The Pilgrim Kamanita · Chapter
XVII: To Homelessness explained
Kamanita, awaiting an attack by Angulimala, experiences a profound inner transformation.
What happens
Kamanita, awaiting an attack by Angulimala, experiences a profound inner transformation. Alone in his palace, he reviews his life and feels its unworthiness. As dawn approaches and the attack fails to materialize, he realizes he no longer needs the robbers to free him from his possessions. Inspired by the pilgrim's path, he renounces his wealth and family, takes up a staff and gourd, and sets out on the homeless life, seeking eternal bliss.
Themes in this chapter
Renunciation and Worldliness
Kamanita's decision to abandon his wealth, family, and status for the pilgrim's life exemplifies the tension between worldly attachment and spiritual liberation.
Rebirth and Karma
Kamanita reflects on how his unworthy deeds have gnawed at the life-bud formed with Vasitthi, and he seeks to destroy rebirth through renunciation.
The Pilgrim's Path
The chapter culminates in Kamanita's adoption of the homeless life, embracing the pilgrim's staff and the freedom of detachment.
Characters to notice
- Kamanita
The protagonist who, after a night of reflection and fear, decides to renounce his worldly life and become a homeless pilgrim.
- Angulimala
The feared robber whose anticipated attack catalyzes Kamanita's spiritual crisis, though he never appears.
- Vasitthi
Kamanita's lost love, remembered during his reflection; their vow to meet in the Western Paradise haunts him.
- Kolita
The faithful house-steward who receives Kamanita's farewell and is entrusted with the care of the house and fortune.
Key passages
“A prison, a slut's corner is domestic life; the free air of heaven is the portion of the pilgrim.”
Home life is like a prison or a corner for a prostitute, while the pilgrim enjoys the open freedom of the sky.
Kamanita recalls a saying that contrasts worldly confinement with spiritual liberation.
“As a bird, whithersoever he flies, flies furnished with his wings only, and is with these content, so also is it with the pilgrim who is content with the robe that covers his body, with the bread of charity which prolongs his life.”
Just as a bird is satisfied with only its wings wherever it goes, so a pilgrim is content with just a robe and alms-food.
Kamanita reflects on the ideal of the pilgrim's minimalism and self-sufficiency.
“Freed alike from fear and hope, I felt a great calm.”
Released from both fear and expectation, I experienced profound peace.
Kamanita describes the inner stillness that precedes his decision to renounce the world.