The Transition From Seeking to Finding

[Mickaela]

In a conversation with his friend Govinda at the end of the book, Siddhartha states, "Seeking means: to have a goal; but finding means: to be free, to be receptive, to have no goal. You, O worthy one, are perhaps indeed a seeker, for in striving towards your goal, you do not see many things that are under your nose" (Hesse 140). This line is one of the many themes in the book, as Siddhartha's transition from seeking to finding is clearly present. Many other characters also face this transition, though their experiences are often omitted. How does seeking narrow Siddhartha's or another character's perspective? How does finding broaden his or her perspective? Also, what, if anything, did these characters "find"?

[Hadeel]

Siddhartha ultimately understands that because the essence of enlightenment already exists within us and is present in the world at every moment, prescriptive paths simply lead us further from ourselves and from the wisdom we seek. Seeking could be narrowing Siddhartha's or another characters perspective in the sense that they no longer would be gaining wisdom that led them farther from themselves but rather going towards a path of answers.

[Rylan]

I believe that seeking is a case by case situation, it depends on the character of the person. In Siddhartha's case he is someone who is more of a leader and quick to question the teachings of other, while in Govinda's case he finds himself as someone who follows, initially following Siddhartha then Gotama.

[Conor]

Siddhartha's journey brought him into many different circumstances that provide him with the ability to reach the state that he was at by the end of the book. Siddhartha experienced both a spiritual and physical campaign towards the answers he desired. When one devotes themselves to seeking, they are blinded from all other opportunities or resolutions that may confront them for their only goal is achieve and end. For one to find rather than seek, their voyage towards an end goal becomes less an expedition and more of a journey as one can strive for more than just an answer but a deeper reason as well.

[Antonio]

I agree with Conor. Throughout Siddhartha’s journey, he could’ve went on so many other paths; but he chose his own. I think seeking and finding are different but intertwined together. Siddhartha teaches that we seek out a path, and stick with it once we find it. Finding implies that it is a point A to point B situation; when seeking is ambiguous. And you don’t know where the answer is.

[Jevan]

I believe that seeking limits, while finding expands a persons perspective. In the first part of Siddhartha's journey he was seeking, seeking for the correct path. Despite this, Siddhartha did not reach Nirvana. When Siddhartha changed course and started finding answers from the river, Siddhartha finally attained enlightenment.

[Jackie]

In the beginning of the novel, Siddhartha was seeking enlightenment and this limited him and prevented him from enlightenment. It wasn't until he strayed from the path he was following, started living amongst the "child-people" that he began to understand and see a different side that he previously was not able to.

[Maisha]

I believe that seeking significantly narrowed Siddhartha’s character, especially in the beginning of the novel where he refused to eat and starve himself. He essentially had no regard for his life as “seeking” nirvana was his only goal. However, once he allowed himself to be free of this desire, he was truly able to reach the nirvana. Govinda, as Antonio had mentioned before, is a follower as he desires to be the "shadow" of Siddhartha. Because of this, he is unable to “find” and it is again through the guidance of Siddharatha, that he is able to reach find a form of nirvana.