Siddhartha

Back in the forest, Siddhartha reflects on the life he left behind in the town, on Sansara, and on death. He feels great self-loathing and wishes to die. He reaches the river and, feeling his life has no purpose, looks down into the water: “A chilly emptiness in the water reflected the emptiness in his soul” (69). About to let himself fall in, he hears the holy sound Om, which brings him back to his senses. He realizes how childish his wish to die is and, saying Om to himself, is reminded of “Brahman, of the indestructibleness of Life.” He falls into a long, deep, dreamless sleep. On awakening after many hours, he feels he has left the past far behind and is now refreshed and happy. Seeing a monk sitting opposite him, Siddhartha recognizes Govinda. His friend does not recognize him at first, but when he does, Siddhartha explains to the skeptical Govinda that, despite being dressed in rich clothes, he is also a pilgrim and that appearances are transitory. After Govinda leaves, Siddhartha feels love for him and reflects that while previously he could love nobody, now he is able to love because of the Om that returned to him.