The Pilgrim Kamanita · Chapter
At the Grave of the Holy Vajaçravas explained
Kamanita, after witnessing Vasitthi's marriage procession, falls into despair and hides in Kosambi, selling his wares and avoiding her.
What happens
Kamanita, after witnessing Vasitthi's marriage procession, falls into despair and hides in Kosambi, selling his wares and avoiding her. He leaves the city, horrified by the impaled heads of Angulimala's band at the gate, including that of his friend Vajaçravas. He later reflects on his near-escape from a robber's life, visits Vajaçravas's grave, and considers the thin line between robbers and honest men, before resuming his story to the Master.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Detachment
Kamanita's profound grief over Vasitthi and his subsequent withdrawal from worldly affairs reflect the theme of suffering leading to detachment.
Illusion and Reality
Kamanita's realization that the difference between robbers and honest men is not vast, and his reflection on fate versus chance, highlight the illusory nature of moral distinctions.
Renunciation and Worldliness
Kamanita's desire to become a robber contrasts with his eventual path, illustrating the tension between worldly ambitions and the call to renunciation.
Characters to notice
- Kamanita
Narrates his despair after seeing Vasitthi, his flight from Kosambi, and his reflections on robbers and fate.
- Vasitthi
Seen by Kamanita in a marriage procession, her face full of misery, leading to his resolve to stay hidden.
- Vajaçravas
The holy robber and friend of Kamanita, whose impaled head is seen at the gate and whose grave Kamanita visits.
- The Master
Listens to Kamanita's story and comments on his path toward homelessness.
- Angulimala
His band's heads are displayed at the gate; Kamanita recalls his time as a prisoner among them.
Key passages
“Yes, it was she. No possibility of mistaking those features—and yet they in no way resembled hers, were indeed like nothing that I had ever seen—in such nameless, superhuman misery did they seem to be petrified.”
Kamanita recognizes Vasitthi in the procession, but her face is so distorted by misery that it seems almost unrecognizable.
Describes Kamanita's shock at seeing Vasitthi's suffering.
“I did not understand how it was possible for her to yield so soon, and I said to myself, sighing bitterly, that on maidens’ oaths no reliance was to be placed.”
Kamanita feels betrayed by Vasitthi's quick marriage, doubting the sincerity of her vows.
Reflects Kamanita's initial bitterness and later pity.
“But about the middle of the battlements over the gate, and somewhat raised above the rest, a powerful skull shone...”
Among the impaled heads, one skull stands out prominently above the gate.
Foreshadows the identification of Vajaçravas's head.
“I saw him impaled at this spot. And his head is still up over the city gate. But since he has suffered the punishment imposed by the king, he has, purged thereby from his sins, entered heaven without spot or stain...”
A merchant tells Kamanita that Vajaçravas was impaled and his head remains, but he is now a saint in heaven.
Explains the fate of Vajaçravas and the local belief in his sainthood.
“I naturally did not neglect to lay an offering for the dead on the grave of my famous and esteemed friend; but my prayer, in contrast to all of the others offered up here, had for its burden that he would lead me straight into the arms of the nearest robber band...”
Kamanita prays at Vajaçravas's grave not for protection, but to be led to robbers so he can join them.
Shows Kamanita's desire to become a robber after his loss.
