Siddhartha Section 1

During the first section of the book Siddhartha experiences feeling of emptiness within himself that makes him question what he wants to do with his life.  He doubts whether staying with his parents and becoming a Brahim will help him become closer to Atman and therefore conquer the Self. As a group of Samana's arrive, he takes the choice to follow them. Leaving everything behind, with only Govinda at his side, he follows the Samana's to wherever they may lead him. I felt a personal connection as Siddhartha leaves what has been his home for years and goes to places he has never been to before. Siddhartha's departure is abrupt and without much time in advance, just like when my parents tell me we are going to move. Everything is normal, like it has for several years. Then one day they announce that we are moving in a couple of months and from that day on everything changes. Like Siddhartha we go to places we had never been to before, places which will one day be our future home. We follow my dad and accept what will become of our lives, trusting that everything is for the best; just like Siddhartha follows the Samana's without questioning the path. Another thing we have in common is Govinda. Even though Siddhartha is leaving his home behind, he is taking a little part of it with him. Govinda is someone who will be there to support him when he is in need. My family is like Siddhartha's Govinda, we take care of each other wherever we go.