The Importance of Govinda

            Other than being Siddhartha’s friend, the character of Govinda is rather important. He represents the people that follow others. First, he is content studying religion in the place they grew up with Siddhartha. He meditates with Siddhartha and has debates with him. They “practice the art of contemplation,” which is an intimate, serious act not to be taken lightly each time it is performed (3). Govinda needs very little prompting when Siddhartha tells Govinda that he is leaving to join the Samanas. In the beginning, the narrator explains how much Govinda loves Siddhartha, that Govinda “loved him more than anybody else,” (4). By the description, it seems Govinda already practically worships Siddhartha. He admires his physical presence and handsomeness, even including, “the way he walked, his complete grace of movement,” (4). Most importantly, and looking back perhaps it is foreshadowing that although Govinda admired Siddhartha’s physical features and the way he carries himself, “above all, he loved his intellect, his fine ardent thoughts, his strong will, his high vocation” (4). Taking all of this into consideration, the reader should not be surprised when Govinda joins Siddhartha on his adventure with the Samanas. Govinda is representative of followers in life because a follower typically does not question the person or group that they are following. Govinda’s only question for Siddhartha after discovering he planned to join the Samanas is, “Will your father permit it?” (9). After spending a few years with the Samanas, wandering and being homeless, Siddhartha decides it is time for him to leave. Again, Govinda is practically horrified that Siddhartha is dissatisfied with their lives. He exclaims, “Truly, your words trouble me,” (19). Govinda, like a follower in general, does not want to hear Siddhartha question the idea of learning from people of supposed higher spiritual knowledge. Govinda takes it for granted that the elder Samanas know what they are talking about and trusts that he will reach enlightenment from them if he is patient and does what he is told. Following Siddhartha to find the Buddha, Govinda is again dragged on Siddhartha’s adventure. Shockingly, Govinda chooses to stay with the Buddha and follow the others that are already following him and living his lifestyle. However, he is taken aback that Siddhartha is not staying with the group as well. While he is not following Siddhartha’s lead, for the moment, he still only leaves his friend to follow another.