Siddhartha Question #1

Siddhartha is a revered young man and son of a Brahim. He holds himself very highly and the people around him encourage this. Since a young age he has been thinking critically and engaging in contemplating and has come much further in his spirituality than most, even at such a young age. His father was very proud of him because of this and had an expectation for him to become a Brahmin himself. His mother saw him to be beautiful, strong. All of this, as well as the loyalty and love of his friend Govinda makes him very sure of himself and allow him to focus on other things but he realizes he needs more, thus encouraging him go on his journey. The confidence given to him from the love and admiration of the people around him are what makes him able to leave and search for inspiration.

#2

Once Siddhartha leaves home and commences his journey, he finds several teachings that make him realize that he needs to find his way on his own. While with the Samanas, he says to Govinda ,“ Soon Govinda, your friend will leave this path of the samanas, which he has followed with you for such a long time. I suffer from thirst, O Govinda, and my thirst has not lessened on this long samanas path.” Pg 18.

Again, once Siddhartha spends time learning the doctrine of the Buddha, he is left with the same thirst and realizes that he has to find his own truth. The teachings of others haven’t brought him closer to nirvana and he decides he needs to do it on his own. Govinda decides not to come with him but stay with the Buddha, leaving Siddhartha alone and free to search himself. He comes to believe that such knowledge comes to one in different ways and cannot be taught.