In this chapter of Siddhartha, we see Siddhartha having a "revelation" about his purpose and the whys to his actions.
While walking through the grove, he sees that he had never truly understood why he did what he did, up until now that is. He discovers that his need for the perfect teacher, and the perfect teachings, were because of his want to hide his true Self from himself. He has awakened, hence the name for the chapter. He doesn't fit anywhere he has ever been in before. Not with his father, not with the Samanas, not with Govinda or Buddha. No. He needs to find himself and make a home for that new person he will discover.
Even if it was a short chapter, I feel like it was something necessary in the story. Without that little chapter, we wouldn't truly have any insight in the mind of Siddhartha, nor would we understand his reasoning for chapters to come. No matter its vitality, the chapter left some doubts in my mind:
-Siddhartha doesn't know where he is heading right now. Will he ever have a destination again?
-How come he came to this realization now, but not before?
-Will he ever try to seek out a teacher again, or will he be content with his own findings?
Some vocabulary words of this chapter:
Grove (noun): a small wood, orchard, or group of trees.
Innermost (adjective): most private, and deeply felt.
Asceticism: doctrine that believes that by giving up worldly pleasures one will achieve a higher intellectual or spiritual power.
Meditation (noun): the action or practice of meditating. (Meditating: think deeply or focus for a time for spiritual purposes or to relax).
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