, perhaps, that in our little Lamasery we have the
happiness to possess a Chaberon, a living Buddha. It is two years since
he deigned to descend from the holy mountains of Thibet; he is now seven
years old. In one of his former lives he was Grand Lama of a splendid
Lamasery in this vale, which was destroyed, according to the
prayer-books, in the time of the wars of Tching-Kis. The saint having
reappeared a few years since, we have constructed in haste a small
Lamasery. Come, brothers, our saint will hold his right hand over your
heads, and luck will accompany your steps!" "The men who know the Holy
Doctrine of the West, do not believe in all these transmigrations of the
Chaberons. We adore only the Creator of Heaven and earth; his name is
Jehovah. We believe that the child you have made superior of your
Lamasery is destitute of all power. Men have nothing to hope or to fear
from him." When the Lama heard these words, which he certainly never
expected, he was quite stupified. By degrees his face became animated,
and at last exhibited indignation and anger. He looked at us several
times, then, pulling the bridle of his horse, he turned short round and
left us hastily, muttering between his teeth some words which we could
not exactly hear, but which we were aware did not constitute a
benediction.

The Tartars believe with firm and absolute faith in all these various
transmigrations. They would never allow themselves to entertain the
slightest doubt as to the authenticity of their Chaberons. These living
Buddhas are in large numbers, and are always placed at the head of the
most important Lamaseries. Sometimes they modestly begin their career in
a small temple, and have only a few disciples; but very soon their
reputation increases around, and the small Lamasery becomes a place of
pilgrimage and devotion. The neighbouring Lamas, speculating upon the
rising fashion, surround it with their cells; the Lamasery acquires
development from year to year, and becomes at last famous in the land.

The election and enthronization of the living Buddhas are conducted in so
singular a manner as to be well worth relating. When a Grand Lama has
gone, that is to say, is dead, the circumstance is no occasion of
mourning in the Lamasery. There are no tears, no lamentations, for
everybody knows the Chaberon will very soon reappear. This apparent
death is but the beginning of a new existence, as it were, one ring more
added to