Chapter 4 Questions

Siddhartha Chapter 4

1. In the context of this chapter, what is the difference between my self and myself? Does Siddhartha make sense when he says he tried to free “my self from myself”?
2. As a Samana, Siddhartha says that as he sought Atman in meditation, he lost his self. Is this different from conquering his self? Is it different from freeing his self?
3. Siddhartha promised his father that he would return home/ Why did he decide not to return?
4. Why do you think the metaphor of the snake is used so often in this chapter? Do you think this is being used as a symbol? If so, what is the symbol for? What is it supposed to mean?
5. Why does Siddhartha give up the attempt to conquer self and, instead, seek to return to the world of causes? Could it be that he realizes that knowledge of himself can only be discovered in an social environment? That the individual cannot achieve self-knowledge apart from his or her life as a member of society?
6. Siddhartha believes that he discovered that the world is not Maya. Discuss whether or not his awakening was an illusion.