Knowledge itself is all around and within the soul.Īfter three years with the samanas, Siddhartha and Govinda begin hearing of a man named Gautama. Siddhartha theorizes that words and learning are the enemies of true knowledge. They note even the oldest semana has not reached nirvana (or liberation from the endless cycle of birth and death). He begins sharing his doubts with Govinda. But eventually, he always comes back to himself and feels the torments of living. His voluntary suffering enables him to overcome hunger, pain, thirst and fatigue and to linger in the “nonself” for a time. His goal is to empty himself of every dream and desire, to become “unselfed.” He meditates and takes on the forms of various animals and other natural formations.

He feels life is bitter and none of the people in it are worthy of him. He begins to look scornfully upon his fellow man. He wears a loincloth, and his hair and nails grow as his stomach shrinks. He’s desperate to find the path to this deepest part of himself.ĭespite his father’s objections, Siddhartha leaves his village and joins a group of wandering ascetics called the samanas. He wonders if gods are not just human constructs and if anyone but Atman (whom he calls the “Only One”) should receive honor and sacrifice. Siddhartha begins to question what he’s been taught. His community loves him, and his friend Govinda vows to follow him because he sees something powerful and promising in Siddhartha.

He seeks to understand how Atman (the soul) is at one with the universe.

He speaks the “om,” or word of words representing the supreme reality. The young Indian, a devout student of his religion, performs ceremonies and offerings. Siddhartha is born into a Brahmin community.

Siddhartha novel book review