How Did The River Affect Siddhartha

In the book, Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha is on a quest to self-discovery, which was influenced by characters like Gotama, Kamala, and Vasudeva. These characters have impacted Siddhartha’s life considerably, and contribute to his path to enlightenment. They have brought him teachings, love, money, and the art of listening. Siddhartha has the most substantial impact on himself throughout the novel by questioning teachings, experiencing new concepts, and learning from the river of life, which flows inevitably.
Siddhartha wants to reach enlightenment; but failed to agree with Gotama’s doctrine, which dealt with teachings. “O Sublime One-no one will achieve salvation through teachings! O Venerable One, you will not be able to inform
“I shall remain by this river” (54). Later, the ferryman, Vasudeva, helped Siddhartha listen to the voices of the river. Vasudeva leaves Siddhartha to be the ferryman after he has reached enlightenment. “I have waited for this hour, dear friend. Now that it has come, let me depart. Long have I awaited this hour, long have I been the ferryman Vasudeva” (73). Vasudeva taught Siddhartha great lessons, including how to be a ferryman, and set a path for him to enlightenment. But, Siddhartha, himself, was the person who had to go through unfortunate experiences to lead himself in the way of the ferryman, and the path to enlightenment.
The only person, who significantly impacted Siddhartha, throughout his journey to enlightenment, was himself; due to examining old teachings, questing for new experiences, and listening to the river. Siddhartha had guidance, and little contribution to his end goal: enlightenment. Teachers taught, experiences happened, and the river spoke many voices. The path to Siddhartha’s goal could not be achieved if it weren't for his state of mind, and ambition to make it the end. The largest impacting character on Siddhartha was indeed, Siddhartha,