Part 1: "Gotama" Summary

Initially, Siddhartha is totally mesmerized by the Buddha Gotama--known as the Illustrious One. He and Govinda listen attentively to his learned teachings about the way to find enlightenment or supreme knowledge. Govinda very much wants to stay with Gotama and become a holy man. Siddhartha decides to leave, having decided that he cannot achieve enlightenment by listening to teachers; he must find knowledge through life experiences, on his own. Govinda weeps when he hears his beloved friend is leaving but decides to devote his life to Gotama.

Part 1: "Gotama" Analysis

This chapter develops the theme of whether it is better to gain knowledge by learning from others or whether one needs to learn on one's own, by living life. While Siddhartha recognizes that Gotama is extremely wise and has much to teach him and others, Siddhartha also realizes that...