244 THE GIGEN. 



The Gigen is a handsome youth of twenty-one, 

 with a bright impetuous disposition, quite spoilt, 

 however, by his training : he cannot bear the 

 slightest contradiction, and considers his opinion 

 infallible. Owingf to his want of intellect and cul- 

 ture he gets quite confused with all the silly stuff 

 which the lamas are constantly talking to him, about 

 his transmigration, miracles, and sanctity. Without 

 troubling himself to reason for himself, the Gigen 

 takes everything for granted in the most uncon- 

 cerned way, and looks upon his profession as the 

 source of great power, and of emolument arising from 

 the offerings of zealous believers. Nevertheless his 

 youthful spirit seeks for something better, and frets 

 at the narrow routine of daily prayers, prophecies, 

 and dispensation of blessings. To satisfy his craving 

 for liberty the youth devotes himself to the chase, 

 and for days together, accompanied by a posse of 

 lamas, hunts the fox in the environs of the town. 

 Subsequently he bought one of our guns and amused 

 himself by shooting birds in his suburban garden. 

 But his numerous devotees will not allow the poor 

 Gigen to enjoy even this sport in peace. Once 

 Avhile on a shooting excursion with my companion he 

 requested the latter to drive these suppliants away 

 because they crowded round him and frightened 

 the birds. Of course it is contrary to etiquette 

 for a Buddhist saint to go a hunting, but the lamas 



note-book, was Olos-on Tushige-giin-dzyrgeh Nehmefiseti Balchin- 

 bandzarguchan. The title and name of the Gigen : Alasha-ing Tsin- 

 -wang koshung uyon Sayeng Batargiilokchi sumch Nomon khan 

 djamtsuvnndjil. 



