physically: Siddhartha and Govinda go to town where the Buddha is located. Siddhartha at this point has left the Samana lifestyle. He confronts the Buddha and questions him. Govinda, on the other hand, becomes a follower of Buddha, leaving Siddhartha alone on his journey.
mentally: Siddhartha has been hoping to find something to help him find the path of enlightenment. This leads him to talk to the Buddha. However, his conversation with Gotama, the Buddha, convinces him that there is no certain, direct way to achieve salvation and enlightenment.
spiritually: Siddhartha does not truly believe in everything the Buddha teaches. Though he thinks it is good teaching, he believes one must achieve enlightenment through one's own experiences. He has not achieved NIrvana or enlightenment yet.
socially: This is the first time Siddhartha does not join something. He doesn't become a follower of Gotama like Govinda. Instead, he is truly on his own without anyone.
Important Quote and Significance: "That is why I am going on my way- not to seek another and better doctrine- for I know there is none, but to reach my goal alone- or die" (34). Siddhartha finally realizes that teachings and doctrines are not the way to achieve enlightenment. He discovers that only he himself can do it through experiences alone, not with the help of anyone else.
10/10
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