CHAPTER XV - CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TESHU LAMA AT TESHU LUMBO

Summary

At the first meeting after his return to Teshu Lumbo, the Teshu Lama spoke to me of what he had before mentioned as to forming a religious house somewhere on the Ganges, and I repeated my belief of the readiness with which his desire wculd be complied with. He said he had also written or proposed to write to Changay Lama, the high-priest at Peking, with whom he was upon the most friendly and intimate terms, mentioning that the Fringies were masters of Bengal, and had shown him great favour; and, says he, “I think it probable he will send some of his people to visit the principal religious places. I,” added he, “am but a little man in comparison of the Changay Lama, for he is always in the Emperor's presence, and has great influence over him. The favour which the Emperor shows to me and the Dalai Lama is in a good measure owing to Changay Lama's good offices at court. I hope, therefore, in case he sends any persons, that the Governor will give them a good reception.” I encouraged him very much in all this. “At present,” said he, “I cannot say whether they will come or not. If they do, I will send them to the Deb Bajah, and from thence they will proceed to Bengal.” I said the Governor, I imagined, would be glad to know some little time beforehand, that he might give orders for their journey.