In Siddhartha, Siddhartha takes on the task of finding enlightenment, or Nirvana. In our small group discussion we discussed what we though Nirvana was or could possibly be. We came to the conclusion that Nirvana was when one found complete fullness and content with life. "Siddhatha listened. He was now listening intently, completely absorbed, quite empty, taking in everything. "He felt that he had now completely learned the art of listening." page 135. Siddhartha finally just relaxed, took everything in, and realized what the world was truly like.
I personally believe that the answer to Siddhartha's success was in front of him the whole time. He was constantly searching and looking for the answer to enlightenment. Siddhatha followed and felt several different teachers in his life. All of which didn't satisfy him. "Siddhartha remained silent with folded arms." "..he looked into the old man's eyes and held him there with his look, hypnotized him, made him mute, conquered his will, commanded him silently to do as he wished." These are but a few of the many times Siddhartha found dissatisfaction in other "paths" to enlightenment. He went through all sorts of different rituals and life styles when really it's not a lifestyle at all. How I see it, Nirvana is more a state of mind. You can't reach it through physical means, only through your own mind.
