posture; one holding the mundane egg in his lap; one adorned with the sacred thread; and one with his finger upraised, as though engaged in instructing mankind. In front of the three images, or in a separate temple, is an image of the goddess of mercy; in a niche, on one side, the god of war; and, on the other, the protectress of seamen. A high table, for candles and incense, stands before the images; and, in the centre of the temple, is a large iron caldron, for burning gilt paper in: on either side the hall, are placed a bell and a drum, to arouse the attention of the god, when important personages come to adore him; and a few cushions and mats, on which the worshippers kneel, make up the furniture of a Buddhist temple. They have no sabbaths nor periodical seasons of rest; but observe the new and full moon, with particular solemnity; and keep, on the whole, one hundred and sixty-two fast-days every year, besides the matins and vespers of each day.
The daily service consists in the offering up of certain forms of prayer, in the Sanscrit language, which few even of the priests understand; and the repetition of the sacred name of Buddha, to which they attach great merit. In a Buddhistic work we have an exhortation to meditate on and recite the name of Buddha, a few extracts from which may serve to shew the extent to which they carry their vain repetitions:—
"Why do we exhort men to fix the thoughts on Buddha? but because the most serious consequences are connected with the thoughts of men. That which draws forth the soul renders fate favourable, and life secure; all proceeds from this source. If the thoughts are good, you ascend to heaven; if bad, you descend to hell. One correct thought will cause you, in the transmigration, to return to the world in the shape of a man; and one cross thought, in that of a
