Thus the young Siddhartha is much like Govinda, although neither man realizes this fact.
Although Govinda eventually abandons Siddhartha to become a follower of Buddha, Govinda completes his cycle of dependence on Siddhartha as their life stories progress. Govinda reappears in Siddhartha's life at key symbolic points. Govinda's first reappearance is in a dream. Govinda appears in the yellow robe of an ascetic but, once he and Siddhartha embrace, is transformed into a woman. This dream symbolized Siddhartha's transformation from celibacy to the carnal life. Soon after the dream Siddhartha meets Kamala who becomes his teacher, his lover, and the mother of his son.
Govinda reappears unexpectedly when Siddhartha is sleeping alone near the river. Govinda does not recognize Siddhartha immediately; he was merely performing his duty as a Good Samaritan, protecting the sleeping Siddhartha from the poisonous snakes and wild animals in the forest nearby. Govinda encounters Siddhartha during a true turning point in his life. Siddhartha is making the transition from wealthy merchant to impoverished ferryman.
Siddhartha explains to Govinda that he is on a pilgrimage. Govinda does not believe Siddhartha because he is still dressed in fancy clothes. Although Siddhartha imparts to Govinda wisdom regarding the transitory nature of life, Govinda only sees the outward appearance. Because Siddhartha does not have the appearance of a monk, Govinda doubts the veracity of his friend's wisdom.
Govinda again appears to Siddhartha toward the end of the novel. Govinda had heard of a wise ferryman and became anxious to meet him. The ferryman turns out to be Siddhartha. Govinda begs Siddhartha to share his secret of inner peace: "Have you a doctrine, belief or knowledge which you uphold, which helps you to live and do right?" (Hesse 141). Siddhartha demonstrates
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