Chapter 9-10

What one word does the river pronounce "when one is successful in hearing all its ten thousand voices at the same time"?

The river says, "Om."

Who is Vasudeva?

Vasudeva is the ferryman who takes Siddhartha into his service.

What does Vasudeva suggest Siddhartha should do for his son?

Vasudeva suggests that Siddhartha should take the boy back to the town where he grew up and find him a life that includes people his own age.

Siddhartha tries to find his son after he runs away. Why does Siddhartha stop his search at the garden that had once belonged to Kamala?

Standing at the garden Siddhartha remembered his life and in doing so he realized it was a foolish desire to follow his son. He realizes that he cannot help his son and that he shouldn't force himself on his son.

What becomes of Kamala?

She is bitten by a snake while on a pilgrimage to see the dying Buddha; she dies.

How does Siddhartha's son behave while living in the hut by the river?

He is a spoiled rich boy who refuses to do any work, and he is disrespectful of others.

What is the first "secret from the river" that Siddhartha learns?

He learns that there is no such thing as time. "The river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean, and in the mountains, everywhere, and that the present only exists for it."

What is the boy's reaction when Siddhartha asks him to gather some twigs for the fire?

He refuses and then goes on to tell Siddhartha how much he hates his father. The boy runs away the next day.

What is it that brings Siddhartha feelings of love, enchantment, and gratitude?

His love for the flowing river brings him these feelings.