004. AWAKENING

Summary

• The chapter begins with Govinda spending time in a pleasure-grove offered to the followers of Gotama by a courtesan, Kamala. He hears about an old ferryman living by the river and decides to visit him.
• Govinda arrives at the river and recognizes the ferryman as Siddhartha, his old friend. Although he has dedicated his life to religious rules and is respected by younger monks, he continues to search for wisdom and understanding.
• The two old friends engage in a deep philosophical conversation about the nature of wisdom and the act of searching. Siddhartha argues that searching too much can prevent one from actually finding. He suggests that true finding requires being open and free, not clinging to a specific goal.
• Siddhartha tells Govinda that wisdom cannot be passed on, only found and experienced. He explains his belief that the opposite of every truth is also true, describing this as his most valuable thought.
• Govinda questions whether the physical world is real or just an illusion. Siddhartha responds that it doesn't matter; what's important is that he can love things for what they are, rather than what they might become. He argues that love for everything, not just words or thoughts, is the most important thing.
• Govinda asks Siddhartha for a piece of wisdom he can take with him. Siddhartha, still not offering any straight answers, urges Govinda to kiss him on the forehead.
• When Govinda kisses Siddhartha on the forehead, he experiences a moment of enlightenment, seeing countless faces and forms transforming without ever really dying. He realises that Siddhartha's peaceful smile is the same as the serene smile of Gotama, the Buddha.
• Moved by this experience, Govinda bows deeply before Siddhartha, shedding tears without realizing it. Siddhartha's smile reminds him of everything he has ever loved and revered in his life.