The Pilgrim Kamanita · Chapter
XV: The Bald-Pated Monk explained
Kamanita, now a wealthy merchant remaining in Ujjeni, is instructing a trusted servant for a caravan expedition when his two wives quarrel loudly at the gate.
What happens
Kamanita, now a wealthy merchant remaining in Ujjeni, is instructing a trusted servant for a caravan expedition when his two wives quarrel loudly at the gate. He finds them united in verbally abusing a wandering ascetic. Kamanita rebukes his wives, respectfully approaches the ascetic, and offers to fill his alms-bowl. The ascetic responds with a story of past abuse and a teaching of patience, but Kamanita recognizes him as the robber Angulimala, now shaven and disguised. Terrified, Kamanita hurries to prepare food, only to find Angulimala has vanished.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion and Reality
The ascetic's peaceful appearance masks the terrifying reality of Angulimala, the robber. Kamanita's perception shifts from respect to horror, highlighting the deceptive nature of outward forms.
Renunciation and Worldliness
Kamanita's wealth and domestic comforts contrast with Angulimala's ascetic renunciation. The wives' hostility toward the monk reflects worldly attachment to family and procreation.
Compassion and Mercy
Kamanita shows compassion by rebuking his wives and offering food to the ascetic, while Angulimala's story of past abuse and the Master's teaching emphasize patience and forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Kamanita
Kamanita is now a wealthy merchant who stays home in Ujjeni, instructing a caravan leader. He intervenes in his wives' quarrel, shows respect to the ascetic, and experiences terror upon recognizing Angulimala.
- Angulimala
Angulimala appears disguised as a bald-pated ascetic in a yellow robe, leaning calmly at the gate. Kamanita recognizes his voice, eyes, and sinewy fingers, recalling the earlier attack in the ravine.
- Vasitthi
Vasitthi is one of Kamanita's two wives; she and the other wife unite in verbally abusing the ascetic, showing their maternal contempt.
- The Master
The Master is referenced by Angulimala, who quotes his teaching about patience even when limbs are cut off by robbers.
- Mara
Mara is mentioned by Angulimala as having stirred up Brahmans and householders against the Order, leading to abuse of ascetics.
Key passages
“Out upon him, the bald-headed priest, the shameless ruffian! Just see how he stands there, with his bent shoulders and hangdog look, breathing piety and contemplation—the oily hypocrite, the smooth-faced windbag!”
Kamanita's wives curse the ascetic, calling him a bald-headed, shameless hypocrite who pretends to be pious.
The wives' verbal abuse reflects their maternal contempt for a renunciant who rejects worldly life.
“How could I, in my position, be angry, O head of thy house, at such abuse, seeing that it is my duty to be even grateful for far coarser treatment?”
The ascetic responds that he cannot be angry at insults, as he is duty-bound to be grateful for even harsher treatment.
Angulimala's reply echoes Buddhist teachings on patience and non-anger, but Kamanita perceives it as a veiled threat.
“Even if, O ye disciples, your limbs and members should be cut off, by robbers and murderers, with a crosscut saw, ye would not fulfil my commands, if ye should thereupon give place to rage.”
The Master taught that disciples must not give in to rage even if robbers cut off their limbs with a saw.
Angulimala quotes this teaching, which terrifies Kamanita due to its implied reference to his own past as a robber.