# The Lord Buddha Revisits the City of the Five Hills explained — The Pilgrim Kamanita

> Chapter companion for The Pilgrim Kamanita by Karl Gjellerup.

## What happens

The Buddha, nearing the end of his earthly life, returns to Rajagriha and reflects on his past struggles and spiritual journey. He bids farewell to the beloved city and decides to avoid the noisy monastery, seeking solitude in a suburban shelter for the night.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Pilgrim's Path

The Buddha's solitary journey and reflection on his spiritual evolution from ascetic to enlightened master.

### Renunciation and Worldliness

The Buddha's farewell to Rajagriha and his choice to avoid the noisy monastery, seeking solitude over worldly bustle.

### The Nature of Nirvana

The Buddha's contemplation of his imminent entry into Nirvana, the final rest from Sansara.

## Character check-ins

### The Lord Buddha

The Master returns to Rajagriha, reflecting on his past and preparing for his final journey into Nirvana.

### Ananda

The Buddha's cousin and faithful companion, leading the monks ahead to the mango grove.

### Sariputta

The wise disciple leading a band of young monks from the West, expected to arrive at sunset.

### Bimbisara

King of Magadha, who once visited the Buddha in the cave and later became a follower.

## Key lines

> Thus have I heard: That the time came when the earthly sojourn of the Lord Buddha should be ended, and journeying from place to place in the land of Magadha, he came to Rajagriha.

The Buddha, nearing the end of his life, traveled through Magadha and arrived at Rajagriha.

_Opening of the chapter, setting the scene for the Buddha's final visit._

> Fair indeed art thou, Rajagriha, City of the Five Hills! ... For the last time do I behold thy lovely borders from this, the fairest of all places whence thy children love to look upon thee.

The Buddha bids a heartfelt farewell to Rajagriha, knowing he will see it only once more.

_Expresses the Buddha's emotional farewell and awareness of his impending death._

## Links

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