was visible during a certain lapse of time,
and then disappeared under such and such circumstances. When
the _Tchurtchun_ has obtained all the necessary information, he
recites a few prayers, opens his book of divination, and
finally pronounces his oracle, while the Tartars, who have come
to consult him, listen to his words, kneeling, and rapt in
profound devotion. Your Grand Lama, he says, is come to life
again, in Thibet, at such a distance from your house; you will
find him in such a family. When the poor creatures have heard
the oracle, they return rejoicing, to announce the good tidings
at the Lama-house.

It frequently occurs that the disciples of the defunct Lama
have no need to take all this trouble to discover his new
birthplace. He often condescends so far as to reveal, in
person, the secret of his transformation. As soon as he has
performed his metamorphosis in Thibet, he declares himself at
his birthplace, at an age at which ordinary children cannot
articulate a word. "I," he says, with a tone of authority, "am
the Grand Lama, the living Buddha of such a temple; let me be
conducted to the Lama-house, of which I am the immortal
superior."...

The Tartars are always delighted at the discovery of their
Grand Lama, by whatever means it may be effected. Preparations
are joyfully made for the journey; the ministers and some
members of the royal family join the caravan, which is to bring
back the saint in triumph. High and low contribute to the
expense, and are eager to share the dangers of the journey.
These are not in general trifling; for the Lama is frequently
inconsiderate enough towards his followers to transmigrate in a
part of the country at once distant and difficult of access. If
one expedition fails, or falls into the hands of robbers,
another is sent, and there is no instance of these devotees
faltering in their faith. When at last the Chaberon is
discovered, it must not be supposed that he is accepted and
proclaimed at once, without proper precautions being taken to
ascertain his identity. A solemn sitting is held, at which the
living Buddha is examined in public, with the most scrupulous
attention. He is questioned as to the name of the Lama-house of
which he pretends to be the chief, its distance and situation