Student Question
In "Siddhartha," how do monks discipline themselves in terms of food and thinking?
Quick answer:
In "Siddhartha," monks discipline themselves through meditation and self-denial, particularly by fasting and renouncing material possessions. They focus on losing their "self" to achieve enlightenment. This involves giving up home, family, possessions, personal will, and friendships, as preached by the Buddha and practiced by the Samanas. Such practices are aimed at transcending personal desires and attachments to reach spiritual awakening.
As Siddhartha seeks the enlightenment of losing his "self" he encounters the Samanas, and he seeks out and listens to the Buddha Gotama Buddha. He learns from each the concept of discipline of the self through meditation, and denial. The monks discipline themselves through fasting, renouncement of all material things. As Siddhartha says to Govinda,
"You have renounced home and parents, you have renounced origin and property, you have renounced your own will, you have renounced friendship. That is what the teachings preach, that is the will of the Illustriouls One."
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.