Govinda As A Teacher In Siddhartha

Throughout the story of Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse, many teachers infuse Siddhartha with knowledge and experience essential to his journey to enlightenment. Govinda, Kamala, Vasudeva, and his son don’t present themselves as teachers but ultimately guide Siddhartha to his utmost goal. Siddhartha decided that learning from teachers would never satisfy him, so experiencing the many aspects of the world would teach more than words ever could. Travelling with samanas, leaving Govinda, obtaining money, meeting the ferryman, and trying to find his son taught him everything he ever needed without words. Their unique personalities and collective wisdom inspired Siddhartha to become completely enlightened.

Govinda was a lifelong best friend to Siddhartha. Growing up, Govinda became the world’s shadow. No matter when, he was always following someone. First, Siddhartha, then the Buddha. His character is portrayed as the incognito “sidekick” role. He stealthily aids Siddhartha with their differences. Siddhartha and Govinda’s personalities are polar opposites, making a distinct learning experience. Siddhartha acts as the leader, and Govinda acts as the follower. With the samanas, Siddhartha craves more. He wants to obtain wisdom, not just knowledge. Yet

Young Siddhartha wasn’t prominent until the end of the novel, but he still proved to be one of the biggest influences in Siddhartha’s life. Young Siddhartha was born into a rich family and without his father, he was never taught what Siddhartha ever learned. He lived eight years of endlessly wanting what he didn’t need. This did not prepare him to live in the woods with his newly found father. All of the changes of environment and company caused him to run away. Here is when Siddhartha realized who he was. He was his father. He loved his son to the point of risking his life for him. But like his father, Siddhartha let his son run away because he knew it was for the