Siddhartha: this essay talk about how Siddhartha say that he distrusted teachers and rather learn from himself, but no matter where he goes he learned from the people around him

I disagreed with Bennett's overview on Siddhartha's interest in obtaining knowledge from the teaching of others. Siddhartha had many teachers along his quest for enlightenment. Throughout his life he denounced teachers and their teachings; but in his last meeting with his lifelong friend, Govinda, he mentions five people in which he was indebted to: a beautiful courtesan, a rich merchant, a dice player, a Buddhist monk, and a ferryman

The first teacher was Kamala, a beautiful courtesan. Kamala taught him the wonderful pleasures of love and the importance of wealth and riches in society. "It has never been my experience that a Samana from the woods should come to me and desire to learn from me. Never has a Samana with long hair and an old torn loincloth come to me. Many young men come to me, including Brahmins' sons but they come to me in fine clothes, in fine shoes; there is scent in their hair and money in their purses."

Siddhartha Gautama meditating.

Siddhartha (novel)

Siddhartha-Life is but a Dream

These teachings in which Kamala placed upon him helped him to seek out the riches and wealth that would supposedly bring him happiness. While living with Kamala, Siddhartha gradually acquired some of the characteristics of the ordinary people, some of their childishness and some of their anxiety.

Another person who Siddhartha obtained knowledge from was the rich merchant Kamaswami. Kamaswami taught Siddhartha the secrets of making money and living the life of a rich man. While working for Kamaswami, many of Siddhartha's values stayed intact, but slowly these values began to slip away. In many ways Kamaswami taught Siddhartha the dark side of life.

As the days went on Siddhartha began to distastes his Samsara lifestyle. He viewed his riches as worthless, for they did not truly bring him happiness. Slowly he began...