# Chapter XV explained — Kim

> Chapter companion for Kim by Rudyard Kipling.

## What happens

Kim and the lama recuperate at the Sahiba's house. The lama confesses he has been draining Kim's strength, and the Sahiba takes charge of nursing Kim back to health through rest, drugs, and massage. Mahbub Ali visits, and the lama reveals he has found the River of the Arrow and insists Kim will be cleansed and become a teacher, while Mahbub worries about Kim's role in the Great Game.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The lama's dependence on Kim and the Sahiba's care for Kim highlight bonds of loyalty and mutual support.

### Spirituality and the Search for Enlightenment

The lama's claim to have found the River and his focus on Kim's spiritual cleansing dominate the chapter.

### The Great Game and Espionage

Mahbub Ali's concern for Kim's role as a scribe for the State and the hidden letters and pistol underscore espionage themes.

## Character check-ins

### Kim

Recovering from physical and mental exhaustion; cared for by the Sahiba; hides Mahbub's pistol and letters.

### Teshoo Lama

Confesses to leaning on Kim's strength; announces he has found the River and that Kim will be cleansed and become a teacher.

### The Old Lady

The Sahiba who nurses Kim back to health; discusses the lama's plans and provides hospitality.

### Mahbub Ali

Visits the lama; discusses Kim's future and the Great Game; expresses concern about Kim becoming a teacher.

## Key lines

> Thou leanest on me in the body, Holy One, but I lean on thee for some other things. Dost know it?

Kim tells the lama that while the lama relies on him physically, Kim relies on the lama for spiritual guidance.

_Highlights the mutual dependence between Kim and the lama._

> I will take over the boy and dose him, and stuff him, and make him all whole.

The Sahiba declares she will nurse Kim back to health with her own methods.

_Shows the Sahiba's maternal authority and practical care._

> He is sure of Nibban—enlightened—as I am.

The lama asserts that Kim will achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

_Reflects the lama's spiritual certainty and his vision for Kim's future._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kim_se/chapters/xv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kim_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/kim_se/chapters