ABSTRACT
After having given a full account of the primary objects of Thibettan veneration and adoration, I must now mention those of the minor cult. I have intentionally been somewhat prolix in recounting what this people believe and affirm about Giam-yang, Sciacchià-Thubbà, Cen-ree-zij, and Urghien, as I wished to give a detailed account of the Thibettan idols in order that people might understand my former statements which to many were perhaps surprising and perplexing. I also wish to point out the principal diversity between the Thibettans and other Asiatics (meaning the peoples of India). Both, it is true, offer up prayers and incense to false, fictitious saints, but the difference is great. While the former acknowledge and exalt the singular virtues of, and the extraordinary miracles performed by their saints, yet at the same time they call them impotent, liars, revengeful, or adulterers, much as the ancient Romans did Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Venus, or Pluto. Not so the Thibettans. The false colour and varnish of the virtues and miracles of their idols which they admire with astonishment, are so good, that only a very healthy and refined eye can detect the fraud. The difference between the pagans of Asia (India) and those of Thibet is that the former worship vice, impiety and unbridled passions, while the Thibettans only adore the marvellous if purged of vice and free from all unbridled passions.
