The Circular Homecoming

Siddhartha's repeated departures that eventually lead him back to the river and the beginning of his true life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Leaving the Father's House

Leaving the Father's House Context Siddhartha obtains his father's reluctant permission and kisses his mother before walking into the forest. Companion Govinda rises from the shadows near the last hut and joins him on the road. Meaning This first departure cuts him from his roots and sets him on the pilgrim's way.

Leaving the Buddha's Grove

Leaving the Buddha's Grove Context After refusing to take refuge, Siddhartha walks out of Jetavana while Govinda remains with the monks. Aloneness He feels that his past life has fallen away and that he is now truly alone. Meaning The second departure separates him from the last teacher and from his friend.

Leaving the City Forever

Leaving the City Forever Context Siddhartha sits under his mango tree, sees the foolishness of owning anything, and rises to leave. Flight He abandons his house, garden, and wealth, walking into the forest without a destination. Meaning The third departure is a death of the worldly self and a return to nakedness.

Return to the First River

Return to the First River Context Siddhartha reaches the large river where a ferryman had once carried him on his way to the city. Collapse He meets in that water his own empty face and nearly lets go of life. Meaning The return to the river closes the circle of his wanderings and opens the final phase.

Home in the Ferryman's Hut

Home in the Ferryman's Hut Context Vasudeva gives Siddhartha food, shelter, and a place among the ferry's work. Belonging Siddhartha feels, for the first time since leaving his father, that he has found a home in the present. Meaning The circular journey ends where his later life began, yet he is now a different man.

at dawn after the night vigil

the morning after his conversation with Gotama

in the same night as the dead-bird dream

after days of walking from the city

after accepting Vasudeva's invitation