THE MYSTIC PATH: A SUFI-BUDDHIST INTERPRETATION OF RUDYARD KIPLING’S KIM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47781/asiapacific.vol43.Iss2.7954Keywords:
Lama, Buddhism, Sufism, Spirituality, Quest, PathAbstract
Rudyard Kipling’s Kim novel (1901) is widely appreciated and recognised as a literary exploration of colonial literature; however, under its geopolitical narrative lies a deep meditation on spiritual growth along with mystical ways and practices. This study explores the novel through the comparative study of Buddhism and Sufism, focusing their shared philosophical thoughts and ideas of detachment, inner purification, and the quest of ultimate truth. By situating the narrative within the Far Eastern context, particularly Pakistan, China, this research examines how Kipling’s portrayal of the Tibetan Lama’s quest sounds together with Sufi traditions, while Kim’s personal journey reflects and mirrors the mystical traveler’s path toward self-realisation. Alongside scholarly analysis and interpretations of Sufi and Buddhist thought drawn on textual evidence, this paper discusses that Rudyard Kipling constructs a trans-regional vision of spiritual universality, connecting Eastern mysticism and Western literary imagination.
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