The Pilgrim Kamanita · Chapter
In Mid Career explained
Kamanita, having journeyed to Rajagriha to see the Buddha, is fatally gored by a cow in the streets.
What happens
Kamanita, having journeyed to Rajagriha to see the Buddha, is fatally gored by a cow in the streets. Despite his desperate pleas to be taken to the Master, he dies in the arms of Ananda after a brief vision of the heavenly Gunga. Sariputta and Ananda later report the incident to the Buddha, who reveals that Kamanita, though foolish and attached to heavenly bliss, has been reborn in Sukhavati, the Paradise of the West.
Themes in this chapter
Rebirth and Karma
Kamanita's death and subsequent rebirth in Sukhavati illustrate the karmic consequences of his faith and attachment to heavenly bliss.
Illusion and Reality
Kamanita's confusion between the earthly Gunga and the heavenly Gunga highlights the theme of illusion versus true spiritual understanding.
Compassion and Mercy
Ananda's advocacy for the wounded pilgrim and the Buddha's compassionate revelation of Kamanita's rebirth demonstrate mercy.
Characters to notice
- Kamanita
Fatally wounded by a cow; dies after expressing desire to see the Buddha and recalling a vision of the heavenly Gunga.
- Sariputta
Leads the company of monks; initially skeptical of carrying the wounded Kamanita, but later reports the incident to the Buddha.
- Ananda
Supports Kamanita in his final moments; advocates for the wounded pilgrim and corrects Sariputta about Kamanita's last words.
- The Lord Buddha
The Master who spent the night in the potter's hall; reveals Kamanita's rebirth in Sukhavati.
Key passages
“I have journeyed so far, dear friends. I was so near my goal. Oh, have pity upon me, don’t delay to carry me thither. Don’t think of the pain to me, have no fear that I shall sink under it—I shall not die till ye have laid me down at the feet of the Perfect One; then I shall die happy, and happy rise again.”
Kamanita begs the bystanders to take him to the Buddha, insisting that he will not die until he reaches the Master's feet, where he will die and be reborn happily.
Shows Kamanita's intense faith and desperation to see the Buddha before death.
“This poor man holds the Supremely Perfect One to be an image, at whose touch one’s sins are forgiven.”
Sariputta criticizes Kamanita's superstitious belief that physically touching the Buddha would absolve his sins.
Highlights the contrast between superficial faith and deeper understanding of the Buddha's teachings.
“The pilgrim Kamanita, ye disciples, has entered again into existence in Sukhavati, in the Paradise of the West, there to enjoy the pleasures of heaven for thousands upon thousands of years.”
The Buddha announces that Kamanita has been reborn in the Western Paradise of Sukhavati, where he will experience heavenly joys for eons.
Reveals the karmic outcome of Kamanita's faith and longing for heavenly bliss.