TO TAZEDO, ON THE CHINESE FRONTIER. 523 



the Ukdn are a large knife and an axe, and a block and a rope. The axe 

 and the block are covered with blood : and such is the stench of the place, 

 that no one can endure it when it is annually opened as before related— 

 a period at which it is cleansed, and again closed for twelve more months. 



The Ecclesiastical Ruler of Lahassa, on receiving the melancholy des- 

 patch sent by the Lama of Sdkya, causes proclamation to be made, that 

 upon a certain day the scriptures called Bum and Seyo, be read for the de- 

 livery of the souls of the dead, and spiritual welfare of the living, and that 

 offerings be made at the temple for the same ends. The call to contribute 

 money for this purpose is universally attended to, and large sums collect- 

 ed from all parts and sent to Lahassa. When the whole is received there, 

 a grand festival is held, which lasts from 1st December to the last day of 

 that month. Presents are likewise sent from the Lama of Lahassa to the 

 Lamas of Sdkya, who distribute a large portion of them to the poor of 

 Sdkya Shelter. 



Lamas are of two kinds — one practising celibacy ; the other, not; the 

 former, called Kumdumbd, and the latter, Tiimzdn. The great Lamas of 

 Sdkya, are Tdmzans. They go once a year to visit Lahassa, which is twelve 

 days' journey from Sdkya; but the distance is said to be travelled by the 

 Lamas in two days — such is their preter-human power. 



The Lamas, on this occasion, pay a visit to the Civil Ruler of Lahassa, 

 who receives them surrounded by his subordinates in office. These latter 

 bow down their heads to the Lamas, who give them their blessing by 

 laying their hands on their heads — while the chief governor rising up 

 meets the Lamas, when the two parties join their foreheads together by 

 a mutual stoop, and the Chief then conducts the Lamas to seats on his 

 immediate right and left. The visit lasts about an hour. At evening- 

 tide, the Lamas go round the City of Lahassa, curing the sick, casting out 



