ABSTRACT
Having said enough about the idols and personages invoked and worshipped by the Thibettans, I must not omit to mention the principal places revered by them. These are four: Temples, Lhà-Khangs, Cciŏ-têns, and Manìs, The Temples are numerous and usually magnificent. They are built of stone, spacious, tall, with solid walls. The roof is flat like a terrace, and in the centre is a wide opening to give light, round which stand tall columns. These sustain a pavilion covered with ornamented and richly gilt metal, whose shining brilliancy attracts every eye, and large enough to protect the building from the weather. There are generally porticoes in front of the Temples, decorated with paintings and tall columns. On entering the Temple you see in front of the nave large statues of idols either sculptured or cast. In the principal Temples many of the statues are of gold, either hollow or solid, some are busts, others are entire figures, and several are ornamented with precious jewels. In front of these statues are altars, or rather shelves, on which are placed vases and numerous lighted lamps, perfumes and other offerings. Hangings of damask and brocades from China, images and fine paintings you often see, and many of the Temples have well carved, varnished, coloured, and gilt bookcases. These contain the hundred and more large volumes, the Kâa-n-ghiur, or Canonical books of the people, who kneel before them, light lamps and make offerings. Trumpets and other musical instruments are kept on either side in the Temples, to be used for solemn services and sacrifices, as well as quilts for the monks to sit on when at prayers. It is marvellous to see the respect, devotion and reverence shown by the Thibettans to their Temples, the humble adoration and obeisances performed when they enter and offer up prayers to their idols. They also walk several times round the outside, always taking care that the Temple is on their right hand and reciting prayers as they go. It seems incredible but it is absolutely true that in their books abundant indulgences (called Ppèn-yon) are promised to those who visit the Temples and to those who from afar make obeisance or turn reverently towards them, walk round the outside, or light lamps, burn incense or make offerings to the idols. There are many treatises on indulgences, especially for those granted by the famous Temple of Sam-yee, which are most liberal and ample. Oil is not used in the lamps, only melted butter. Statue and Shrine of Chamba (Maitreia) in the She Monastery, Ladak https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9780203307397/2f8a3363-7b84-4480-8b9c-88e5b04d4fec/content/fig292_1_B.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Photograph, C. Antilli
