run down the centre of the building; on these the
monks sit at prayer and contemplation, the head Lama
occupying a stall (often of very tasteful design) near
the altar.
The principal Boodh, or image, is placed behind the
altar under a canopy, or behind a silk screen: gaily
ALTAR AND IMAGES.
Central figure Akshobya, the first of the Pancha Boodha.
dressed and painted effigies of sainted male and female
persons are ranged on eitlier side, or placed in niches
around the apartment, sometimes with separate altars
before them; whilst the walls are more or less covered
with paintings of monks in prayer or contemplation.
The principal Boodh (Sakya Sing) sits cross-legged,
with the left heel up : his left hand always rests on his
thigh, and holds the padmi or lotus and jewel, which
is often a mere cup; the right hand is either raised,
PLAN OF THE 80UTH TEMPLE.
a . e n t r a n c e ; b . f o u r p r a y i n g c y l i n d e r s ; o. a l t a r , w i t h s e v e n b r a s s c u p s o t w a t e r
d . f o u r c o l u m n s ; e . a n d f . im a g e s ; o . l i b r a r y .
with the two forefingers up, or holds the doije, or rests
on the calf of the upturned leg. Sakya has generally
curled hair, Lamas have mitres, females various headdresses
; most wear immense ear-rings, and some rosaries.
All are placed on rude pediments, so painted as
to convey the idea of their rising out of the petals of
the pink, purple, or white lotus. None are in any way