Indian Architecture (Buddhist and Hindu Periods) c12.49

c12.49

All these monastic retreats, once the focus of Buddhist spiritual life, eventful and active, have now been deserted for many centuries, and until recently had become the abode of wandering fakirs, people of the jungle, and even wild animals. But the picture they presented in the days of their pride, when they were the home of a large ecclesiastical community, is not difficult to visualize. For although Buddhism has departed from these regions, the ritual, as it was performed two thousand years ago, is still observed in the monasteries of Tibet, from which the ancient ceremonial, as conducted within the rock-cut halls may be reconstructed, and the whole scene brought to life. The day would begin with a burst of trumpets and the strumming of drums from the minstrel's gallery in the chaitya hall facade, the sounds echoing up the mountain side and calling the monks to prayers. Soon the forecourt and vestibule would fill with an assembly of saffron or yellow clad priests, who amidst a cloud of incense, would proceed to walk in procession around the aisles, and, afterwards, to enter the nave where coloured mats had been already placed in front of the bases of the pillars on which they would sit. On the right hand side, near the stupa, would be a raised wooden throne, draped and cushioned for the abbot. Then would follow the service, consisting of readings and chantings from the sacred books, with occasional accompaniments from the trumpets and drums now stationed inside the hall, the entire proceeding being one of great reverence combined with a remarkably artistic effect. For the coloured robes of the priestly congregation, and the richly woven mats and cushions, would be caught up by the fine fresco paintings on the walls above, to the whole of which the architectural treatment of the interior would provide a grandly solemn setting.