Siddhartha

Rating:
Summary: A Modern Classic
Review: I found this book to be an excellent work in the tradition of many of the classics. This is a short piece of work, really almost more of a novella and it reads quickly. What is impressive about Hesse's work here is the depth of philosophy he delivers with such concise prose. This is also a novel that is timeless in scope rather than being a period piece. There are few trappings of any particular era which allows Hesse to deliver his message in a much more simple (and short) format. In hindsight this story was a very effective method for introducing the reader to some of the basic tenets of the Buddhist religions. This is the first of Hesse's works that I have read and I found it to be profound and powerful. I look forward to reading more of his work.

Rating:
Summary: The best novel I have ever read so far. A spiritual classic.
Review: All eastern religions seem to advocate a non-clinging style of living for spiritual growth. In short this is what HH says in siddhartha (As Richard Bach did in "Illusions" ).
Everyone would have experienced the suffering involved in resisting the destiny. The painful clinging to a relationship that is a failure, the laborous attachment to the work one doesnt like, violence associated to religious fanatism or other ideologies and the suffering associated with the death of a loved one are but examples of problem associated with attachment.The human mind seems to believe that nothing will be fruitful if it does not bind itself to things around it ( this situation is beautifully explained in "The Zen in the art of archery"). It struggles with the past and worrys about the future and trys not to let things in hand slip. But it reality, this is what takes the goal away from our focus. Bagavad gita says " what ever is going to happen has already happened. You are nothing but a messenger about to convey that message to the world through your action. So, perform your duty without worrying about the result". Whether it is logical or scientific is irrelevent (quantum physicists might say it is very much logical and scientific) but everyone will agree that they perform best when there is little interference from the mind. And that is what is all about detachment-to take reality as it is, to be completly aware of the reality that is around you and to keep moving, keep living. And this again is not a virtue for monks and saints but a must for anyone who wants to perform best in life. And just like any other art (and the art of loving) this has to be cultivated with patience, perseverence and practice for effective living. In fact only a truly loving person who respects himself and others will earnestly try to be detached in life. This is because he will know detachement is what is required for his and other's happiness and effectiveness. Siddartha is the story of a man's spiritual jouney that culminates with this realization.

Rating:
Summary: Om
Review: NOTE: I read the mjf edition of the book, but I'm sure this one is the same thing.

This is an amazing book! It takes you through the life of Siddhartha on his path of enlightment. He starts out as a young man who learns a lot from elders but has an ever growing thirst for knowledge and goes out to seek it starting with the Samanas and ending up in quite a different place.

This is my second favorite book of all time but have no doubt in buying it because it is well worth the [money] because it really teaches you a lot about life you may not have thought about or experienced and it's a quick read but you'll want to read it again and again. A must-read for ANYONE no matter what religion you are...

Rating:
Summary: A Book That Has Changed My Life
Review: I had to read this book for a high school English class, and the title itself had intrigued me. I started reading the book right away, and it drew me in with its vivid imagery. The book was poetry in its purest form; the manner in which the words flow and complement each other present the ideas and themes of the book in such a way that it is art. THis novel has made me truly think about life and spirituality. As Siddhartha was awakened, as was I. I recommend this novel to anyone with an open mind and heart.

Rating:
Summary: a touch of the ultimate
Review: This little book is such spiritual fire. Sparse, elegantly simple yet engrossing storytelling because it concerns this man's soul just as many of our souls have been concerned.

Words are useless here (which relates to the book as well) but if you are a seeker or have every been one you might want to read this sometime.

And interestingly, this just may be the best account of Siddhartha's core meaning ever written - but you have to be simple enough in soul to get that.

Rating:
Summary: Never Be Satisfied
Review: Siddhartha never remains content. Once "comfortable," he remains open to dissatisfaction. He never allows the orthodoxy of his experience to cement. As dissatisfaction creeps in, he pays attention. New wine bursts his old wineskins and he repeatedly walks away from everything he has "achieved" into the void.

Siddhartha braves emptiness, daring asceticism, pleasure, nature; he wonders, he denies, he accepts. In the end ... well, if the secret could be distilled in 1000 words or less, Hesse wouldn't have needed 152 pages ... but in the end, Siddhartha has journeyed yet gone nowhere, he has abandoned everything and discovered the illusion that is the secret ... or has he?

This translation by Rosner flows smoothly enough that I didn't even stop to think that Hesse didn't write in English. Hesse's language is concise. This is a tight novel without a lot of scene description. Hesse wrote from the third person without stream-of-consciousness; even from this detached perspective, he draws us into Siddhartha's mind.

An excellent and classic work. If you already know just what spirituality is all about, if you have all the answers, then don't waste your time on this book. If you still have room for questions and growth, then I'll bet you'll revel in Siddhartha.

(If you'd like to discuss this book or review further, please click on the "about me" link above & drop me an email. Thanks!)

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring, Thoughtful Read
Review: I was given Siddhartha as a gift from a close friend. At first, I didn't know what to make of the book. Having memories of H.S. English class and struggling through Steppenwolf, I must admit I wasn't very optimistic. However, I am very fond of this book - Hesse's insightful words provoke new perspectives on life -- how the negative, painful situations we sometimes face are what actually allow us to fully experience the positive. Although some of the religious references challenged my concentration, Hesse keeps the reader occupied with his emotional descriptions of Siddhartha's thoughts and learnings as he struggles to find inner peace....Nirvana. If you're looking for a light read that will help you bring more clarity to your own "meaning of life", I would recommend this book

Rating:
Summary: The Journey
Review: A journey of a man who is completely open minded and receptive of this fantastic creation of God. He seeks to test the limits of love-hate, of body-emotional-physical, of joy-sorrow (despite of his claim that he is devoid of any feeling). He seeks knowledge and a teacher. Siddhartha (not to be confused with Gautam Buddha) takes it upon himself to experience the pleasures (Samsara) which he was denying himself for true knowledge. He submits self to each extreme to understand the virtues and vices of each.

A very grasping and enlightening piece of literature as it poses several questions in front of the reader. This book challenges and eventually affirms many Buddhist beliefs.

Herman Hesse, a man who can use words and make a simple story enlightening and a spiritual journey.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful journey through India's spirituality
Review: Siddhartha was the first book I read by Hesse. Then followed "Demian", "Steppenwolf", "Narcissus and Goldmund". All these books are masterpieces, but Siddharta is, for me, the best. Hesse is a wonderful writer and all his books are filled with profound spirituality and excellent character descriptions.
I highly reccomend all his books.

Rating:
Summary: Siddhartha
Review: Siddhartha, a Buddhist indian boy is trying to find his place in life. I really enjoyed reading this novel because of what the author is trying to say. It made me think more about what life means and not to get caught up in the greed in the world. The book is about Siddhartha trying to solve the enigma of man's role on earth. It'll make you think. It's one of the best books I've ever read. It's pretty cool to see how he goes about his life making mistakes and how he fixes them and how all that compares with your own life.
The best part of the story was in chapter nine when the woman that Siddhartha met earlier in his life, abruptly came back into his life. She had become poorer and was traveling with her son(also Siddhartha's)to see Buddha before he died. When they had stopped to rest, a little snake bit Kamala. She was carried to where Siddhartha was staying. All through the chapter, things are happening. You won't be able to put it down. The worst part came in chapter six when he goes to a rich merchant and becomes partners. The chapter is a bit boring, but you'll get through it before you know it.
Hermann Hesse goes into extreme detail in this story. Chapter nine was the most vivid part because of all the things the author put together with all the multiple details. One reason why is because when I read the part when Kamala gets bitten all the way up until she dies, it was all intricately written details. Another reason is because after dies, their son starts misbehaving and says that Siddhartha isn't his real father. He eventually runs away just like Siddhartha did when he was a young man. How the author explains all that is pretty cool. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is a really influential book. Go read it!