Deo. 1848. 



DECORATIONS OF TEMPLE. 



321 



prayer and contemplation, the head Lama occupying a 

 stall (often of very tasteful design) near the altar. 



MIDDLE TEMPLE. 



The principal Boodh, or image, is placed behind the altar 

 under a canopy, or behind a silk screen : lesser gods, and 

 gaily dressed and painted effigies of sainted male or 

 female persons are ranged on either side, or placed in 

 niches around the apartment, sometimes with separate 

 altars before them ; whilst the walls are more or less 

 covered with paintings of monks in prayer or contempla- 

 tion. The principal Boodh (Sakya Sing) sits cross-legged, 

 with the left heel up: his left-hand always rests on his 

 thigh, and holds the padmi or lotus and jewel, which is 

 often a mere cup ; the right-hand is either raised, with the 

 two forefingers up, or holds the dorje, or rests on the 



