Siddhartha Reading Blog (Section 2)

     Siddhartha heard Buddha's teachings and thought they were very wise. Yet when Govinda pledged to become one of Buddha's disciples, Siddhartha did not. He said goodbye to his best friend. The morning he left camp, he came across the Illustrious one, and was allowed to speak in his presence. Siddhartha told Gotama that he understood and appreciated his teachings, but he could not become one of his followers. Buddha had been enlightened, and taught his monks of his enlightenment. Siddhartha recognized that these teaching were valuable, but to become enlightened you must look deep into yourself, not deep into what someone else has experienced. Deep in thought, he went on his way. He thought and thought until suddenly he looked around him and saw the beauty of the earth. He had been ignoring it, thinking it fake the entire time he was a Samana in the woods. While he was trying to rid himself of "the Self", he had looked at the world as another illusion, another temptation. He realized that he'd been afraid of his Self, and that he no longer wanted to escape Siddhartha. He wanted to be Siddhartha. From that moment on he recognized and enjoyed the world's beauty. He saw kindness in people and wanted to teach them. He found Kamala and promised to prove himself to her. By the end of this section, he is no longer a Samana and is planning to become rich so he can be with Kamala. 
     Up until now, all we've read about Siddhartha has been about ridding himself of the "Self", and that includes being non-materialistic. I agree with Siddhartha that trying to escape your true self is not the answer to anything, but he is now promising Kamala to to become wealthy and shower her with presents. This troubles me. I think Siddhartha has made a lot of progress, but if he is planning on throwing it all away for riches, then he's regressing. I'm hoping that if he does become wealthy later on, then he'll use that wealth for something worth while. 
     Since Siddhartha has left Buddha and his monks, I'm wondering how the 2 are still connected. Will they meet again? Will Siddhartha start his own religion? Maybe section 3 will provide some answers.