Daughter of the Mountains Quotes

“She looked with pleasure at the blue cushioned seat and the hood to protect the rider from sun or rain. How very strange it felt merely to sit above those turning wheels, and bowl gently down the street! And to watch the trotting legs of the rickshaw man before her in the shafts! Since she had grown too big to be lifted astride her father’s shoulder or her mother’s hip, Momo had never been carried by anything but her own strong legs, She laughed aloud with pleasure at this strange sensation, and the coolie turning, grinned at her and called to her cheerfully, “Tsk bai, baccha!”’ (All right, little girl!)”
― Louise S. Rankin, Daughter of the Mountains

“His tail arched gaily over his back and waved like a beautiful plume. Long golden hair fell like a curtain over his face, hiding his eyes until they flashed out merrily when he tossed his head. He was, Momo knew, the most beautiful dog in the world, and as her father had said of the head lama’s terrier, like a prince among men.

He was as gentle as he was strong, and had fine manners. Before entering the house in winter he always stopped to shake the snow from his long, thick hair. He sat up and begged for his tsampa, and said thank you with a bark and a wave of his paw. He could stand on his hind legs and dance to the music of Nema’s fiddle. Day and night he was at Momo’s side, in the house or on the hills, and always lovingly obedient to her least command, a merry and adoring companion. He understood, naturally, all her words and even her thoughts, and Momo returned his love in full measure.”
― Louise S. Rankin, Daughter of the Mountains

“But from her father Momo had learned some fear. To Nema the Lord Buddha was good, no doubt, but very far away, beyond all sight or knowing. And the powers of evil—these were very close and terrible to Nema. He spent his days battling against them. There were the vast mountains, goddesses of great power; the guardian country gods; the deities of place, who dwelt in rocks, trees, or springs—spiteful creatures who in ill temper love to vex mankind; the earth demons; the bold demons of the sky, and all the devils, and ghosts of the spirits of the dead. Some of these spirits were kind to man, but Most were not.”
― Louise S. Rankin, Daughter of the Mountains

“For the turquoise is to all Tibetans a most precious jewel, They love it for its beauty and they believe it has magic power, It is the symbol of power and of wealth, the wealth of this world and the wealth of the soul; and it is the outward sign of sovereignty. Only officials may wear the long single turquoise eatting which is the badge of rank, though all, even the poorest, men as well as women, are never contented or secure until they can wear a fleck of the magic stone, in a nose, or ear, or finger ring. However small it may be, the precious gem will protect them from danger and evil, and will link them to God.”
― Louise S. Rankin, Daughter of the Mountains