Siddhartha Ch4

Response to Student D's Question

Siddhartha, as of the events of chapter 4, believes that there is knowledge that can not be taught by a mentor. Though, this knowledge of whom he speaks about is not stated directly. This knowledge, in my interpretation, is what Siddhartha calls the Self. The Self is an abstract knowledge that lies deep within the mind. The reason this understanding of the Self is unable to be taught is because the Self in each individual is very unique and each Self must be approached in its own unique form. An instructor can aide an individual but, the individual must understand the distinctiveness of their Self on their own. The discovering of the self, in my point of view, is what separates the immature adolescents and a mature adult. At the inauguration of the story Siddhartha was an adolescent boy that was at the commencement of doubting the teachings of the Brahmin, however after Siddhartha traveled with the Samanas and met the fair mistress Kamala, he tends to act more mature. The reason of this is because Siddhartha has become closer in length to his Self. The closer on is to the Self the more divine and enlightened one acts. Finding the Self is a task that proves difficult to many, not worth it to others, however some give up everything just to find the Self. Siddhartha is an example of this type of people. He gave up everything including the friendship of Govinda. Though some may disagree, I happen to agree with his philosophy. Even though at the present time one gives up everything, in the end one receives everything. The Self is worth more than anything in this world. The Self is what guides everything on to the right path.