TIBET. 
261 
The right hand is rested with its back upon the thigh, with the 
thumb bent across the palm. The left arm is bent and held close to the 
body, the hand being open, and the thumb, at right angles with the 
fingers, touching the point of the shoulder. 
This is the attitude of abstracted meditation. The eyes, at the same 
time, being directed downwards, and half closed, indicate that, with 
the suspended powers of the body, the faculties of the mind also, are 
completely absorbed in contemplation, effectually guarded against 
wandering, and shut to every species of external impression. 
The late Teshoo Lama is represented in an effigy of gold, which 
crowns the pyramid, and is placed within the concave of a large shell, 
radiated alternately, with white and red, the edges being scolloped, and 
projecting so far as to form a canopy, that incloses within its hollow, 
the whole body of the figure. The image is represented sitting upon 
cushions, and has the drapery of a yellow satin mantle, negligently 
flowing over the lower part, whilst a cap, resembling a mitre, covers 
the head. As a tribute of respect, which might be gratifying to his 
votaries, and tend to conciliate their affection, I made an offering of a 
white pelong scarf, which the attending priest received, and passed 
over the smoke of the incense burning before the shrine, while the 
Gosein and others prostrated themselves nine times with devout hu¬ 
mility. The priest then ascended a ladder, and put one end of the scarf 
upon that hand of the image which was a little advanced; the other 
hung down upon the pyramid. Round the borders of the canopy, were 
suspended all the various rosaries, of the richest gems, used by the Lama 
during his life; they consisted of pearls, emeralds, rubies, sapphires. 
