Siddhartha's Social Journey

In His Home Town	With the Samanas	With the Buddha
In his hometown, Siddhartha's social status was very high. He was popular, and loved by everyone. However, he decided that he couldn't stay, despite all the adoration he received.	When Siddhartha was with the Samanas, his social status sunk to an all time low. He was considered a lowly beggar, a vagrant, someone to pity and avoid, because of his lack of wealth and power.	When Siddhartha visited the Buddha, his social status was in transition. He had already decided to no longer be a Samana. However, he has not decided what to do next. So, his social status is in limbo at this point.
Samsara	By the River	With Vasudeva
When Siddhartha is in Samsara, his social status is once again very high. He is loved and respected by everyone. He has tons of money and power, totally opposite to his Samana days.	When Siddhartha is by the River, he is still considered a merchant by everybody else. His social status is still very high, as he wears rich clothes and looks like a merchant.	When Siddhartha is with Vasudeva, his social status is in doubt. Some people consider him to be a crazy old man. However, others consider him to be a holy man, a prophet, a guru.

In His Home Town