Why is there a scene in the book journey through the East where a curious woman in a hijab held his genitals in her hand after circumcising a boy?

In "Journey to the East" by Hermann Hesse, there are numerous symbols and themes that reflect the spiritual and cultural exploration of the protagonist. However, there may be some confusion regarding specific scenes, as the book doesn’t contain an explicit scene like the one described. It’s important to note that the novel deals with themes of mysticism, initiation, and the quest for meaning rather than graphic depictions of physical acts. If this scene is from a different text or misquoted, it would be helpful to clarify. In literary analysis, symbolic acts can be interpreted in various ways based on context, themes, and character development, often focusing on the broader implications rather than the explicit actions themselves. If you're referencing a specific symbol or cultural practice, exploring its significance within the narrative might yield a deeper understanding of the author’s intentions. Please provide further details for a more accurate analysis.