3) Spiritual – “At his side, lived Govinda his shadow; he traveled along the same path, made the same endeavors.” (16). Siddhartha and Govinda were both on their path to enlightenment, which shows that Govinda was also just as spiritual as Siddhartha.
4) Loyal – “I am not going anywhere. We monks are always on the way, except during rainy season.” (93). This shows that Govinda has been loyal and stayed with the monks and the Illustrious One for years even after he and Siddhartha parted their ways.
c) Kamala
1) Beautiful – “Siddhartha saw how beautiful she was and he rejoiced.” (51). Kamala’s beauty was so great, that even the Samana who has left his family and friends to find enlightenment had stared at her in awe.
2) Lustful – “’How you can kiss, Kamala!’ stammered Siddhartha.” (57). Kamala has practiced the art of love and lust for so long that she is able to please even a Samana, who has thrown away almost everything in their life.
3) Youthful – “Between heaped-up black hair, he saw a bright, very sweet, very clever face…” (51). Kamala’s physical beauty and youth represents the materialistic possessions that Siddhartha will come to become entangled in. Although they please and satisfy him at the moment, they will lose their values to him as time goes on.
4) Materialistic – “’So Siddhartha will com in what he is lacking in – clothes, shoes, money.” (55). Kamala tells Siddhartha that he should return with clothes, and money, as well as gifts for her. Since she is a courtesan, it may not be surprising that she desires materialistic items of Samsara.
d) Vasudeva
1) Wise – “‘Do you hear?’ asked Vasudeva’s glance once again.” (136). Vasudeva’s wise knowledge is what leads Siddhartha to ultimately hearing the ‘om’, or perfection.
2) Patient – “Without saying a word, the speaker felt that Vasudeva took in every word…” (104). Vasudeva is patient in that he is able to listen to all of Siddhartha’s words. He not only listens to them, but makes the listener feel that he actually takes in everything.
3) Divine – “… His steps full of peace, his face glowing, his form full of light.” (137). Vasudeva’s presence gives Siddhartha the feeling that he is not just an ordinary ferryman. Although Vasudeva just seems to be an old man, he seems to transcend the living world.
4) Humble – “You are welcome Siddhartha… I hope you will be my guest today and also sleep in my hut…” (103). Vasudeva is humble and requires no payment of Siddhartha for the many times he has carried him across the river.
III.
a) Siddhartha:
Siddhartha is able to reach enlightenment through a series of events that allow him to learn many valuable lessons about life. Siddhartha is completely consumed by his quest for spiritual enlightenment. Although he learns the wisdoms through the Brahmins, learns the skills of the Samanas, and the masters teachings of Gotama, he is not able to fully understand how to reach enlightenment. In addition, no matter how many others accept a particular religious explanation, Siddhartha will refuse it if it proves to be false. Siddhartha seeks spiritual enlightenment at any cost, which complicates other areas of life. Friends, lovers, and family members are all abandoned by Siddhartha because he believes that they are a hindrance to his quest. “Tomorrow at daybreak, I will begin the life of the Samanas.” (10). Furthermore, he is guided by a strong belief in his convictions, and argues with the head of the Samanas and even with the Gotama who has found enlightenment. “With this small gap, through this small break, however, the eternal and single world law breaks down again, Forgive me if I raise this objection.” (33). Siddhartha does not try to prove them wrong, but instead, he seeks the truth, which is why he is able to attain enlightenment.
b) Govinda:
Govinda is also on the journey to find enlightenment, but unlike Siddhartha, he does not question teachings or go off on his own path. For example, though Siddhartha says he has lost his faith in teachers, Govinda is excited at the chance to follow Gotama. “I also wish to pay my allegiance to the Illustrious One and his teachings.” (29). When Siddhartha decides to leave Gotama’s side, Govinda instead remains committed to the Buddha. This shoes that Govinda does not choose his own path but follows the suggestions of others.
The significant difference between Govinda and Siddhartha is that Govinda is primarily a follower, whereas Siddhartha is more inclined to go out on his own path. This difference is one of the reasons Siddhartha is eventually able to achieve enlightenment through his own efforts, while Govinda needs assistance in order to achieve the same state. Govinda needs others to point out the wisdom he should follow and is unable to see when he is following a flawed path as well as when he is nearing enlightenment. He is more of a follower than Siddhartha is, but his conviction and determination to find enlightenment are still strong. “ It was in such a manner, Govinda knew, that the Perfect One had smiled.” (151). In the end, he does reach enlightenment, but through a different path than Siddhartha.
c) Kamala:
Kamala is a courtesan who instructs Siddhartha in the art of physical love. “Faire and red are Kamala’s lips, but try to kiss them against Kamala’s will, and not one drop of sweetness will you attain from them…” (55). Siddhartha’s time with Kamala allows him to come to the conclusion that only ordinary people can love. “Perhaps, people like us cannot love. Ordinary people can – that is their secret.” (73). In addition to being Siddhartha’s lover, Kamala helps him learn the ways of the city and leave his ascetic life as a Samana behind. This shows to Siddhartha that the material world is not enough to satisfy him and his thirst for enlightenment. Kamala played a key role in helping Siddhartha to reach enlightenment.
d) Vasudeva
Vasudeva is the guide who finally leads Siddhartha to enlightenment. Siddhartha first meets the enlightened ferryman after leaving Gotama and Govinda. When he first meets him, he immediately notices Vasudeva’s serenity. Although Vasudeva lives within this world, his presence seems to transcend it, and Siddhartha is able to feel his divine, enlightened energy. “… but Vasudeva just smiled radiantly at him and nodded in agreement.” He does not boast about his power or wisdom but credits all knowledge he has to the river. His primary action, other than carrying passengers across the river, is listening. “Without saying a word, the speaker felt that Vasudeva took in every word, quietly, expectantly, that he missed nothing.” (104). In a way, Siddhartha relies on Vasudeva to save his life. Vasudeva teaches Siddhartha only that he should learn from the river and allow it to explain its wisdom. Throughout Siddhartha’s spiritual progression, Vasudeva keeps him moving in the right path by prompting him to listen to the river whenever he has questions or doubts. This is the final lesson in which Siddhartha reaches enlightenment, which shows that Vasudeva was necessary in order for Siddhartha to reach enlightenment.
IV.
a) Siddhartha: Cinquain Poem
Siddhartha
Handsome, Spiritual
Meditating, Moving,
He strays like a lost and learning child.
Buddha
b) Govinda: Alphabet Poem
G ood follower
O pen to suggestions
V ery Intellectual
I nclined to stay with leaders
N ot willing to go on his own
D etermined to reach enlighenment
A ttained enlightenment through a different path
c) Kamala: Diamond Poem
Kamala
Beautiful, Knowledgeable
Teaching, Learning, Satisfying
Pleasure, Beauty, Lust, Materialism
Aging, Disfiguring, Displeasing
Old. Rough
Mature
d) Vasudeva: Couplet Poem
Vasudeva is enlightened.
He is so divine that it may frighten.
One can see that he is wise
And that he has achieved paradise.
Although he is old
His face is not cold.
His warm smile is so bright
That one must see this wonderful sight.