Shammar

Shammar

in Lamaism, is the name of three chiefs of the sect of Red-bonnets among the worshippers of the Lama, nearly equal to the Dalai-Lama in exalted dignity. The first of them lives in a large convent at Tassisudor, the capital of Bootan. A numerous clergy are subordinated to these princes of the Church, all of whose members are celibates and live in convents. They are of different grades, inconceivably numerous and widely extended, as well as highly venerated. The instruction of the young is altogether in their hands. Their convents are very numerous, Lhassa, the capital of Tibet, alone containing 3000 — Vollmer, Worterb. d. Mythol. s.v.