V. ' 



280 INSCRIPTION ON THE 



ADDITIONAL REMARKS. 



Among the Burmese, the two objects of religious worship, are monu- 

 ments erected to the memory of Gautama, and images of Bud'h. The monu- 

 ments are built with bricks and clay, covered with lime ; are quadrangular at 

 the base, and being raised several feet in this manner, take a cylindrical and 

 tapering form, until they come to a point, on which a cap or crown of open 

 iron-work is fixed. Many of them are covered with gold leaf. In each side 

 of the quadrangular base, of a large proportion of them, is a small room or 

 niche, only sufficiently commodious for a small image of Bud'h. The monu- 

 ments vary in height, not being less, generally, than thirty feet. The large 

 images of Bud'h are ill-formed representations of a human figure, sitting on 

 a base or throne, in a cross-legged posture, the palm of the right hand plac- 

 ed upon the knee of the same side, and the left hand resting upon the lap, 

 with the palm turned upwards. These are also built of bricks and mortar, 

 and are not unfrequently covered with gold leaf. These two are the only 

 proper objects of religious adoration, being considered as substitutes for deity 

 or Bud'h. Besides these, are images carved in wood, of various and ludicrous 

 forms, not necessary to the devotional part of religion, but are imaginary 

 representations of Nats, or good and evil genii. These genii are invisible, 

 and dwell in solitary places, large trees, near tanks, &c. Insanity, uncom- 

 mon diseases, peevishness in children, and many of the evils men endure, are 

 attributed to their evil influence j ceremonies are performed, and offerings 

 made to eject or appease them. There appears to be some similarity between 

 the Jewish superstition of demoniacal possession^ and the Burmese notions of 

 the influence of Nats> 



