From a Samana to a Merchant

In the chapter "Among the People" Siddhartha completes his transformation from an ascetic to a merchant tat lives in the real world. I thought the topic of "Self" is very important in this chapter. Although Siddhartha changes his way of life and his profession, he continues to be the same person, and keeps his "self".

At the beginning, the change is a bit awkward because the people in his old way of life, and people in his new way of life have very different ways of seeing the world. This is shown on page 68: "I am without possessions, said Siddhartha, if this is what you mean. Surely, I am without possessions. But I am so voluntarily, and therefore I am not destitute. But what are you planning to live of, being without possessions? I haven’t thought of this yet, sir. For more than three years, I have been without possessions, and have never thought about of what I should live. So you’ve lived of the possessions of others. Presumable this is how it is. After all, a merchant also lives of what other people own." The merchant fails to understand the ascetic, spiritual way of living. Later on, Siddhartha grows accustomed to the material way of living, and has great success as a merchant.

As Siddhartha becomes a merchant, he does not change his self. He doesn't become greedy nor selfish nor impatient: traits that are highlighted in Kamaswami. He remains patient, humble and careless. At some point, Kamaswami reproaches Siddhartha because he misses a harvest, however, in Siddhartha's eyes, he did not waste the trip. He says he  enjoyed it, and met a lot of new people, so it was worth his while although no profit was made. He also says that Kamaswami should learn to think, and that Siddhartha should be his teacher. I also think Kamaswami should learn to be more calm, and if he did he would be more successful. They both have a lot to learn about eachother. From my point of view (as a materialistic person) I understand why some of the people would be amazed at someone as stressless and as equanimous as Siddhartha. Because he was so open and calm, a lot of people came to him to get advice, or to impress him.

I don't like Siddhartha in the real world. I hope in the next chapters, he will find the real world as empty as he found all of the previous teachings he got, and move on to a different scenery. Here's hoping for abstract Siddharta.

Iron Man vs. Siddhartha

In the chapter "Amongst the People", of Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, Siddhartha reminded me of  Tony Stark. This chapter is all about how Siddhartha changes his life from being a Samana and an ascetic to become a rich merchant who lives amongst the people and enjoys all material pleasures.

In this chapter Siddhartha uses his superpowers, fasting, patience, and meditation, to make the most out of his experience in the real world. This is very relatable to Tony Stark because Tony Stark is one of the only heros who apply their superpowers into their daily lives. Like Siddhartha, Iron Man's best gifts are mental, or intelectual, and they both use them to become rich.

However, there are many differences between these 2. Unlike Siddhartha, Iron Man is impulsive and impatient, and often rude. On the other hand, Siddhartha is calm, patient, and very polite at all times. They are different in objectives as well. Siddhartha seeks illumination and knowledge while Tony Stark seeks money, fame, and often justice.

Siddharthas Vocabulary In Images

Enquire: to seek information, to ask.

"Kamaswami went out and returned with a roll which he handed to his guest and enquired: "Can you read this?" (53)

Servile: being submissive.

"he was never servile to the merchant." (53)

Compel: to force or drive.

"but compelled him to treat him as an equal." (53)

Endeavor: to attempt to do something.

"the rules of which he endeavored to learn well." (53)

Plunge: to dive blindly.

"he was inclined to plunge to the depths of it blindly..." (54)

Equanimity: calmness of mind, composure.

"and surpassed the merchant in calmness and equanimity" (54)

Reproach: to express criticism and disapproval.

"If Kamaswami came to him and told him his troubles or made him reproaches about a transaction..." (57)

Elicit: To bring or draw out.

(this puppy elicits your love)
"many to elicit his sympathy..." (57)

Siddhartha's Transformation

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Awkward Siddhartha

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Siddhartha Becomes Siddhartha

During all of his journey, Siddartha has been trying to break away from his self. Now he has realised that enlightenment was always found within himself. All this time he has been looking for "Atman", or the self, and until now he hadn't thought of looking for the answer within him. This new knowledge comes to him naturally, like when you are looking for a pen that was in your hand the whole time.

After this sudden ray of truth he feels lonely. He then proceeds to break away from his past, and leave his teachings behind. He is newly born in his quest. This new information means a new beginning. Although I agree with his fresh start, I would have interpreted my loneliness as a sign from my spiritual self: an indication that the soul needs love and nourishment.

In this awakening, Siddhartha has a new aura of inspiration. He now gets a sense of direction that he had been lacking. I hope he does find truth and light within himself. I am very curious as to what he will conclude the self is. I just hope he finds satisfaction one day.