At the outset of the novel, Kim and the lama embody opposing worldviews. While the lama espouses the value of earthly detachment, criticizing the superficiality of bodily passions and desires (i.e., The Wheel of Things), Kim embraces the vitality of the physical world, reveling in the diversity of its pleasures and peoples. These contrasting perspectives prove mutually beneficial on the road during their travels, with the lama enjoying the fruit of Kim’s thrifty worldliness—without which he would have often been taken advantage of—and Kim delighting in the new experiences and privileges afforded to him by traveling with a holy man. Though they are fundamentally different people, their worldviews complement one another, illustrating that diversity of thought need not be an obstacle to companionship.
As they grow closer, the utility of Kim and the lama’s relationship gives way to genuine affection, profoundly influencing their respective worldviews. Kim, developing a selfless devotion to the old lama, forsakes the pure, hedonistic egoism of his youth; while never abandoning his lust for life, he learns to control his urges in the name of responsibility. Meanwhile, the lama, in his newfound paternal affection for Kim, accepts the necessity of compromise in his quest for earthly detachment, receiving enlightenment at the book’s end but not entirely surrendering himself to the Great Spirit (i.e., death). In this way, Kim illustrates the power of human connection, showing how even the two most unlikely people can profoundly influence one another’s lives.
Related Themes from Other Texts
Connection vs. Detachment ThemeTracker
Connection vs. Detachment Quotes in Kim
‘Pity it is that these and such as these could not be freed from the wheel of things,’ said the lama.
‘Nay, then would only evil people be left on the earth, and who would give us meat and shelter?’ quoth Kim, stepping merrily under his burden.’
‘Yonder is a small stream. Let us look,’ said the lama, and he led from the white road across the fields; walking in a very hornets’ nest of pariah dogs.
‘It is not a good fancy,’ said the lama. ‘What profit to kill men?’
‘Very little – as I know; but if evil men were not now and then slain it would not be a good world for weaponless dreamers. I do not speak without knowledge who have seen the land from Delhi south awash with blood.’
The lama as usual, was deep in meditation, but Kim’s bright eyes were wide open. This broad, smiling river of life, he considered, was a vast improvement on the cramped and crowded Lahore streets. There were new people and new sights at every stride – castes he knew and castes that were altogether out of his experience.
‘A blessing on thee.’ The lama inclined his solemn head. ‘I have known many men in my so long life, and disciples not a few. But to none among men, if so be thou art woman-born, has my heart gone out as it has to thee – thoughtful, wise, and courteous; but something of a small imp.
‘And I have never seen such a priest as thou.’ Kim considered the benevolent face wrinkly by wrinkle. ‘It is less than three days since we took the road together, and it is as though it were a hundred years.’
This was seeing the world in real truth; this was life as he would have it – bustling and shouting, the buckling of belts, and the beating of bullocks and creaking of wheels, lighting of fires and cooking of food, and new sights at every turn of the approving eye… India was awake, and Kim was in the middle of it, more awake and more excited than anyone, chewing on a twig that he would presently use as a toothbrush; for he borrowed right-and-left-handedly from all the customs of the country he knew and loved.
‘And I am a follower of the Way,‘ he said bitterly. ‘The sin is mine and the punishment is mine. I made believe to myself for now I see it was but make-belief – that thou wast sent to me to aid in the Search. So my heart went out to thee for thy charity and thy courtesy and the wisdom of thy littler years. But those who follow the Way must permit not the fire of any desire or attachment, that is all Illusion. As says…’ He quoted an old, old Chinese text, backed with another, and reinforced these with a third. ‘I stepped aside from the Way, my chela. It was no fault of thine. I delighted in the sight of life, the new people upon the roads, and in thy joy at seeing these things. I was pleased with thee who should have considered my Search and my Search alone. Now I am sorrowful because thou art taken away and my River is far from me. It is the Law which I have broken!’
