314 
T I BEL 
back again, and returned within the precincts of the monastery, where 
having reposited their solemn trappings, the priests retired to their re¬ 
spective apartments. A view of the dwelling of Tessaling Lama, with 
the religious edifice styled Kugopea, on the north eastern boundary of 
the monastery of Teshoo Loomboo, is given in the annexed plate b . 
The priests were habited in long robes of yellow cloth, with a co¬ 
nical cap of the same colour, having flaps to fall down, and cover the 
ears. I notice this peculiarity of colour in their dress, as it is a dis¬ 
tinction adopted, to mark one of the two religious sects that divide 
almost the whole of Tartary, from Turkistan to the eastern limits of 
this continent. The other colour is red; and the tribes are known as 
belonging to the red, or the yellow cap. The former differ principally, 
as I understand, from the sectaries of the yellow, in admitting the 
marriage of their priests. But the latter are considered as the most 
orthodox, as well as possessed of far the greatest influence. The Em¬ 
peror of China is decidedly a votary of this sect, and he has sanctified 
his preference of the yellow colour, by a sumptuary law, which limits 
it to the service of religion, and the imperial use. 
The two sects are distinguished by the appellations of Gyllookpa, 
and Shammar, but the external appearance, or dress of both, is similar, 
except the distinction I have mentioned in the colour of the cap, the 
Gylloopka having adopted yellow, the Shammar red; a circumstance 
which is strictly attended to, on all occasions of ceremony. Threei 
Lamas are placed at the head of each sect; Dalai Lama, Teshoo Lama, 
and Taranaut Lama, preside over the Gyllookpa, who have their resi-. 
b Plate XII. 
