In most modern books, movies, and theater, the main character goes through a .
There are many journeys a man can undertake, physically and spiritually. Siddhartha .
is one that addresses both. Siddhartha is eager for knowledge and seek the path to .
enlightenment. However, the path is not as easily found as Siddhartha learns. He .
transforms himself to take part in at least three of the Hindu castes in order to achieve his .
state of nirvana. Each of the castes helps him learn something and continue to strive on .
his path towards spiritual peace.
Siddhartha begins his life in the highest level in the Hindu Caste system, .
as a Brahmin: .
Siddhartha had already long taken part in the learned men's conversations, had engaged in debate with Govinda and had practiced the art of contemplation and meditation with him. Already he knew how to pronounce Om silently--- this word of words, to say it inwardly with the intake of breath, when breathing out with all of his soul, his brow radiating the glow of pure spirit. (3) .
Siddhartha seems determined to follow the righteous path to salvation. He reads .
the religious scriptures and performs sacrifices. He converses with religious men and .
practices the art of contemplation and meditation, and engages in debate with his friend .
Govinda. However, as a young Brahmin, Siddhartha has been taught that a Brahmin is .
the highest position beside the creator. This intellect clouds Siddhartha's self. He does .
not feel that this superiority will allow him to attain enlightenment. .
Siddhartha wants to extinguish the superiority and find wisdom and knowledge:.
But where was this self, this innermost? It was not flesh and bone, it was not thought or consciousness. That was what the wise men taught. Where then, was it? To press towards the self, towards Atman--- was there another way that was worth seeking? Nobody showed the way, nobody knew it--- neither his father, nor the teachers and the wise men, nor the holy songs.
