Journey Of Enlightenment In Herman Hesse's Book 'Siddhartha'
Blair 1
Megan Blair
Mr. Kirby
English 1
October 9th, 2013 The journey of enlightenment
The few first steps are the hardest in the universal journey of life. In Herman Hesse’s book, Siddhartha, the main character named Siddhartha sets out on a life-changing journey striving for enlightenment. Symbolism is used in the story to give a deep understanding of life and wisdom to the reader. Throughout the journey, Siddhartha encounters many events that help him achieve his self-goal. The river, Kamala’s songbird, and the smile are the most impacting symbols that guide Siddhartha to reach his enlightenment and inner peace Siddhartha comes across the river multiple times in his journey towards enlightenment. During times of drastic change in his pilgrimage, such as when he banishes from the Semanas, and later on denies his wealth as his Semana strategies start to fade, Siddhartha arrives at the river once again. The river is an essential symbol representing unity, the eternity of all things in the universe, and the path to enlightenment. “That the river is everywhere at the same time…the present only exists for it… the river has many …show more content…
The smile only comes from those whom have reached the awakening and the understanding of life. “The Buddha walked away and his look and half-smile remained imprinted on Siddhartha’s memory forever…a man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self,” (Hesse, pg. 29). Once Siddhartha saw Buddha smile he knew he had reached his peace, his enlightenment, and everything he had been striving for. He now feels one with himself. The smile also represented enlightenment because after he taught Govinda how to find the peace, Siddhartha himself had smiled. The gift of the smile has finally pushed Siddhartha into the peace he is needed to complete his journey. He has finally reached his long awaited enlightenment
Megan Blair
Mr. Kirby
English 1
October 9th, 2013 The journey of enlightenment
The few first steps are the hardest in the universal journey of life. In Herman Hesse’s book, Siddhartha, the main character named Siddhartha sets out on a life-changing journey striving for enlightenment. Symbolism is used in the story to give a deep understanding of life and wisdom to the reader. Throughout the journey, Siddhartha encounters many events that help him achieve his self-goal. The river, Kamala’s songbird, and the smile are the most impacting symbols that guide Siddhartha to reach his enlightenment and inner peace Siddhartha comes across the river multiple times in his journey towards enlightenment. During times of drastic change in his pilgrimage, such as when he banishes from the Semanas, and later on denies his wealth as his Semana strategies start to fade, Siddhartha arrives at the river once again. The river is an essential symbol representing unity, the eternity of all things in the universe, and the path to enlightenment. “That the river is everywhere at the same time…the present only exists for it… the river has many …show more content…
The smile only comes from those whom have reached the awakening and the understanding of life. “The Buddha walked away and his look and half-smile remained imprinted on Siddhartha’s memory forever…a man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self,” (Hesse, pg. 29). Once Siddhartha saw Buddha smile he knew he had reached his peace, his enlightenment, and everything he had been striving for. He now feels one with himself. The smile also represented enlightenment because after he taught Govinda how to find the peace, Siddhartha himself had smiled. The gift of the smile has finally pushed Siddhartha into the peace he is needed to complete his journey. He has finally reached his long awaited enlightenment