THE IMAGE OF TZUNG-KA-BA 



"Unlike other Buddhist images, which usually have a stiff and wooden expression, 

 Tzung-ka-ba is represented by an image having a face like that of a human being" (see 

 text below). 



page 972), awarded by the former em- 

 peror, K"ang-hsi, to restrain and punish 

 the. disobedient Lamas. 



In front of Dupon is the Great Oracle 

 of State (see page 960), where inspired 

 Lamas give answers to inquiries made 

 by those who are eager to know their 

 fortunes or outcome of various affairs. 

 It has even greater influence and au- 

 thority than the oracle at Delphi, since 

 here questions are asked and answers 

 given in regard to governmental policy 

 as well as private matters. Its ruHng 

 divinity has very wretched features. He 

 is supposed to have sprung from a tree. 

 The shingles of the roofs are made of 

 arrows collected after different battles. 



THE SERA MONASTERY 



The Sera, or the "Golden Hill, ^lon- 

 astery (see page 972) is situated along 

 the hillside north of the city. It is next 

 to the Dupon Alonastery in size, with 

 room for 5,500 Lamas. 



The worship of Tzung-ka-ba, the 

 founder of the Yellow-cap sect of Lama- 

 ism, has its seat in this monastery. Un- 

 like other Buddhist images, which usually 

 have a stiff and wooden expression, 

 Tzung-ka-ba is represented by an image 

 having a face like that of a human be- 

 ing (see above) and holding a scepter 

 which is said to have come down from 

 heaven. 



973 



