Search For Enlightenment In Siddhartha By Hermann Hesse

The story of Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse tells the tale of a young brahmin in search of enlightenment and the final destination, Nirvana. Siddhartha grew up in a very wealthy Brahmin family. He feels spiritually dissatisfied and he believes that his teachers cannot teach him anything more. Siddhartha leaves his family and joins the Shramanas, a group of ascetics, with his friend Govinda. He and Govinda spend the next three years learning how to flee the body’s constraints. Siddhartha and Govinda are still dissatisfied and decide to listen to the teachings of the Buddha. Govinda is awestruck and joins the monks. Siddhartha, on the other hand, is still dissatisfied and begins a new life as an independent learner. Siddhartha crosses paths with …show more content…
“When in the first light of day, stiff-legged, he [Siddhartha] slowly left the still silent city, near the last hut a cowering shadow rose up and attached itself to the pilgrim---Govinda”(Hesse 12). Govinda joins Siddhartha on his quest. Since both Govinda and Siddhartha have the same goal of enlightenment in mind. They help each other out along their journey. At the end, the two of them accomplish their goal and reach enlightenment. This quote by Plato can describe them both, “All men's souls are immortal, but the souls of the righteous are immortal and divine" (Phaedo). The two friends have achieved righteousness and are immortal in Nirvana.
Siddhartha’s quest to find enlightenment and the truth is the major theme in Siddhartha. First, Siddhartha dedicated his life in the search for enlightenment. For example, when Siddhartha was asked by his father to stay with him, Siddhartha rejected the offer. Furthermore, his name means “one who has accomplished a goal.” He accomplished a goal and reached transcendent understanding. His friend, Govinda, travels with Siddhartha and strives for the goal of enlightenment and ultimately reaches