What is it about the natural world that helps Siddhartha attain enlightenment?

The main characters in Siddhartha are able to attain enlightenment by developing and refining their relationships with nature. The natural world also represents a middle road between asceticism (which is all about depriving yourself so you’re barely conscious, much less being able to appreciate nature), and the material world (which is all about seeking as much pleasure as possible). By paying attention to the natural world, both Siddhartha and Vasudeva are able to see the unity of life and attain enlightenment.