Page:Mongolia, the Tangut country, and the solitudes of northern Tibet vol 1 (1876).djvu/316

 The Gigen is a handsome youth of twenty-one, with a bright impetuous disposition, quite spoilt, however, by his training: he cannot bear the slightest contradiction, and considers his opinion infallible. Owing to his want of intellect and culture he gets quite confused with all the silly stuff which the lamas are constantly talking to him, about his transmigration, miracles, and sanctity. Without troubling himself to reason for himself, the Gigen takes everything for granted in the most unconcerned way, and looks upon his profession as the source of great power, and of emolument arising from the offerings of zealous believers. Nevertheless his youthful spirit seeks for something better, and frets at the narrow routine of daily prayers, prophecies, and dispensation of blessings. To satisfy his craving for liberty the youth devotes himself to the chase, and for days together, accompanied by a posse of lamas, hunts the fox in the environs of the town. Subsequently he bought one of our guns and amused himself by shooting birds in his suburban garden. But his numerous devotees will not allow the poor Gigen to enjoy even this sport in peace. Once while on a shooting excursion with my companion he requested the latter to drive these suppliants away because they crowded round him and frightened the birds. Of course it is contrary to etiquette for a Buddhist saint to go a hunting, but the lamas