The priests of this deity are called _Tiruvamsha_, which implies as much as the sacred race. They are under a chief, who is a kind of bishop, and has the power of determining all religious disputes that may arise. This chief has generally in his hand a golden band, from which is suspended a kind of sceptre shaped like a fan, and almost similar to the _Tolapava_ employed by the Talapoins of Pegu. These _Budhists_ hold a chapter, and choose their own magistrates, who are always men of knowledge and rank. Their choice is confirmed by the king. They are distinguished by a piece of yellow cloth (_Pidambara_) which they wear, and by going with their heads shaved and entirely bare. They dare neither apply to any labour, nor marry, and in general must touch no female. They must eat a full meal only once a-day; must drink no wine; and must neither anoint their bodies, nor be present at dances or any other kind of amusement. They are obliged also to have no concern with gold or silver; are kept under the strictest obedience, and must do every thing required of them by their superiors. When they quit their order they lay aside the piece of yellow cloth, and may then marry. A very accurate account of their institution has been given in a Peguan book entitled _Kammuva_, which treats of the ordination of the Talapoins; and also in the compendium of the laws of the _Barmans_, written by the Peguan philosopher _Dhermaràgiaguru_. Both these works are to be found in the library of the Congregation _de propaganda fide_. Those desirous of more information on this subject may consult also another manuscript, preserved in the Borgian Museum, and entitled _Mangalatara_; that is, the way and method to attain to real felicity. This excellent work, which contains the noblest precepts of morality, was transmitted to Cardinal Borgia by the learned Father Angelo Maria Cortinovis of Udina, who obtained it from his brother Father Marcellus a missionary in Pegu. All these laws, which occur under Nᵒ xxxviii. form the moral theology of the Talapoins of the sect of the Budhists, and are highly worthy of being explained and made publicly known.