Chapter 1: "Life means Suffering" is showed here when Siddhartha is introduced to suffering even as son of the Brahmin. He at that point becomes interested in suffering which is new to him since he was born in an environment away from suffering and religion.
Chapter 2: "Suffering comes from Desire"- Siddhartha moves on to joining the Samanas with Govinda where they strip themselves of desires and necessities. They gave away their clothes and found the emptiness in themselves, through fasting and other feats, to connect themselves with the world.
Chapter 3: "No Desire = No Suffering"- At this point, Govinda and Siddhartha move from the Samanas to Buddha's followers. Govinda wants to join his followers but Siddhartha is not as set on doing so. Before Siddhartha plans on leaving Govinda behind, Buddha explains to him that stripping yourself of desires is what brings enlightenment.
Chapter 4: "Follow the 8 Fold Path"- In this chapter, Siddhartha is now on his own and he must embark on life with a new mindset to discover enlightenment. This moves us towards the next eight chapters which reflect the 8 fold Path.
Chapter 5: "Right View"- On Siddhartha's new journey, he has met Kamala who influences him to give up Samana ways and dress/work differently. His view is changed and he is introduced to his first kiss.
Chapter 6: "Right Intentions"- Siddhartha continues to live a good life which includes bathing, eating to satisfaction and working. He becomes very good at his job but lacks the passion that his boss desires. He also becomes closer to Kamala when decides she wants to eventually have children with him. Even though he is starting a new with this much different life, he does not see problems with this kind of lifestyle.
Chapter 7: "Right Speech"- In this chapter, Siddhartha becomes troubled with his new lifestyle and spends a lot of time talking to himself, recalling all the things he has attributed and lost now that he has become this greedy, drinking, sinful person. He leaves his home and riches because of it.
Chapter 8: "Right Action"- The Eightfold Path of Right Action is shown here when Siddhartha moves separates himself form the life of sin that he had become so used to and decided to sit somewhere and just think. He took action of his life, being that he was unhappy, and did something about it. After talking to Govinda, he finds himself amused at the way his life has been.
Chapter 9: "Right Livelihood"- Siddhartha meets a ferryman, Vasudeva, that he eventually moves in with. They both share a love with listening to the river and hearing its peaceful messages. Yet again he lives a simple life, only eating simple meals and spending his days finding unity with the river.
Chapter 10: "Right Effort"- Now that Kamala is dead and Siddhartha has now been introduced to his child, he tries to show love and compassion towards the boy. It is clear the boy has been spoiled and he does not want to connect with his father. Even when he is treated wrongly by the boy, Siddhartha still shows him love. The boy steals a boat, some money and runs away.
Chapter 11: "Right Concentration"- Little by little, Siddhartha becomes wiser and begins to understand the troubles of people he ferry's around. He also experiences enlightenment for the first time once he listens to the river with Vasudeva's help. He hears all the voices of the river in unity and finds himself in union with the river as well. Vasudeva leaves him as ferryman.
Chapter 12: "Right Mindfulness"- At this point, Siddhartha is the wisest he has ever been and now understands the secrets to the universe and life itself. Govinda visits him not knowing of his identity until Siddhartha acknowledges himself. Siddhartha explains to Govinda that because he is searching for one thing, he is missing everything else. A lot of what he says Govinda doesn't understand, but when he kisses Siddhartha's forehead he sees a vision of many faces and is unsure of how much time has passed. He then respects Siddhartha's wisdom and bows to him.
No comments:
Post a Comment