Siddhartha – Chapter 1 Study Guide
Chapter 1 Title
The First Noble Truth
The Brahmin’s Son
Existence is suffering
Important words/concepts
Definition or meaning
The Atman
The non-material self, the soul
Ablutions
The act of washing oneself in a ritualistic manner
Om
The first vibrations of the universe that gave way to
the immortal spirit. Om is used in meditation as a
tool for focusing intention.
Brahmin
Priests or religious figures in Hinduism
Shramanas
A religious movement in Hinduism that was a bitter
opponent of the Brahmin. Eventually Buddhism
springs from this movement.
Study Questions: Answer the following study questions in complete sentences. They increase in
difficulty.
1. Who is Siddhartha? Who is Godiva? Describe their relationship. (Recall and Understanding)
2. Describe Siddhartha’s state of mind in this chapter. For help in formulating this answer review pages
5-9 (Recall and Understanding).
3. Describe the conflict that Siddhartha has with his father. How does this conflict end? (Recall and
Understanding).
4. How does this first chapter demonstrate the First Noble Truth, existence is suffering? The Second
Noble Truth indicates that suffering arises from desire or attachment. Where do we see desire and/or
attachment in this chapter that is leading the human suffering? (Applying, Analyzing, and Evaluating)
Siddhartha – Chapter 2 Study Guide
Chapter 2 Title
The Second Noble Truth
With the Shramanas
Suffering arises from desire
Important words/concepts
Definition or meaning
Brahmin
Priests or religious figures in Hinduism
Shramanas
A religious movement in Hinduism that was a bitter
opponent of the Brahmin. Eventually Buddhism
springs from this movement.
Buddha
Generically refers to a person who has attained full
enlightenment
Study Questions: Answer the following study questions in complete sentences. They increase in
difficulty.
1. Who are Siddartha and Godiva with? How long have they been with these people? (Recall and
Understanding)
2. Describe Siddhartha’s state of mind in this chapter. What are his feelings toward the Shramanas?
(Recall and Understanding).
3. Describe the conflict that Siddhartha has with his teachers, the Shramanas. How is this conflict
similar to the conflict he has with his father? How is it different? (Recall and Understanding).
4. How does this first chapter demonstrate the Second Noble Truth, suffering is a result of desire or
attachment? The Second Noble Truth indicates that suffering arises from desire or attachment. Where
do we see desire and/or attachment in this chapter that is leading the human suffering? Has Siddartha
realized and overcome the Second Noble Truth? Why or why not? (Applying, Analyzing, and Evaluating)