■294 THE MONKHOOD. 



a broad tape and buckle tied across its middle. These ponderous 

 tomes are very unwieldy and not easy of reference. When being 

 read the book is held across the knees, and the upper board and the 

 leaves as read are lifted towards the reader and repiled in order in his 

 lap. Before opening its fastenings, and also on retying the parcel, the 

 monk places the book reverently on his head, saying, " may I obtain 

 the blessing of Thy Holy Word." 



IV.-THE MONKHOOD. 



Under this heading are detailed the Curriculum for the Monk- 

 hood, the Laniaic Grades and Discipline, and the Daily Routine of 

 a lama's life in Sikhim. 



I.— TEE curriculum:. 



In nearly every Bhotiya^ family in Sikhim, one son is devoted 

 to the Church. This practice is fostered by the 

 Clm'ch''"^^*^^ °^ ^^^ *^^^P religious habit of the people and the attrac- 

 tions offered by the high social position and privi- 

 leges enjoyed by the lamas, rendering them superior to the highest 

 lay official and free from ordinary tribunals. A certain amount of 

 reflected honour also attaches to the family which has afforded the 

 lama. 



The rule is for the second son to become a lama, while the eldest 



^ , soji marries in order to continue the family name 



In tlie family. i , j i ii i i • 



•' and pro^jerty, and be the bread-wmner. 



The course of training which I now detail is that which obtains 

 . . at Pemiongchi, as that monastery is regarded as a 



ourse rammg. standard One which the other monasteries try to 

 live up to. 

 , Prelimiimry Examination — Physieal. — The boy-candidate for admis- 

 sion is usually brought to tlie monastery between 

 ^*' the age of eight and ten years, and very seldom 



over twelve years. 



The parentage of the boy is enquired into (and at Pemiongchi 



only those candidates who are of relatively pure 



aren age. Tibetan descent are ordinarily admitted to that 



monastery). The boy is then physically examined to ascertain tliat 



he is free from deformity or defect in his limbs and 



Physical examma- faculties. If he stammers or is a cripple in any 



way or bent in body, he is rejected. When he 



' " Bhotiya" means an inhabitant of " Bhot" or Tibet, and is thus synonymous with 

 "Tibetan." It includes those residents of Silihim who are of Tibetan ancestry, and who, 

 though largely mixed wiih Lepclia blood, retain Tibetan speech and manners. These onlj 

 are professing Lamaists and eligible to become orthodox liimas. Lepchas are not eligible. 



