Siddhartha

I just finished reading Siddhartha, and it was awesome. The style Hesse wrote it in gives it a sense of being from the period it discusses. Who else has read it?

 

I've read it several times. It's definitely one of my favorite books. It provides a lot of insight during times of disillusionment, especially in regards to the search for enlightenment.

 

have been considering picking it up for the past couple of weeks now but somthing held me back but i'll definitly get it today

 

I read the book afew times when Iwas 19 or so. Great influence ! Love and Peace R.A.T. Auztralia

 

Not I think his best book - that would have to go to Steppenwolf. However, I never read anything by the man that was bad. I would recommend any of his books without reservation.

 

It's a really good book. I really like Hesse's style of writing. You should also read the Glass Bead Game if you haven't already, that's my favourite book by him. It's amazing.

 

so is the book siddharta just the life story of siddharta or is it more/less than that. Everyone is saying to read it, but why?

 

It is a fictionalized treatment of the life. Shows what is going own inside his mind like a novel but follows the facts (such as we know) closely

 

i read this book a few years back...and i gotta say that i absolutely loved it. in fact, im reading it again along with another book i read back in the day!
have a beautiful day :0)

 

so are do any of you actually practice buddhism? If so how closely do you think this books follow the teachings? I have done a very little bit of buddhist practice and I was confused about some things. The way I understood things was that siddhartha Guatama was indeed the original buddha. He lived with a very wealthy family and was the son of a father who wanted him to know nothing of pain. Due to his inquisitive nature he explored the city where he learned of first pain, old age, and then death. He then went on his saman journey to get rid of the suffering of all mankind. One of the main points I had trouble with in the book was that siddartha actually meets gotama. But siddhartha is gotama. Any explainations?

 

optimo, you are right and I had the same confusion when I read the book. Don't know the answer yet...
But, the book is great and I would recommend it to anyone but I must say I liked Steppenwolf a little bit more. Hesse is one of my favorite authors.

 

I do love this book so. I think its really beautiful. I read it in the summer for the first time...and I hope to reread it...and perhaps understand and appriciate it more!

 

alright so the book siddhartha is not based on the "original buddha" who recieved enlightenment under the tree. The original buddha's name was siddhartha guatama, or in some places siddhartha gotma. The Irony is that this is the person the fictional siddhartha met in the book. forgiving the twisted facts I think it is a good book that gives some insight into eastern philosophy and the unity of all things. The book doesn't adhere to the teachings of buddhism, but with the exception of the title I don't think it was inteneded to. The main points that i thought were of interest were first the divergence from formalized teachings and the focus personal experience, secondly the sickness that was caused from worldly desires, and thirdly the teaching and healing powers of the river. This progression was definately intentional and points out, in my opinion, one of the problems with western thought. (don't automatically get offended, and remeber diverse opinions are sometimes beneficial). In christianity it is taught that god made the universe, the creatures, and then us the rulers of it all. This Idea of superiority over nature is not present in eastern religions and allows them unity with all things and allows for an ultimate goal of harmony. This re occuring theme is found in cofucianism, toaism, buddhism, and many other eastern religions I am sure.

 

i read it at 19 too, just 30 short years ago! it opened the door to my spiritual path...

 

A friend told me about this book, and I've been meaning to read it. Seeing this thread has made me want to read it all the more!

 

I took that part to mean that even the Buddha had to confront himself.

 

The Yes Album Close To The Edge Drew Inspiration From This Book. So Then You Know It Is Good.

 

A magnificent read! Hesse achieves great style in the development of the plot and the message of the book is applicable to all. Hesse is in my top three authors list.

 

To me it mean't the old over used adage "We are all one " Like on a good trip when all things melt into everything else . Love and Peace.

 

To me it mean't the old over used adage "We are all one " Like on a good trip when all things melt into everything else . You confront yourself .After all ain't we all The Buddha? Love and Peace.