The Sacred Lake

wara. As the lake was first conceived in the mind (manas) of the Creator, it came to be called Manasa.

I got down into the lake and had my bath with great joy and devotion. The lake appeared full of huge fishes, but there were no signs of water plants like the lotus. Beautiful, small, swanshaped birds, white and black in colour, were often seen flying in flocks of forty or fifty over the surface of the lake. After my bath I paid homage to Lord Buddha, and to the Lamas who were engaged in acts of devotion. Later, I passed several hours talking with the Lamas. Thus bathing in the Manasa, drinking its holy waters and its heavenly beauty, I rested a couple of days in the lamasery. At the end of our stay we resumed our journey with renewed vigour.