Often the lama made the living pictures the matter of his text , bidding Kim -- too ready -- note how the flesh takes a thousand shapes , desirable or detestable as men reckon , but in truth of no account either way ; and how the stupid spirit , bond-slave to the Hog , the Dove , and the Serpent -- lusting after betel-nut , a new yoke of oxen , women , or the favour of kings -- is bound to follow the body through all the Heavens and all the Hells , and strictly round again . Sometimes a woman or a poor man , watching the ritual -- it was nothing less -- when the great yellow chart was unfolded , would throw a few flowers or a handful of cowries upon its edge . It sufficed these humble ones that they had met a Holy One who might be moved to remember them in his prayers . ` Cure them if they are sick , ' said the lama , when Kim 's sporting instincts woke . ` Cure them if they have fever , but by no means work charms . Remember what befell the Mahratta . ' ` Then all Doing is evil ? ' Kim replied , lying out under a big tree at the fork of the Doon road , watching the little ants run over his hand . ` To abstain from action is well -- except to acquire merit . ' ` At the Gates of Learning we were taught that to abstain from action was unbefitting a Sahib . And I am a Sahib . ' ` Friend of all the World , ' -- the lama looked directly at Kim -- ' I am an old man -- pleased with shows as are children . To those who follow the Way there is neither black nor white , Hind nor Bhotiyal . We be all souls seeking escape . No matter what thy wisdom learned among Sahibs , when we come to my River thou wilt be freed from all illusion -- at my side . Hai ! My bones ache for that River , as they ached in the te-rain ; but my spirit sits above my bones , waiting . The Search is sure ! ' ' I am answered . Is it permitted to ask a question ? '
The XXXXX inclined his stately head . '
Hai Hells Kim Mahratta Sahibs World betel-nut bond-slave lama te-rain