child, who is afterwards given over to the temple, where he is taught his letters and the Buddhist mysteries by the elder lamas.[1] In some of the most important of these establishments, for instance at Urga or Kumbum,[2] special schools are built for the purpose, and divided into faculties. On completing his studies, the lama is attached to some temple, or practises as a physician.
Promotion to the highest ranks is effected by an examination in the Buddhist books. The ranks of the clergy are as follow: Kamba, Hehlung, Hehtsul, and Bandi — each having a distinctive dress[3] and station during prayer-time, and separate rules for the regulation of their lives. The highest grade is the Kambu or Kianbu, ordained directly by the Kutukhtu, with the right of conferring ordination on the lower ranks. The Kutukhtus are also obliged to pass through the different degrees, but they reach them sooner than ordinary mortals.
The lamas discharge certain duties in the temple according to their rank. The Tsiabartsi is the sacristan; the Piarba, housekeeper; Kesgui, ecclesiastical superintendent; Umzat, precentor; Duntsi, treasurer; Sordji, superior or abbot.
Besides these, several hundred (sometimes a thousand or more) lamas are attached to every
- ↑ Lamas unattached to a temple, but who live in yurtas, also take pupils.
- ↑ The temple of Kumbum is in the province of Kan-su, near Si-ning.
- ↑ The dress of the lamas is invariably yellow, with a red belt or band over the left shoulder. At prayer-time, special yellow mantles and tall caps are worn, differing in appearance according to their rank.
