Hypocritical aspects in religiosophy

from chapter 2:
"On this very same day, Siddhartha informed the oldest one of the Samanas
of his decision, that he wanted to leave him. He informed the oldest
one with all the courtesy and modesty becoming to a younger one and a
student. But the Samana became angry, because the two young men wanted
to leave him, and talked loudly and used crude swearwords."

Here's an old Samana who, by the virtue of being 'old' is expected to be closer to enlightenment than younger Samanas. Yet, this elder reverts to the old cycle of death and rebirth by responding to Sid in such a way. I have not read this book before, but I sense this is a foretelling of Sid realizing that being a Samana is not the Way to enlightenment he had originally believed.

Marxism in India?

from chapter 2:
"The myth of Buddha sounded sweet. The scent of magic flowed from these
reports. After all, the world was sick, life was hard to bear--and
behold, here a source seemed to spring forth, here a messenger seemed
to call out, comforting, mild, full of noble promises."

from Marx:
"Religion is the opiate of the masses." Seems Enlightenment is described as being so too. I only mention it as it struck me to do so.

Some Definitions

I couldn't read any further without looking up some stuff first. And I hope you're not too offended by my putting up this stuff.

The Upanishads are a collection of Indian speculations on the nature of reality and the soul and the relations between these two. When I researched and found this definition, I also found the descriptions of the gods

Sid's beauty

Interesting, how Sid is described as a beautiful being, graceful and attractive. However, the only physical characteristic is his narrow hips, indicating a slender build. Hesse defines beauty as the spiritual manner in which Sid treats people, and his impassioned values. Where would the story be if Sid was a horrible looking creature with grace? There is the Taoist story about two girls, one who by all accounts is not attractive, and one that is. However, because they both know and embrace their physical gifts, the unattractive girl is the most popular.

1st three chapters

I identify with Sid. He did not want to do his father's bidding. He had his own path to follow. And the lesson is that one must do that alone. Without unreasoned practices, without an enlightened soul to help you, without a friend by your side. One must go alone.

In my translation's introduction, it spoke about the similarities between Hesse's life and Sid's up to this point. And they Hesse had to stop writing at the end of the first section until he knew more about enlightenment himself.

I wonder what happens in the second section and I remember the old saying "Enlightenment and $1.85 might get you a cup of coffee."

daily lit

And for those that like to read in small parcels: http://www.dailylit.com/books/siddhartha

They will email siddhartha to you in small chunks.

I have read a few things this way. Easy. configurable.

Chapter due by Sunday

Hey All.
I think a chapter a week, means we all finish in 12 weeks. Or 3 chapters a week and finish in 4. Any input?