How can nirvana and samsara be the same siddhartha

It will reappear in the voice of the river as Siddhartha finally succeeds in attaining an enlightened state. Now, having failed to reach enlightenment through the extremes of self-denial and self-gratification, Siddhartha prepares to find a balance between the two.

Govinda cannot recognize Siddhartha when he encounters Siddhartha by the river, nor can Govinda recognize the truth about his own search for enlightenment. Govinda stays true to the Buddhist path even though he has not achieved the wisdom he seeks, and he cannot see that the path has failed him. Siddhartha, on the other hand, is able to glean truths from the Brahmin, Samana, and Buddhist worlds, but he is also able to recognize that none of these traditions will give him the enlightenment he seeks.

Siddhartha, unlike Govinda, can see the flaws in potential paths to enlightenment, and he has the courage to abandon failed paths for other, more promising options. Though Govinda eventually does reach enlightenment, he does so only because Siddhartha, with his superior spiritual powers, is there to help him.

If Siddhartha gives Govinda only a fleeting glimpse of it, chances are good that Govinda will continue to search for his own enlightenment. Having resolved to live a new life by the river, Siddhartha soon meets the ferryman, the same one who had helped Siddhartha cross the river years before.

The ferryman, named Vasudeva, remembers Siddhartha as the Samana who had slept in his hut years ago, and he invites Siddhartha to share it once more. Siddhartha says that though he looks like a merchant, he wants to live with Vasudeva beside the river.

When Siddhartha tells Vasudeva his story, Vasudeva knows the river has spoken to Siddhartha and grants his request to be his assistant. Siddhartha works, eats, and sleeps alongside Vasudeva, while Vasudeva instructs Siddhartha in the practical aspects of being a ferryman.

During this period, Siddhartha gently plies Vasudeva about the connection between his seeming enlightened detachment and his life at the river. Vasudeva replies that the river has many secrets to tell and lessons to offer, and that he will help Siddhartha learn these secrets and lessons. The first lesson Siddhartha learns from the river is that time does not exist. When he asks Vasudeva if he has learned this secret as well, Vasudeva smiles broadly and says yes.

Siddhartha is excited with the discovery and realizes that all suffering, self-torment, anxieties, difficulties, and hostilities are anchored in time, and all will disappear when people overcome the idea of time. Some time later Vasudeva smiles even more broadly when Siddhartha notices that the river has many voices, that it sounds like all things and all people, and that when the voices are all heard in unison the sound Om appears.

News that the Buddha is dying sweeps through the land, and pilgrims by the hundreds begin flocking to pay him homage. Among them are Kamala and her son, an unwilling traveler who longs for the comforts of his home. A short distance from the river, she stops to rest, and a poisonous snake bites her.

Siddhartha immediately recognizes her, and he thinks her son looks familiar. Then he realizes that the boy must be his son. Kamala lives long enough to speak to Siddhartha. In this last conversation, she knows she need not see the Buddha to fulfill her wish of seeing an enlightened one—Siddhartha is no different from the Buddha.

Siddhartha himself feels blessed, for now he has a son. However, in Vasudeva, Siddhartha finds the ideal teacher—in a sense, a teacher who does not teach. Vasudeva listens to Siddhartha and encourages him to listen to the river. Siddhartha surrenders to Vasudeva his entire self, even his clothes, in order to follow his example in leading a life of calm fulfillment and wisdom. Vasudeva gives Siddhartha food and shelter, but he does not impose on him his own wisdom and experiences.

Vasudeva is a guide, both literally and figuratively. Vasudeva is poised between the ordinary world and the world of enlightenment. He acts as an intermediary for seekers such as Siddhartha, who venture to the river and hope to pass from one world to the other. One of the most important lessons the river teaches Siddhartha is that time does not exist, and that the present is all that matters. Siddhartha can now see that all life is unified, just as the river is in all places at one time.

By evoking the symbol of the river to suggest the unity of life, Hesse refers to the philosophy and religion of Taoism, which maintains that a force, called Tao , flows through and connects all living things and the universe, and that balancing the Tao results in complete happiness. The primary symbol of Taoism is the Yin Yang, a circular shape with one black section and one white section fitting perfectly together. The Yin Yang suggests the balance of opposites, an idea that the final portion of Siddhartha explores.

The river, with its constant movement and presence, reveals the existence of opposites such as flux and permanence and time and timelessness. Siddhartha has attempted to find enlightenment in many different ways, but only when he accepts that opposites can co-exist does he reach enlightenment. The river can be all places at once, and its essence never changes. In this way Siddhartha resembles the river. Despite the changing aspects of his experience, his essential self has always remained the same.

He actually calls his life a river and uses this comparison to determine that time does not exist. Siddhartha, with the help of the river and Vasudeva, is finally able to learn the last elements necessary to achieve enlightenment. Vasudeva reveals the true importance of the river to Siddhartha: the river can teach Siddhartha everything he needs to know, beginning with how to listen.

This doctrine suggests that knowledge resides in the present time and place, and that Siddhartha, from his position in the here and now, can discover all there is to know. Siddhartha understands that time does not really exist, since everything can be learned from the present moment. Without a fear of time, worry about the fleetingness of life, or the weight of boredom, Siddhartha can achieve enlightenment. Siddhartha cannot convince him that fine clothes, a soft bed, and servants have little meaning.

Siddhartha believes he should raise his son himself, and Vasudeva at first agrees. Though he tries as hard as he can to make his son happy and to show him how to live a good life, Siddhartha finds his son filled with rage. His son steals from Vasudeva and Siddhartha and berates them, making their lives unpleasant.

He believes that in time his son will come to follow the same path he and Vasudeva have followed. Vasudeva, however, eventually tells Siddhartha that the son should be allowed to leave if he wants to. Even though old men may be fully satisfied ferrying people across a river, a young boy may be unhappy in such conditions, he says.

Vasudeva also reminds Siddhartha that his own father had not been able to prevent him from joining the Samanas or from learning the lessons of worldliness in the city. The boy should follow his own path, even if that makes Siddhartha unhappy.

Siddhartha disagrees, feeling that the bond between father and son is important and, as his own flesh and blood, his son will likewise be driven to search for enlightenment. The river, where true enlightenment and learning can be found, should be an ideal spot for the boy to spend his days.

One night the son yells that Siddhartha has neither the authority nor the will to discipline him. The son screams that a ferryman living by a river is the last thing he would ever want to become, that he would rather be a murderer than a man like Siddhartha. Siddhartha has no reply. Vasudeva believes that Siddhartha should let the son go, but Siddhartha feels he must follow his son, if only out of concern for his safety.

Siddhartha gives chase but soon realizes his task is futile. He knows his son will hide if he sees Siddhartha. Still, Siddhartha keeps going until he has reached the city. As he looks at the city, memories of his life there come rushing back. He remembers the time he spent with Kamaswami and, especially, with Kamala. In a flash, Siddhartha acknowledges he must let his son go. He understands that no amount of reasoning will convince him to stay. Although the son may grow into a spiritual pilgrim like Siddhartha, the quest must be undertaken on his own.

Siddhartha falls to the ground, exhausted, and is awakened by Vasudeva, who has secretly followed him. Together, they return to the river. Siddhartha does not realize he is trying to make his son in his own image, but his son realizes it and resents Siddhartha for doing so. Siddhartha is, after all, little more than a stranger to the son.

He has learned for himself that no one can teach enlightenment, and that enlightenment must be found within. Siddhartha has come full circle. Just as he ran away from his own father, his son runs away in search of his own path. Although Siddhartha has attained peace as a ferryman, he is fallible because he has not confronted love itself.

Many compelling reasons exist for Siddhartha to allow his son to return to the city, but, blinded by love, he forgets that enlightenment must come from within and tries to impose his views on his son.

Logically, Siddhartha should recognize his error in this situation. The fact that Siddhartha ignores his most fundamental belief is a testament to how much he loves his son. He remembered how once, as a youth, he had compelled his father to let him go and join the ascetic, how he had taken leave of him, how he had gone and never returned. Had not his father also suffered the same pain that he was now suffering for his son?

Siddhartha meditates for many days on the loss of his son. What do you suppose a Samana heart is? A heart that cannot love 8. How are Siddhartha and Kamala similar? They both cannot love, and can retreat into an inner sanctuary Chapter 7 — Samsara 1. Does Siddhartha have a bad life? What is good about it? No, he lives in luxury, has money, and people like him. He learned discontent of sickliness, of idleness, of loveliness 3. What happened when the property finally became chain and a burden?

He began trying to gamble it away with dice 4. How does his dice playing echo his real life? He's recklessly playing with his own fate 5. What was his Kamala dream about? What was the Bird dream about? What does it mean? He had thrown away all that was valuable in himself 7. Chapter 8 — By the River 1. Why does Siddhartha wish to kill himself?

He feels hopelessly tangled in the cycle of samsara, and is upset about how he has wasted his life 2. What is the tone of this section. Serious, i think so 3. What sound does he here?

How does he react? Om, he remembers all his old knowledge and falls asleep 4. How is he different when he wakes up? Who is sitting with him?

He feels renewed, happy and curious. Govinda is sitting with him 5. What does Siddhartha start lecturing his friend about? That appearences are transitory Chapter 9 — The Ferryman 1. What does Siddhartha learn from the Ferryman? How to listen 2. How are the skills he is learning now important to him for life? It helps him understand everything around him by listening to it 3.

What do people say about Siddhartha and the Ferryman? That they are brothers 4. How are they becoming alike? Is this a good thing? How has Siddhartha changed since their last meeting? How has Kamala changed? Kamala has grown older and wiser 7.

What happens to Kamala? How does this effect Siddhartha? She dies, he accepts it and does not become sad, rather he rejoices that he has found his son. Chapter 10 — The Son 1. What about Siddhartha would make him a lousy father? He doesn't give the discipline that a parent should 2. How does young Siddhartha take advantage of the father?

SIddartha offers him the best of everything he has and the son responds by asking for more and being disrespectful 3. What does he try and do for his son? He tries to win him over with patient kindness. The son is a spoiled brat 4.

He doesnt have it in his heart to do so. Why is the river laughing? Siddartha has a challenge that he cannot beat 6. Because its an endless cycle that cannot be broken. Love is eternal 7. Why does the son hate the father? Why did he break the oar? He didn't want to be followed 9. In losing his son, what might Siddhartha have gained? He has increased his wisdom. Pushed along on his journey to enlightenment Chapter 11 — Om 1.

What is the different light that he sees people in? The wound of his son leaving him. The tone of the book is more reserved 3. What does the river do when Siddhartha goes to see his son?

Whose reflection does he see? It starts to laugh. He sees the face of his father 4. Where does Vasudeva go? Hint: not just the woods He goes to become the buddha, to become awakened, because he is Siddartha. Chapter 12 — Govinda 1. He feels like he still has nnot found what he is seeking 2. What is wrong with seeking, according to Siddhartha? Yes, you can communicate knowledge, but not wisdom 4. What is the symbolism of the stone? That everything already was and already will be 5.

How does Siddhartha prepare for Kamala? What does he want from her? He cuts his hair and loses his Samana look. He wants to learn of love. Why might the portrayal of Kamala be politically incorrect? She is very sexual 9. What three things can Siddhartha do? Think, wait, and fast When Siddhartha receives his first kiss, the style changes. Love is added to the writing because Siddhartha has learnt of love now.

Who is Kamaswami? The richest merchant in the town Siddhartha compares himself to a stone. How is this so? He goes through the world's affairs like a stone in water Chapter 6 — Amongst the People 1. How does Siddhartha take control of the interview? He takes all of his questions and answers them in a way that shows he is dominant and needs nothing from the merchant 2. For all of his holy skills, in the end, why does Kamaswami hire him? He writes well 3. In your own words and thoughtfully, what did Kamala teach him?

About love a pleasure. About sex. What makes Siddhartha good at business? Why might he be an excellent partner for Kamaswami?

He is good with people and can write. He can make people love Kamaswami. What do you suppose a Samana heart is? A heart that is looking for peace. How are Siddhartha and Kamala similar? They both have knowledge of what they do, yet the seek new knowledge. Chapter 7 — Samsara 1. Does Siddhartha have a bad life?

What is good about it? What happened when the property finally became chain and a burden? How does his dice playing echo his real life? He keeps gambling for more - In his life he has gotten very caught up with possessions 5. What was his Kamala dream about? What was the Bird dream about?

What does it mean? Chapter 8 — By the River 1. Why does Siddhartha wish to kill himself? He feels like he has wasted a lot of his life and has only lost his way towards enlightenment 2. What is the tone of this section. Its somewhat dark and serious. Even in this seriousness there is still hope within it. What sound does he here? How does he react? How is he different when he wakes up? Who is sitting with him? He is rejuvenated and upbeat again.

Govinda 5. What does Siddhartha start lecturing his friend about? That appearance is irrelevant to spirituality. Chapter 9 — The Ferryman 1. What does Siddhartha learn from the Ferryman?

The art of listening 2. How are the skills he is learning now important to him for life? These are skills that will help him learn from people and things around him for his whole life 3.

What do people say about Siddhartha and the Ferryman? That they were silently wise but could teach you about the river 4. How are they becoming alike?

Is this a good thing? It is good because it is helping SIddhartha reach enlightenment 5. How has Siddhartha changed since their last meeting? How has Kamala changed? What happens to Kamala? How does this effect Siddhartha? Chapter 10 — The Son 1. What about Siddhartha would make him a lousy father? He is too concerned with finding nirvana to raise a son 2. How does young Siddhartha take advantage of the father? What does he try and do for his son? Siddhartha does not have the act of punishing within him 5.

Why is the river laughing? He is now burdened with something for the first time in a while and its his own doing 6. It is a human passion and not spiritual, love is part of the Self and will be found through any reincarnation 7.

Why does the son hate the father? He wants him to punish him - he is too nice and he is too poor 8. Why did he break the oar? The boy was very angry at his father and broke it to spite him 9.

In losing his son, what might Siddhartha have gained? Things are the way they are and you should let what things happen, happen. Chapter 11 — Om 1. What is the different light that he sees people in? His loss of his son. He sees people with children and he envies them.

What does the river do when Siddhartha goes to see his son? Whose reflection does he see? It laughs at him and then he sees his father in the water 4. Where does Vasudeva go? Hint: not just the woods He dies and meets enlightenment Chapter 12 — Govinda 1.

He had always followed the rules of monks but had never fully felt like an accomplished one 2. What is wrong with seeking, according to Siddhartha? When you seek too much you cannot find 3. What is the symbolism of the stone? It is reincarnation 5. How can Nirvana and Samsara be the same?