The young son of Siddhartha mourns his mother's death and has trouble adjusting to living with Siddhartha and Vasudeva.
Siddhartha tries to let his son grieve and find his own way, acknowledging the boy's privileged upbringing may make adjustment difficult.
Despite Siddhartha's best efforts, his son remains stubborn, causing Siddhartha worry rather than bringing him joy.
Both Siddhartha and Vasudeva have to balance work with caring for the boy, hoping to eventually win his acceptance and love.
Vasudeva advises Siddhartha to allow his son to find his own path, suggesting he take the boy back to the city or leave him with a teacher with whom he can socialize with other children.
Siddhartha fears his son will be lost to the world of Sansara, repeating his mistakes, and is unable to take Vasudeva's advice due to his love for his son.
The son eventually steals money and a boat from Vasudeva, and runs away to the city.
Siddhartha is devastated and tries to search for his son, but deep down knows his son is not in danger and is finding his own path.
Siddhartha visits the pleasure-garden where he first met Kamala, reflecting on his past life and his love for his runaway son.
After a long period of contemplation, Siddhartha comes to terms with his inability to protect his son from life's difficulties and resolves to let his son find his own way.
Vasudeva finds Siddhartha and they return home, choosing to not discuss the son's running away or the emotional wound it caused.
In the end, Siddhartha falls into deep sleep, and Vasudeva offers him comfort by bringing a bowl of coconut-milk.