002. WITH THE SAMANAS

Summary

• The young son of Siddhartha mourns his mother's death and has trouble adjusting to living with Siddhartha and Vasudeva.
• Siddhartha tries to let his son grieve and find his own way, acknowledging the boy's privileged upbringing may make adjustment difficult.
• Despite Siddhartha's best efforts, his son remains stubborn, causing Siddhartha worry rather than bringing him joy.
• Both Siddhartha and Vasudeva have to balance work with caring for the boy, hoping to eventually win his acceptance and love.
• Vasudeva advises Siddhartha to allow his son to find his own path, suggesting he take the boy back to the city or leave him with a teacher with whom he can socialize with other children.
• Siddhartha fears his son will be lost to the world of Sansara, repeating his mistakes, and is unable to take Vasudeva's advice due to his love for his son.
• The son eventually steals money and a boat from Vasudeva, and runs away to the city.
• Siddhartha is devastated and tries to search for his son, but deep down knows his son is not in danger and is finding his own path.
• Siddhartha visits the pleasure-garden where he first met Kamala, reflecting on his past life and his love for his runaway son.
• After a long period of contemplation, Siddhartha comes to terms with his inability to protect his son from life's difficulties and resolves to let his son find his own way.
• Vasudeva finds Siddhartha and they return home, choosing to not discuss the son's running away or the emotional wound it caused.
• In the end, Siddhartha falls into deep sleep, and Vasudeva offers him comfort by bringing a bowl of coconut-milk.