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Depature
Siddhartha leaves his life of wealth and royalty to achieve nirvana. He challenges his father and wins, allowing himself to leave with his friend Govinda. This part of the story is important because it starts out Siddhartha's journey. Also the argument with his father will become a major part of the book. -
The Samanas
He and Govinda join the Samanas. A group that obstains from physical pleasures, really just a group of modest beggars. He travels with them for many years but learns nothing. He decides to see the Buddha with Govinda and quit the Samana order. This part is important because of the discipline Siddhartha learned from them and for another reason that is explained later on in the story. -
The Buddha
Siddhartha and Govinda find the Buddha and listen to his teachings. Govinda really likes the philosophy and decides to stay. Siddhartha isn't too crazy about it, he even lets the Gotama (Buddha) know about a flaw he thinks he found in Buddhism. This chapter is ironic because eventually Siddhartha the Buddha. -
Siddhartha Wanders
In this chapter Siddhartha begins to give into his physical desires, a different approach to achieving nirvana. H ebecomes aware of his desire for women. He also meets an old ferryman who takes him across the river. He promises to return to the ferryman someday. -
Kamala
Siddhartha meets a woman he is extremely attracted to, who is a prostitute (Kamala). He wants to learn the art of love from her. Kamala gets him a job with a wealthy merchant, Kamaswami, so that he may court her. Kamala will carry Siddhartha's child, and Kamaswami will convince Siddhartha to give into his desires. -
Midlife Crisis
After living in the city for years, he has impregnated Kamala with his son and has given into his desires. He is now a rich, arrogant, and wealthy merchant. Through a series of dreams he comes to the conclusion that he has not obtained nirvana, nor will he ever living this kind of life. He leaves the city and goes to the river. -
Om
When Siddhartha is planning on killing himself in the river, he hears the word Om in his head and thinks better of it. This part of the chapter is important because the word Om saved Siddhartha's life. It brought him back to the light, if he didn't hear it he probably would have died and the story would have been over. -
Re-awakening
At the river he realizes he can still become enlightened, it is not too late. He falls asleep and wakes up to find Govinda next to him. They catch up on old times and Govinda leaves him because of his welathy merchant status. This is ironic because Govinda will bow to Siddhartha when he becomes the Buddha. -
Return to the Ferrymayne
Siddhartha returns to the ferryman, Vasudeva. Vasudeva teaches Siddhartha through the river, where he lives. His first lesson is that the present is the only thing that matters. This is important because Siddhartha realizes that he was focusing too hard on his past and future, something he had no control over, like the river. He also teaches him that time is an illusion. This is also important because it shows Siddhartha that he doesn't need to rush enlightenment. -
Kamala's Death
Kamal dies while ging to see the dying Buddha. She and Siddhartha's son were travelling when she got bitten by a snake. Vasudeva heard her scream and he and Siddhartha found her and her son. She dies shortly afterwards. Her death is important because when she dies, her son is placed in the hands of Siddharhta. -
Full Circle
Siddhartha's son is not happy living with Siddhartha and the ferryman. He rejects Siddhartha's Buddhist teachings and steals from the both of them. He wants to return to the city where he was wealthy, but Siddhartha doesn't want him to. The boy runs away and Siddhartha pursues him. He then gives up the chase and goes back to the river with Vasudeva. He is very upset. -
Full Circle Part II
Siddhartha meditates for days and realizes that he was a fool for being so upset about his son leaving, it was the very same thing he did to his father. He realizes that life cannot be controlled. This chapter is important because Siddhartha learns that he must give up what he loves to achieve nirvana, this is the final step in him becoming Buddha. Vasudeva, his teacher, leaves him when he sees that Buddha has become illuminated. -
Return of Govinda
Govinda goes to the river one day because he hears that there is a very wise man there who can teach him to become enlightened. He learns this man is Siddhartha and begins learning wisdom from him. Govinda, who thought he was greater than the wealthy and arrogant merchant Siddhartha, is now asking to learn from him. Siddhartha knows he can't exactly teach Govinda, he has to show him. He asks Govinda to kiss his head, he does and he becomes enlightened.