There are many myths about Tibetan Mahatmas that were spread by the so-called travelers of that region and eagerly believed by the reading public. Many of these myths are dealt with in this long forgotten book by the two missionaries Huc and Gabet. In this book the Tibetans are not described as savages and nobody found any lost Jesus manuscripts in that country. Also nobody took pictures while others were tortured on the rack. And finally, nobody hypnotized Lamas while being subjected to outrageous tortures. Bottom line is, there is absolutely nothing fantastic and incredible in the story that follows and maybe that is the reason why this book is extremely interesting and one of the best on this subject.

The two Jesuit missionaries who wrote this book had a very good common sense and did not easily believe the superstitions with which they were confronted and even the pagan darkness could not surround them. They deeply believed in the traditions of their own church, the traditions that are represented in Christian legends. They even find themselves beset by Old Nick, who tries to prevent them from journeying on a few times. Because of the credulous beliefs of the Buddhists and their fear of supernatural power they had to be very careful and clever in their missionary work. While being with the Chinese they just asked Chinese. When they left there for Tibet, they were dressed like Lamas. In their mind they had a knowledge which is as valid in England as in Asia: religion does not only rely on doctrines but on vestment.

The itinerary of the two Jesuit missionaries was full and a lot of what they have seen is still famous today. Only the source, this very book, had been forgotten. Accompanied by Tartar cameleer they travel through China and Tartary into Tibet, passing the desert of Gobi. Having reached Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, they visited Chinese inns, the temples of the Buddhists and the Lamaseries. They learn how to deal with the moneychangers and meet brigands on the road. But what ever they did they were always with the cordiality that is typical for this region. They were never scrutinized by the people. In most cases the people just went by and did not pay any attention to them.

This book is also about religion. Typically the Tibetans are thought of as a warlike race. But they are not because the nature is subdued by the extreme religious devotion that they carry in their hearts. The Tibetan religious philosophers are among the best in the world. Even the Regent of Lhasa took the chance and dove deeply into the Christian religion. He is among the most remarkable persons the two missionaries have met during their stay.

The journey was so impressive that Mr. Huc as well as Mr. Gabet opted to stay in Tibet much longer than they planned before. But the Chinese Plenipotentiary had different plans with them. They were informed that they would have to leave the country. Also the Regent and assured them that they were under his protection, they thought it would be better to submit and accept the wish of the Chinese. Although they felt that their rights were largely violated by the Chinese government, they ended their visit under protest.

What you will read now is one of the two volumes that make up this book. It is not only interesting to general readers, but also to students of Christian missions as well as people interested in Buddhism.

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TRAVELS IN TARTARY, THIBET, AND CHINA, VOLUME II

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Travels In Tartary, Thibet, And China, Volume II Evariste Regis Huc

CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.

Evariste Regis Huc And His Mission In Tibet

Travels In Tartary, Thibet, And China, Volume II

Evariste Regis Huc