Seite 424 [424]
OCR
Lusos BELKA Buddha. The upper part of the dome is still covered with a cloth. In front of it is a tent with an altar with offerings and cone-shaped pastry decorated with butter blossoms. Jugs with holy water and fans of peacock feathers for sprinkling are prepared, too. Viéek: Loops of fragrant smoke from incense sticks are rising to the sky. A large Tibetan tent with colored ornaments for the abbot and guests was erected in the front. Attendants are bringing a large parasol and armchairs for distinguished visitors. Monks in red garments with yellow wraps, yellow hats with a brush-like crests reminding of Roman gladiators’ helmets, are strolling in groups from the temple. Jisl: The abbot’s deputy with the always-smiling face is directing the preparations. He recognizes me as a last year’s guest of honor and welcomes me with a handshake and the Mongolian greeting sainbainuu.*' A distinctive head of Shaddub”, known from Poucha’s book about Mongolia, flashes through the crowd of Lamas. Limousines are arriving and the abbot of the monastery and his guests are getting off one of them. The ritual starts with a long slow prayer interrupted with music. Prayers and music take turns. Old men and women crowded around let the prayer beads through fingers, throw in their offerings and make place to us, who try to get everywhere hunting for photos. Viéek: I did what I could with the camera. Suddenly my palm is full of grains. A Lama put it in my hand when I focused the camera. I do not know what to do with them, so I throw some on the structure and put the rest in my pocket. I probably did well, because the Lama smiled at me. Maybe he was content to have turned a non-believer to the right faith. Mongolian greeting meaning “Good day.” shortcoming in the capital city of an allied socialism-building country. tapes. 422
