Vasudeva

Vasudeva is the ferryman. He is the guide who finally leads Siddhartha to enlightenment. Siddhartha and Vasudeva first meet after Siddhartha first leaves Gotama. All who meet Vasudeva can feel his divine, enlightened energy. He does not brag about his wisdom and power, but credits all of his knowledge to the river. He not only ferries others across the river, but he also listens to the river, and pulls wisdom from it. Vasudeva teaches Siddhartha to learn from the river. He keeps Siddhartha moving in the right direction by encouraging him to listen to the wisdom of the river whenever he has any doubts or becomes discouraged.
 * Vasudeva **