From Old to Old

    In the beginning of Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse, Siddhartha leaves his house to become a Samana. While beginning a Samana, he learned to wait, listen, and to be patient. Once he left the Samanas and met Kamala, he kept his talents and was patient while being a merchant. Slowly, he forgot how to do each of these tasks. Once he grew to his mid forties, he became aware of what he had forgotten and left to commit suicide. When he left, he also left Kamala pregnant. When he failed to commit suicide, he feel to the bottom of the tree and slept. This is where he meets Govinda, his friend from his childhood again. When Govinda reconizes Siddhartha, he is shocked on who he has become and does not think very highly of him anymore. Once Govinda leaves to join the other monks again, Siddhartha goes acroos the river and joins the Ferryman and lives with him. Around 12 years pass when the news of the Buddha dying brings numerous monks across the river. Kamala is one of the people who come to cross the river with her son, Siddhartha. Kamala gets bitten by a snake and dies at Siddhartha's hut leaving her son in his hands. Siidhartha Jr. constantly tests his father will and becomes this obnoxious child. Eventually, he runs away. Siddartha Senior runs after him and reaches the edge of the town where he had once lived, where Kamala had once lived. He did not enter but sat outside the city for numerous hours wait. It is here that he has Master the art of Patient and waiting. Earlier in the story when he begin to live the ferryman, he mastered the art of Listening. Another 10 or 20 years pass and Govinda hers the stories of a very wise ferryman. When he goes, he soon learns that is is Siddhartha. He is shocked that he ever doubted the smarts of Siddhartha. After their conversation over wisdom, Siddhartha reaches Enlightenment. Siddhartha dies in Govindas arms.