# In the Hall of the Potter explained — The Pilgrim Kamanita

> Chapter companion for The Pilgrim Kamanita by Karl Gjellerup.

## What happens

Kamanita finishes his narrative and falls silent, as does the Buddha. The Master ponders whether to reveal Vasitthi's fate but decides against it. Instead, he speaks of suffering from separation and union with the unloved. Kamanita recounts his search for a teacher, his encounter with a Brahman who sought to secure him as a pupil, and his longing for a master without craving. He declares his intention to journey to Sravasti to sit at the feet of the Buddha, unaware that the Master is before him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Detachment

The Master's teaching on separation from the loved and union with the unloved directly addresses the core of suffering, which Kamanita recognizes as his life-trouble.

### The Pilgrim's Path

Kamanita's journey to find the Buddha and his search for a master exemplify the pilgrim's quest for enlightenment and guidance.

### Illusion and Reality

Kamanita's earlier philosophical questions about the soul and the world, and the Master's analogy of pursuing the horizon, highlight the illusory nature of such speculative pursuits.

## Character check-ins

### Kamanita

Concludes his narrative and expresses deep agreement with the Master's words on suffering; recounts his search for a teacher and his resolve to reach the Buddha.

### The Master

Ponders revealing Vasitthi's story but decides against it; speaks on suffering and separation; reflects on Kamanita's pilgrimage.

### The Lord Buddha

Present as the Master, silently observing and then teaching Kamanita about suffering; considers revealing Vasitthi's path but refrains.

### Vasitthi

Referenced in the Master's internal reflection as faithful to Kamanita, married to Satagira by fraud, and instrumental in Angulimala's visit to Ujjeni.

### Satagira

Mentioned as the man Vasitthi was fraudulently brought to marry.

### Angulimala

Referenced in the Master's thoughts as appearing in Ujjeni due to Vasitthi's actions.

## Key lines

> To be separated from what we love is suffering, to be united to what we do not love is suffering.

Being apart from those we cherish causes pain, and being forced to be with those we dislike also causes pain.

_The Master speaks this truth to Kamanita, who immediately recognizes its relevance to his own life._

> How wilt thou, O pilgrim, reach that high goal, if thou dost wander alone like the rhinoceros, instead of in a herd and led by an experienced leader as is the way of the wise elephant?

How can you achieve such a lofty aim if you travel alone like a solitary rhinoceros, rather than in a group guided by a seasoned leader, as wise elephants do?

_A Brahman in the forest advises Kamanita on the importance of having a teacher._

> The master does not crave disciples, but the disciples, the master.

A true teacher does not seek out followers; rather, it is the followers who seek out the teacher.

_Kamanita recalls this saying, contrasting it with the Brahman's eagerness to secure him as a pupil._

## Links

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