es.
The regular Lamas generally make no scruple to avow their horror of the
spectacle. In their eyes, all these operations are wicked and
diabolical. Good Lamas, they say, are incapable of performing such acts,
and should not even desire to attain the impious talent.

Though these demoniac operations are, in general, decried in
well-regulated Lamaseries, yet the superiors do not prohibit them. On
the contrary, there are certain days in the year set apart for the
disgusting spectacle. Interest is, doubtless, the only motive which
could induce the Grand Lamas to favour actions which in their conscience
they reprove. The fact is, that these diabolical displays are an
infallible means of collecting together a swarm of stupid and ignorant
devotees, who communicate renown to the Lamasery, and enrich it with the
numerous offerings which the Tartars never fail to bring with them on
such occasions.

Cutting open the abdomen is one of the most famous _sie-fa_
(supernaturalisms) possessed by the Lamas. There are others of the same
class, less imposing, but more common; these are practised in people's
houses, privately, and not at the great solemnities of the Lamaseries.
For example, they heat irons red-hot, and then lick them with impunity;
they make incisions in various parts of the body, which an instant
afterwards leave no trace behind, etc. All these operations have to be
preceded by the recitation of some prayer.

We knew a Lama who, according to every one's belief, could fill a vase
with water, by the mere agency of a prayer; but we could never induce him
to try the experiment in our presence. He told us that as we held not
the same faith with him, the experiment, in our company, would not be
merely fruitless, but would expose him to serious danger. One day,
however, he recited to us the prayer of his sie-fa. It was brief, but we
readily recognised in it a direct appeal to the assistance of the demon.
"I know thee, thou knowest me;" thus it ran: "Come old friend, do what I
ask of thee. Bring water, and fill the vase I hold out to thee. To fill
a vase with water, what is that to thy vast power! I know thou chargest
dear for a vase of water; but never mind: do what I ask of thee, and fill
the vase I present to thee. Some time hence we'll come to a reckoning:
on the appointed day thou shalt receive thy due." It sometimes happens
that the appeal remains without effect: in such cases, praying is
discontinued, an