Siddhartha and Govinda
What is Siddhartha's father at the start of the novel
King/Brahmin priest
Why does Siddhartha's son run away from him?
He chooses to join the Samanas
Define Ascetic
A person who practices strict self-denial for religious reasons
Define Brahmin:
A Hindu priest
Why does Siddhartha reject formal teachings, even from the Buddha?
He discovers that turn enlightenment must be experienced and not taught
Why does Siddhartha leave the Samanas?
He feels their teachings cannot bring him to enlightenment
What realization does Siddhartha have at the river after despair?
The unity of all existence
What is the name for the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?
Samsara
The name for an illusion is:
Maya
How does Siddhartha's relationship with his son mirror that of his with his own father?
His son's rebellion mirrors Siddhartha's rejection of his own father's wishes for him to stay in the palace
Govinda chooses to follow which spiritual leader?
Gotama (the Buddha)
How does Govinda finally achieve a vision of enlightenment?
By kissing Siddhartha's forehead
Define Nirvana:
Ultimate liberation beyond suffering; peace of mind
What are the Upanishads?
Ancient Sanskrit texts containing central philosophies of Hinduism and shared with Buddhism
How does the river function as a symbol in the novel?
The river symbolizes unity, timelessness, and the constant flow of life.
What does Kamala symbolize in Siddhartha's journey?
Love and desire
Siddhartha's relationship with his father is based on:
Love, respect, and humility
Unity of all things is known as:
Om
The sacred Hindu text is known as:
What lesson does Siddhartha learn from Kamala?
Love, desire, and attachment
Vasudeva
At the beginning of the novel, Govinda can be considered Siddhartha's:
Constant companion; his shadow
Define Atman:
Eternal self or soul
What are Sama-Vedas?
The Vedic text of melodies and chants
Why is suffering an essential part of Siddhartha's enlightenment?
To help him develop compassion and understanding