govinda's face

As Siddhartha reaches its conclusion, Siddhartha assumes the role of the ferryman. The scene where Govinda is seeking to attend the funeral of Gotama Buddha is particularly revealing. I feel like the scene where Govinda kisses Siddhartha’s forehead upon request epitomizes the way that we have described compassion within the class. When discussing his quest to find Enlightenment Govinda concedes, “I confess that I haven’t found it” (Hesse “Govinda”). Rather than responding by pontificating about his own unique focus on the Self (as opposed to being beholden to ideologues – Buddha in Siddhartha’s view) Siddhartha extends empathy towards Govinda. This is important to acknowledge considering that Govinda has taken his “refuge with the exalted Buddha” (Hesse “By the River”). Just as our response to animals is contextualized with an infinite obligation to the face of the Other, Govinda’s face expressed emotions of “yearning, suffering, and the eternal search” (Hesse “Govinda”). Even in his old age, Govinda’s face still expressed the same “zeal, faithfulness, searching, timidness” (Hesse “By the River). In response to this anguish, it is easy to assume that Siddhartha saw his own previous discontent with his lack of Enlightenment in Govinda’s face. The deepest form of empathy is one where you feel the pain of another. In response, Siddhartha commands that Govinda should kiss his forehead. Govinda mutually understands this act as being out of “love and expectation” (Hesse “Govinda”). Empathy borne out of a mutual experience of pain is the only way to rationally explain an empathy extended to animals. By analyzing facial expressions and understanding that all living beings feel pain, empathy can be inclusive towards animals. I think that the way that Hesse understands empathy in this context is intentional. This compassion is based on the most primordial understandings of pain and suffering, and in that way it is inclusive.

buddha - didn't grant enlightenment to govinda

siddhartha overcame religious difference