are lodged — these 

 residences themselves being, in fact, the temples. The supreme deity is 

 here represented by a colossal figure, Syatoba, gilt, and sitting cross- 

 legged. His principal agent (or, as they express it) his vizier, cf a much 

 smaller size, is placed before hun, and surrounded by images of the 

 former Lamas, in rows one above the other, of a diminutive size. The 

 destroying power appears a little lower in front, his countenance enraged, 

 and his numerous arms ujilifted, menacing with a variety of weapons. Be- 

 fore the altar is a bench with a row of small brass cups, filled with water, 

 and some with rice : also a lamp burning, pots with flowers, and many 

 trifling ornaments. Mirrors and glass-ware of any kind are thought a great 

 embellisiunent. This apartment or chapel, of which there are more than 

 one in every castle, often comprehends two stories of the building, a part 

 of the upper one railed round as a gallery, whence spectators may view 

 the ceremonies below. Here the priests assemble at tiieir meals, receiving 

 their portion of victuals as they sit cross-legged in rows, muttering over an 

 abundance of graces and prayers, with the horns, drums, and bells sounding 



Vol. n. 3 S 



