Siddhartha Plot Analysis Siddhartha decides to join the Samanas.” Tomorrow morning, my friend, Siddhartha is going to join the Samanas. He is going to become a Samana.” Govinda blanched as he heard these words and read the decision in his friends. Determined face, undeviating as the released arrow from the bow. Govinda realized from the first glance at his friends face that it was now beginning. Siddhartha was on his own way, his destiny was beginning to unfold itself, and with his destiny, his own.
(Page 9) Analysis: This is Siddhartha first step towards moksha/ enlightenment. He believes that he must give everything up in order to reach is goal. This shows that he is serious about doing so. Siddhartha and Govinda leave the Samanas.” But very well, my friend, I am ready to hear that new teaching…
.” On the same day, Siddhartha informed the eldest Samana of his decision to leave him. (Page 22, 23) Analysis: They leave the Samanas when Siddhartha gets the notion that being an ascetic isn’t the way to achieve his goal. This is a little progression towards his goal and shows he is beginning to understand what he must do. Siddhartha and Govinda seek out the Buddha. The woman said: “You have come to the right place, O Samanas from the forest.
The Illustrious One sojourns in Jetavana, in the garden of Anathadindika… .” Look,” said Siddhartha softly to Govinda, “there is the Buddha.” The Buddha went quietly on his way, lost in thought. His peaceful convenience was neither happy nor sad. He seemed to be smiling gently inward. (Page 26, 27) Analysis: Siddhartha believes he may be able to learn to become enlightened by the Buddha. Again, this shows how dedicated he is to his goal.
The Essay on Samanas Siddhartha Enlightenment Govinda Father
... Govinda observes that Siddhartha's mesmerizing gaze proves he has attained a spirituality higher than that of the highest Samana. Analysis: With the Samanas Siddhartha hopes the Samanas' ... direct their ascetic practices towards this central goal. Once Siddhartha has joined the Samanas, his only goal is to become empty of everything, including ...
Siddhartha and Govinda hear the teachings of the Buddha.” Today we will hear the teachings from his own lips,” said Govinda. They heard his voice and this was also perfect, quiet and full of peace. Gotama talked about suffering, the origin of suffering, the way to release from suffering. Life was pain; the world was full of suffering…
.” (Page 28, 29) Analysis: At this point Siddhartha realizes what he must do. This is a big turning point in this book and shows his true character. Siddhartha leaves the Buddha, Govinda stays. Govinda, the shy one, also stepped forward and said: “I also wish to pay my allegiance to the Illustrious One and his teachings.” He asked to be taken into the community and was accepted. (Page 29) In that moment, Govinda realized his friend was leaving him and began to weep. (Page 30) Analysis: I believe this may be the most important moment of the book.
Siddhartha leaves because he feels he must experience things to fully grasp them, that wisdom isn’t communicable. When he leaves Govinda we know that he truly believe this is right and will do anything to reach Moksha. Siddhartha has an an awakening.” … and a strong feeling of awakening from a long dream spread through his being.” Yes, he thought breathing deeply; I will no longer try to escape from Siddhartha. I will no longer devote my thoughts to Atman and the sorrows of the world. I will no longer mutilate and destroy myself in order to find a secret behind the ruins.
I will no longer study yoga-veda, atharva-ved am or asceticism, or any other teaching. I will learn from myself, be my own pupil; I will learn from myself the secret of Siddhartha. (Page 39) Analysis: Siddhartha seems to figure everything out and seems to be on the right path on his journey. At this time it seems as if he will reach his goal. Siddhartha gains possession and takes a step backwards from awakening. That glorious, exalted awakening which he had once experienced in his youth, in the days after Ga tamas preaching, after the parting from Govinda.
The Review on Siddhartha 2
BOOK REVIEW of the CLASSICS SENIOR ENGLISH I. The Book: A. Herman Hesse, Siddhartha, New Directions II. Significant Characters: A. Siddhartha, a young Brahmin man finds himself addicted to material wealth. Finally, he becomes disgusted with what he has become and leaves to seek happiness in his life. B. Govinda, Siddhartha's friend, becomes a monk with the Samanas. C. Vasudeva, the ferryman, a man ...
That alert expectation, that pride of standing alone without teachers and doctrines, that eager readiness to hear the divine voice within his own heart had gradually became a memory. Analysis: He begins awaiting possessions given to him and embracing others / relying on them. This is a step backwards in his journey. As it is essentially everything he is supposed to be against.
The river laughs at Siddhartha when he almost gives up. The river was laughing clearly and merrily at the old Ferryman. (Page 131) “You have heard it laugh,” he said “but you have not heard everything let us listen; you will hear more.” (Page 134) Analysis: He is about to go back to the town to seek out his father and son as the river begins to laugh. As he talks it over and discusses it he has another awakening and gets back on the right path of his journey.
