Siddhartha Study Guide: Chapters 7 and 8

Questions and Answers

Discuss the comparison of Siddhartha's Samanas years and his Samsara (Kamala/Kamaswami) years. What do you see as the value of each of these experiences?

Siddhartha's life as a Samana serves as a disconnect between him and Kamala and Kamaswami. The value of Siddhartha's life as a Samana is that he learned how to live a spiritual life. The value of Siddhartha's Samsara years is that he learns how to build relationships with others.

How is Siddhartha affected by the life of rich men? Do you think wealth inevitably brings the problems 'of discontent, of sickliness, of displeasure, of idleness, of lovelessness'? Why does Siddhartha succumb to this life?

The life of rich men affects Siddhartha because Siddhartha loses himself. Yes, I do think that wealth inevitably brings the problems of 'discontent, of sickliness, of displeasure, of idleness, of lovelessness' if misused. Siddhartha succumbs to this life because of Kamala and the temptation that he faces.

Describe Siddhartha's decision with Kamala about the Buddha. What change begins to take place in Siddhartha? What are the first signs of this change?

Siddhartha's decision with Kamala about the Buddha is that he recognizes how good of a life the Buddha leads. In Siddhartha, the change of his lustful ways begins to take place. The first signs of this change are that he doesn't find joy in his actions.

Analyze Siddhartha's dream. What does the songbird in the golden cage symbolize?

Siddhartha dreams that the bird dies and gets thrown in the street. The songbird in the golden cage symbolizes Siddhartha. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hesse mean when he writes, 'Siddhartha knew that the game was finished'? What decision does Siddhartha make at the end of this chapter? Why does he leave Kamala? What is her reaction?

When Hesse writes, 'Siddhartha knew that the game was finished,' he means that Siddhartha knows that he needs to get out of the lifestyle he has been living. At the end of this chapter, Siddhartha decides to leave the city. Siddhartha leaves Kamala because he feels that this lifestyle isn't good anymore. Kamala was not shocked by Siddhartha's decision because she knew it was coming. Signup and view all the answers

What is signified by the fact that Siddhartha goes into the forest and eventually becomes unconscious beside a river?

The significance of Siddhartha going into the forest and becoming unconscious beside a river is that he re-starts the path he took when entering the city. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the images Hesse uses to show that Siddhartha is overcome by sadness and guilt. What lesson from his youth rescues him from this despair?

The images that Hesse uses to show that Siddhartha is overcome by sadness and guilt are that he wants to die and thinks of all the bad in his life. The 'Om' which Siddhartha learned in his youth rescues him from this despair. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think the 'Om' means in this passage? Have you ever tried to do the 'Om' exercise?

In this passage, I think that the 'Om' means peace and life. No, I have never tried to do the 'Om' exercise. Signup and view all the answers

What is signified by the long sleep that follows this crisis in Siddhartha's journey?

Rebirth is signified by the long sleep that follows this crisis in Siddhartha's journey. Signup and view all the answers

Does it seem coincidental that Siddhartha is discovered by his old friend Govinda? What might he represent?

Yes, it does seem coincidental that his old friend Govinda discovers Siddhartha. Govinda may represent God. The meaning of Govinda here is the same as his 'shadow' role in the opening chapters. Signup and view all the answers

Compare what Siddhartha and Govinda have learned. What are their philosophies of life?

Siddhartha has learned from his mistakes while Govinda has learned from the Buddha. Siddhartha's philosophy on life is that you have to learn yourself and Govinda's is that you can learn from a teacher. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what Siddhartha has learned about his past. Examine the last three paragraphs of this chapter and try to imagine Siddhartha's feelings.

From his past, Siddhartha has learned the importance of spiritual life. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the 'wheel' of Siddhartha's life.

The 'wheel' of Siddhartha's life is that he thinks that he discovers the right path to enlightenment and then he falls into realizing that it is not, and then the cycle restarts. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Siddhartha's Journey and Experiences

Siddhartha's Samana years emphasize spiritual detachment, contrasting with his Samsara years focused on relationships.
Life as a Samana teaches Siddhartha about spiritual existence, while his years with Kamala and Kamaswami reveal the complexities of human connections.

Wealth and Discontent

Siddhartha loses his sense of self amidst the riches and temptations of wealth.
Wealth is portrayed as inherently linked to "discontent, sickliness, displeasure, idleness, lovelessness" if abused.
Siddhartha's attraction to luxurious living stems from his infatuation with Kamala and the allure of material pleasures.

Transformation Initiated by the Buddha

Siddhartha recognizes the positive life led by the Buddha, prompting an internal shift away from his prior indulgences.
Initial signs of this transformation emerge as Siddhartha feels no joy in his previous actions.

Symbolism in Dreams

Siddhartha dreams of a bird dying in a cage, symbolizing his own imprisonment within his lifestyle choices.

Major Decision Points

Siddhartha acknowledges the end of his past lifestyle, culminating in his decision to leave the city.
He departs from Kamala as he seeks a more fulfilling path, which she anticipates, showing her understanding of his inner conflict.

Journey Back to Self

Entering the forest and losing consciousness by the river signifies a return to his original path of seeking wisdom and enlightenment.

Overcoming Guilt and Sadness

Hesse illustrates Siddhartha's overwhelming sadness and guilt through his thoughts of despair and mortality.
The concept of "Om" serves as a lesson from his youth that aids in lifting him out of despair.

Rebirth and Renewal

The long sleep following Siddhartha's crisis represents a rebirth, marking a critical transformation in his journey.

Symbolism of Govinda

Govinda’s chance discovery of Siddhartha implies a deeper symbolic meaning; he can be seen as a divine guide or representation of God.
Govinda's role parallels his earlier "shadow" presence in Siddhartha's journey, reaffirming their intertwined fates.

Philosophical Growth

Siddhartha's learning stems from personal mistakes, while Govinda draws understanding from the teachings of the Buddha.
Siddhartha posits that true knowledge comes from self-discovery, contrasting with Govinda’s belief in learning from a teacher.

Reflections on the Past

Insights into his past highlight Siddhartha's recognition of the significance of a spiritual life.
The closing paragraphs of the chapter evoke a sense of profound reflection and a mixture of emotions as Siddhartha contemplates his experiences.

Cyclical Nature of Life

The "wheel" of Siddhartha's life illustrates his pursuit of enlightenment, where he repeatedly discovers paths that eventually lead to disillusionment, prompting a renewed quest for truth.

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Description

Explore thought-provoking study guide questions for Hermann Hesse's 'Siddhartha,' focusing on chapters 7 and 8. This quiz invites you to analyze the contrasting experiences of Siddhartha's Samana years versus his time in Samsara, offering insights into the value of each phase in his spiritual journey.