001. THE SON OF THE BRAHMAN

Summary

• The chapter opens with a focus on Siddhartha's life as the son of a Brahman. He spends his time engaged in spiritual pursuits, meditations, and debates with his friend Govinda. Despite living a privileged life, Siddhartha feels a deep dissatisfaction and questions the teachings of the Brahmans.
• Siddhartha is greatly admired and loved by those around him, including his parents and Govinda. His parents take pride in his intelligence and foresee a future for him as a great wise man and priest among the Brahmans. Govinda views him as an example to be followed and hopes to join him in his spiritual journey.
• Despite the love and admiration of those around him, Siddhartha feels no joy or contentment within himself. He begins to question the Brahman teachings, particularly about the notion of the Atman (the soul) and its connection with the universe. He starts to feel that the religious practices and rituals he follows do not truly satisfy his spiritual thirst.
• Siddhartha decides to leave his life of comfort to join the Samanas, a group of ascetic monks. He tells Govinda of his decision, and while initially shocked, Govinda decides to join him in this new spiritual journey.
• Siddhartha's father opposes his son's decision and tries to dissuade him. However, Siddhartha remains firm and respectful, stating that he will obey his father and abandon his plan if that is what he wishes. His father eventually realizes that Siddhartha has already left him in spirit and reluctantly gives his permission.
• Upon their departure in the early morning, Siddhartha and Govinda leave their town to enter the forest and start their life as Samanas.