The Rivers that Bring Peace

   Rivers seem to be a recurring motif in the book Siddhartha. It is used frequently as a symbol of peace, happiness, and joy. The first time we see this river, it is described as a holy place. “Sun tanned Siddhartha’s light shoulders on the riverbank when he bathed, when he performed his holy ablutions, his holy offerings (Hesse, 3).” During this scene, the setting is calm, peaceful, and quiet. Siddhartha and Govinda are meditating and his father is teaching during the conversations of the sages. The place is overall content and calm. 

   Another time we see the river, Siddhartha has left the grove and has found enlightment. He has been taught by the Buddha himself and was born again. Not knowing where he is going nor caring about it, Siddhartha stumbles upon a river.  “‘This is a beautiful river,’ said Siddhartha to his escort. ‘Yes,’ said the ferryman, ‘a very beautiful river. I love it more than anything else. I often listen to it, I often look into its eyes, I have always learned from it. One can learn a lot from a river (Hesse, 46).’” Here, the river is symbolizing patience. Something one can learn from with peace and ease. 

   An important scene where a river is present is in the chapter, By the River. Siddhartha just ran away from a life of money, food, and business. He is unhappy and is about to jump into the river and drown when he hears an om in his head the stops him. He falls into a deep sleep and realizes the true meaning of the river. “ – and he saw the river also going downhill, always wandering downhill, and yet remaining cheerful. He liked that, he gave the river a friendly smile. Was this not the river in which he had wanted to drown, once, a century ago, or had he merely dreamed it (Hesse, 84)?” This follows the past patterns of rivers symbolizing cheerfulness. No matter how he feels or where he is, the river is always happy, peaceful, calm, and relaxing. It is the only thing in the whole novel that makes Siddhartha feel joyful again. The river will never fail to cheer him up.

LAUREN HAMRICK