The Pilgrim Kamanita

The narrative follows Kamanita, a young man from Ujjeni, who embarks on a spiritual journey after being captivated by the beauty of a maiden named Vasitthi. Initially, he is a talented merchant, well-educated and skilled in various arts, but he feels a deep yearning for something beyond material success. His journey leads him to the teachings of the Buddha, where he grapples with profound questions about existence, suffering, and the nature of reality. Kamanita's path is marked by encounters with various characters, including ascetics and robbers, which shape his understanding of life and spirituality. He experiences love, loss, and the harsh realities of life, including the dangers posed by Angulimala, a notorious robber. Despite the turmoil, Kamanita remains determined to seek enlightenment and ultimately finds himself at the feet of the Buddha. The Buddha teaches him about the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. Kamanita's journey is not just physical but deeply introspective, as he confronts his desires, fears, and the impermanence of life. His experiences lead him to a greater understanding of himself and the world around him. In the end, Kamanita's quest for truth culminates in a realization of the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of compassion. He learns that true happiness lies not in worldly possessions or fleeting pleasures but in the pursuit of wisdom and the alleviation of suffering for oneself and others. The narrative concludes with Kamanita awakening in Sukhavati, the Paradise of the West, symbolizing his spiritual transformation and the fulfillment of his quest for enlightenment.

By Karl Gjellerup · First published 1910 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Adventure · 46 chapters · 98,049 words

First lines

"Thus have I heard: That the time came when the earthly sojourn of the Lord Buddha should be ended, and journeying from place to plate in the land of Magadha, he came to Rajagriha."

Thus the Holy Buddhist Sutra of ancient India.

What this Textopian page supports

The Pilgrim Kamanita is listed on Textopian as a novel by Karl Gjellerup, dated 1910 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Karl Gjellerup
• Date: 1910 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
• Length: 98,049 words
• Structure: 46 chapters, 1,392 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Pilgrim Kamanita by Karl Gjellerup
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Pilgrim Kamanita?
• How does this novel by Karl Gjellerup fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Philosophical Fiction — The novel explores deep philosophical themes related to spirituality, existence, and the human condition.
• Religious Fiction — It delves into Buddhist concepts and the journey of enlightenment, reflecting on religious beliefs.
• Adventure — The protagonist's journey is filled with physical and spiritual challenges, embodying the adventure genre.
• Historical Fiction — Set in a historical context, it reflects the cultural and spiritual milieu of the time.

Tags

Norse Mythology · Folklore · Philosophy · Spirituality · Mystery · Adventure · Quest · Self-Discovery · Personal Growth · Transformation · Symbolism · Allegory

Contents

• The Lord Buddha Revisits the City of the Five Hills
• The Meeting
• To the Banks of the Gunga
• The Maiden Ballplayer
• The Magic Portrait
• On the Terrace of the Sorrowless
• In the Ravine
• The Paradise Bud
• Under the Constellation of the Robbers
• Esoteric Doctrine
• The Elephant's Trunk
• At the Grave of the Holy Vajacravas
• The Boon Companion
• The Husband
• The Bald-Pated Monk
• Ready for Action
• To Homelessness
• In the Hall of the Potter
• The Master
• The Unreasonable Child
• In Mid Career
• In the Paradise of the West
• The Roundelay of the Blest
• The Coral Tree
• The Bud of the Lotus Opens
• The Chain with the Tiger-Eye
• The Rite of Truth (Saccakiriya)
• On the Shores of the Heavenly Gunga
• Amid the Sweets of the Coral Blossom
• "to be Born is to Die"
• The Apparition on the Terrace
• Satagira
• Angulimala
• The Hell of Spears
• A Pure Offering
• Buddha and Krishna
• The Blossoms of Paradise Wither
• In the Kingdom of the Hundred-Thousandfold Brahma
• The Dusk of the Worlds
• In the Grove of Krishna
• The Simple Motto
• The Sick Nun
• The Passing of the Perfect One
• Vasitthi's Bequest
• Night and Morning in the Spheres
• Note

More by Karl Gjellerup

• All works by Karl Gjellerup