The first of the Four Noble Truths states that life is suffering. Siddhartha suffered in the first chapter when he decides he wants to leave his home to become a Samana. His father (at first) did not approve. ( Herman Hesse pg 10), “ It is not seemingly for Brahmins to utter forcefully angry words but there is a displeasure in my heart. I should not like to hear you make this request a second time”.
2. The second of the Four Noble Truths states that there is an origin of suffering and that the origin of suffering is attachment. From his suffering Siddhartha has learned “he had never found his self because he wanted to trap it in the net of thoughts (Hesse 47)”.
3. Gotama is who people see as the Illustrious one, the Buddha who has reportedly obtained Nirvana. Govinda chooses to follow him in his teachings but Siddartha feels and doubts that anything new can be learned from this man. "Siddhartha did not reply. He was not very curious about the teachings. He did not think they would teach him anything new" ( Hesse 28) ; Siddhartha is happy for Govinda because Govinda has finally taken a step without following Siddhartha and is beginning to find his salvation. "Now you are a man and have chosen your own path. May you go along it to the end, my friend. May you find salvation!"
4. The last sentence of this chapter signifies Siddartha leaving everything behind and starting a new. The lessons he has learned are clear in his mind, he sees the world in its beauty, and he is energized to move forward. Although he doesn't even have a clear sense of how he'll achieve his enlightenment, he is confident that he will find his way through his own direction. "No longer homewards, no longer to his father, no longer looking backwards" (Hesse 42).
5. During his time as a Samana, Siddhartha learns self­denial through pain and meditation. Siddhartha's life with the Samanas also rejects all of the comforts and pleasures of life so he learns of self­deprivation. The Samanas basically taught him how to become empty. "Siddhartha had one single goal, to become empty, to become empty of thirst, dreams, desire, pleasure and sorrow ­ to let the self die" ( Hesse 14)
6. Kamaswami is the wealthy merchant that siddhartha works for after leaving the life of a Samana. Kamaswami embodies the qualities that Siddhartha despises as a Semana. Kamaswami is obsessed with wealth and is troubled by petty, everyday problems. This is just like Kamala in her previous life before her son and changed ways as a monk. When Siddhartha first begins working for Kamaswami, there is a noticeable contrast between the two. As Siddhartha begins to lose his sense of spirituality, however, he becomes increasingly like Kamaswami. Unlike Siddhartha, Kamala gains her sense of spirituality.
7. Siddhartha learns that it is correct for him to experience both the se