A very few white people , but many Asiatics , can throw themselves into a mazement as it were by repeating their own names over and over again to themselves , letting the mind go free upon speculation as to what is called personal identity . When one grows older , the power , usually , departs , but while it lasts it may descend upon a man at any moment . ` Who is Kim -- Kim -- Kim ? ' He squatted in a corner of the clanging waiting-room , rapt from all other thoughts ; hands folded in lap , and pupils contracted to pin-points . In a minute -- in another half-second -- he felt he would arrive at the solution of the tremendous puzzle ; but here , as always happens , his mind dropped away from those heights with a rush of a wounded bird , and passing his hand before his eyes , he shook his head . A long-haired Hindu bairagi -LSB- holy man -RSB- , who had just bought a ticket , halted before him at that moment and stared intently . ' I also have lost it , ' he said sadly . ` It is one of the Gates to the Way , but for me it has been shut many years . ' ` What is the talk ? ' said Kim , abashed . ` Thou wast wondering there in thy spirit what manner of thing thy soul might be . The seizure came of a sudden . I know . Who should know but I ? Whither goest thou ? ' ` Toward Kashi -LSB- Benares -RSB- . ' ` There are no Gods there . I have proved them . I go to Prayag -LSB- Allahabad -RSB- for the fifth time -- seeking the Road to Enlightenment . Of what faith art thou ? ' '
I too am a Seeker , ' said XXXXX , using one of the lama 's pet words .
Benares Enlightenment Kim Prayag bairagi goest half-second minute waiting-room years