Things Get Weird With the Samanas

Okay so I just finished reading the second chapter in Siddhartha and I couldn't help but get confused. There were new concepts that Siddhartha had to embrace while being with the Samanas that I just don't understand.

So Siddhartha's goal, apparently, is to discover his true being to be able to learn more. That is why he has to get rid of his Self. This includes becoming "empty of thirst, desire, dreams, pleasure and sorrow- to let the Self die."page 11. In my opinion, this is weird. There is one major flaw in Siddhartha's plan. If he is able to eliminate and kill the Self, how will he be able to express his own thoughts and opinions afterwards? How will he learn? It may be obvious to some people but I just don't understand.

I think that Siddhartha's perseverance is admirable. He was willing to get rid of his prior lifestyle, go through thirst and pain, and lose everything he owned to achieve his ultimate goal. Believe me that I would not be willing to sacrifice that much even if the prize was unbelievably tasty.

Just like Govinda, I was impressed at how well Siddhartha mastered his mind and will with the Samanas. The part in which he hipnotizes the old Samana was impressive, taking into account the fact that he had stayed there for only three years while the Samana leader was more than 60 years old. He bent the elder's mind with his eyes only, and made him bow and approve their departure.

Amazingly, that part reminded me of Star Wars, when Obi Wan controlled the weaker minds of the Storm Troopers to let them pass. "These aren't the droids you're looking for" hahaha.

Is Siddhartha Jesus?

As I was reading Siddhartha, I couldn't help but notice some major similarities between him and Jesus. I made this connection after reading the Gospels.

First of all, both Jesus and Siddhartha were so intelligent in their youth that they debated with the elderly all religious and spiritual topics. In page 1 it says that "Siddhartha had already long taken part in learned men's conversations". Jesus had done the same when he escaped home for a few days to debate religion with wise men.

Also, both were experienced in the art of meditation and prayer. Jesus never sinned and always had this strong connection with God. Apparently, Siddhartha had the same connection with Atman. "He [Siddhartha] knew how to recognize Atman within the depth of his being." (Page 2).

Also, both of them had disciples. Jesus had Simon Peter, John and the other ten disciples and Siddhartha had Govinda. In page two there is a long paragraph describing Govinda's love for Siddhartha and his willingness to follow him anywhere.

Both were movers of the masses. Siddhartha moved people with his "king-like eyes and slim figure". Jesus did this with his miracles and teachings. That is why I think they were so influential in religious history.

Those were some similarities I found between these two spiritual leaders. I'm sure I'll find more as I continue reading the book. So far it is really interesting and entertaining.

Oh the Irony!