1. WISDOM

• Siddhartha believed that wisdom could only be attained by experience. How did his experiences lead him to nirvana?
• Describe the three stages of Siddhartha's life, and how all three stages were necessary for his attainment of wisdom.

2. THE SAMANAS & THE BUDDHISTS

• Describe the lives of the samanas and the Buddhists.
• How did each try to attain nirvana?
• Why did Siddhartha leave these teachings?

3. GOVINDA

• Why is Govinda considered Siddhartha's shadow?
• Why did Govinda stay with the Buddha?
• Compare and contrast their paths to enlightenment.

4. MATERIAL LIFE

• Why is Kamala a central figure in Siddhartha's life?
• What role does she play in this novel?
• Explain the purpose of the middle chapter - material life and Kamaswami.
• Analyze the symbolism in Siddhartha's two dreams.

5. VASUDEVA & THE RIVER

• What is the role of Vasudeva, the ferryman? (Vasudeva is another name for Lord Krishna).
• The river is a vital symbol in this novel. What is the function of the river and how is it associated with timelessness?
• How is this sense of "timelessness" critical to the Buddhist understanding of life?
• Explain Vasudeva's statement, "everything returns."
• What is the sound of "OM?" Why does Vasudeva encourage Siddhartha to learn to listen to the river, listen to "OM?"

6. THE FATHER-SON THEME

• Discuss the father-son theme in the book (2 fathers, 2 sons).
• Describe little Siddhartha.
• How are little Siddhartha and his father similar or different?

7. LOVE

• How does Siddhartha come to the realization that love can cure his soul sickness?
• Describe his feelings toward self-love and loving others.