Page:The Buddhism of Tibet or Lamaism.djvu/319



N primitive Buddhism the temple had, of course, no place. It is the outcome of the theistic development with its relic-worship and idolatry, and dates from the later and impurer stage of Buddhism. The Lāmaist temple is called "God's house" (Lha-k’an).

It is usually the central and most conspicuous building in the monastery, and isolated from the other buildings, as seen in the foregoing illustrations. The roof is surmounted by one or two small bell-shaped domes of gilt copper ; if a pair, they are placed one on either end of the ridge, and called jira ; if a solitary one in the middle of the ridge, it is called "the banner." They are emblematic of the royal umbrella and banner of victory. At the corners of the roof are erected cloth cylinders called gebi. The building is often two storeys in height, with an outside stair on one flank, generally the right, leading to the upper flat. In front is an upper wooden balcony, the beams of which are rudely carved, also the doors. The orientation of the door has already been noted.

In approaching the temple-door the visitor must proceed with his right hand to the wall, in conformity with the respectful custom of pradakshiṇa widely found amongst primitive people. In niches along the base of the building, about three feet above the level of the path, are sometimes inserted rows of prayer-barrels