Summary of Siddharta

Siddhartha is a story which follows an adventurous journey of a young man in search of the truth. Set in the fictional town of Sakya, India, Siddhartha is born into an upper-caste Brahmin family and abandons it in pursuit of enlightenment. He joins a group of Samanas, ascetics who test their bodies and minds through exercises and deprivation. He leaves them after a few years of trials and solace, because he feels something is missing. On his journey, Siddhartha meets the spiritual sage Vasudeva who teaches him lessons through his interactions with nature. Siddhartha eventually discovers his own inner true self in his reflections in the river. He reunites with his childhood love, Kamala, and becomes a successful businessman. But despite his financial success, Siddhartha is never fully satisfied. After encountering the river once more, he finally finds the spiritual awakening he has desired. After his enlightenment, he returns to teach the villagers whom he has known since a child. He conveys the message that joy comes when we accept life's ever-changing nature.