32 Socratic Seminar Questions for Siddhartha Part 1
1.
What people play a role in shaping Siddhartha’s journey? Why do you think they are important
to his growth/self-discovery?
2.
How would you describe meditation? Is it strictly a religious thing? How can it benefit us today?
3.
Early in the novel, why is Siddhartha unhappy? What does he mean when he says his spirit is a
“waiting vessel”?
4.
Do you think you must venture out on your own in order to fully develop your identity or can you
do it within the construct of your upbringing?
5.
What places play a role in shaping Siddhartha’s journey? Why do you think they are important to
his growth/self-discovery?
6.
While Siddhartha’s journey is uniquely his own, it is also everyone’s journey. What connections
to Siddhartha’s journey toward shaping and understanding his identity can you see within your
own?
7.
Why did Siddhartha not want to follow Buddha?
8.
Explain what you think Siddhartha meant when he said "And there is no thing in this world I
know less about than about me, about Siddhartha!" Do you think he was right?
9.
What role does the natural world (sun, sky, trees, water) play in Siddhartha’s journey? What is
Siddhartha’s relationship to nature?
10.
Explain how Siddhartha felt after his awakening in chapter 4? Why do you think he felt that
way?
11.
Siddhartha searches for that one important thing, the only important thing throughout the novel.
What do you think is the most important thing in the world?
12.
Describe Govinda's decision to stay with Buddha and Siddhartha's decision to leave. How do each
of them benefit?
13.
What did Siddhartha envision when he was with the Samanas? Was this helpful to him?
14.
How is a Hindu like a Samana? How is a Samana like a Buddhist? How is a Buddhist like a
Hindu?
15.
What role do teachers play during Siddhartha’s journey? Do you agree with Siddhartha’s notions
about teachers? Why or why not?
16.
Is Siddhartha’s goal actually to achieve nirvana or is it to learn everything that he can?
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32 Socratic Seminar Questions for Siddhartha Part 1
17.
Why does Siddhartha not follow Gotama with Govinda? Hadn't the Buddha reached peace?
18.
Explain asceticism?
19.
How could Govinda and Siddhartha pick the Buddha out of the crowd? Describe him.
20.
In attempting to lose his Self and attain nirvana, does Siddhartha act selfishly towards others
throughout his entire path?
21.
What experiences play a role in shaping Siddhartha’s journey? Why do you think they are
important to his growth/self-discovery?
22.
Describe Siddhartha and Govinda's relationship. Is it healthy?
23.
According to Siddhartha, how will he find Enlightenment?
24.
Do you think that Siddhartha’s father leaving the door open means he will return home? How do
you think his father will react?
25.
What ideas play a role in shaping Siddhartha’s journey? Why do you think they are important to
his growth/self-discovery?
26.
At the end of part 1, is Siddhartha a Hindu? a Samana? a Buddhist? Who does he say will be his
teacher now?
27.
How do you find the self by losing the self?
28.
Do you think Siddhartha will go back home? What will happen if he does?
29.
Why did the Ascetics believe they must starve themselves, escape pain, and destroy themselves?
30.
Do you agree with Gotama that life is suffering? Is suffering through life the only universal
experience?
31.
Some believe that Siddhartha’s journey is simply a circle or cyclical in nature. How might his
journey be seen this way?
32.
How does Buddha help Siddhartha reach his Awakening?
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