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I've crossed paths with this book in so many places, from college, to an overseas youth hostel, to a friend's bookshelf. Each time I was drawn to read it again, remembering only that the time I'd read it before I was touched and somehow changed for the better. The wisdom in these pages is refreshing and pertinent no matter where you are in your life.
In our society, thinking is highly valued, but fasting and waiting are almost totally neglected at this point. The introduction by Freedman was helpful in showing many of the hidden meanings that I wasn't aware of. I have been working my way through a variety of literature and decided to give Siddhartha a try. I don't believe in extreme asceticism.
But it turns out that this is a story of a contemporary of the Buddha that meets him and his story actually follows many of the elements of the Buddha's life.This is an allegorical tale that packs a lot of meaning into a fairly short novel. I have always had a fascination with religion and philosophy and have studied western thought extensively, but have only scratched the surface of eastern thought. I think of these as self control and patience. The best method to do that is by raising a family and participating in your community. I also thought the translation was very easy for me to follow and understand.Overall, I gained many insights from reading this book.
There were several other gems in this book that caused me to think and reflect.As a westerner, there were some thought processes that I didn't agree with. Having said that, I believe that this book did bring out several profound truths for me. I realized that it was written by a westerner, but knew it had good reviews by many easterners.I initially expected this novel to be a fictionalized retelling of the Buddha story, since Siddhartha is one of the names of the Buddha. I believe in learning self control, but not to the extent where you are totally focused on yourself. There were several character traits highlighted that I don't think are discussed in our society enough.
When he talked of his ability to think, fast, and wait; I though of how important these characteristics are. I believe that the true path to peace and happiness is losing oneself in the service of others. I highly recommend this short book.
I loved the book, moved me to my core and lifted my spirit. If you liked the Alchemist you'll love this book.
He begins in the forest, living a life of a samana, a wandering ascetic, begging for food and spending his days in meditation. Otherwise, they are not important. Siddhartha is a young man who spends his life looking for the way to Nirvana. Like many people, I first read Siddhartha in high school as a part of my study of Buddhism and Hinduism. However, this does not mean that it has been "dumbed down" in any way. Although most of the minor characters are not well-developed, it is very clear that their very existence is only to help Siddhartha on his journey.
This adds to the story and gives it the feeling of a sacred text.
His eventual meeting with the Buddha has an unexpected effect on him: he realizes that teachers cannot really teach him anything.
It is very similar to Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist in its plot and feeling.
It wasn't until this second reading that the book made an impression on me.
Each character has something to give Siddhartha, and each adds to his understanding of the world and of himself.This book will appeal to anyone interested in Eastern religions and philosophies, or to anyone who is themselves a spiritual pilgrim.
Therefore, it is up to him to find his own way to salvation.The book is short, and is made up of two parts, before the Buddha, and after the Buddha.
Each chapter has a very particular meaning, and the plot is very well contained within.
It's also easy for even a reader who is not familiar with religious doctrines or language - Hesse does a beautiful job of making the spiritual and philosophical content very clear and easy to understand.
In fact, the writing is intelligent and evocative, and the story is wholly engrossing.
This piece of literature was recommended to me by my soulmate. He lives several different lives, jumping back and forth from the active life to the contemplative life and at the end of it all comes to a conclusion that could only have been deriven from satiating his curiosity for the human condition--life. Beginning from page one I was glued to this quick-read simple philosophy and could not have been more emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually satisfied at the end. Siddhartha is the quintessential do-it-all who craves experience in order to learn life lessons. is. simple.
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