Siddhartha

Rating:
Summary: happiness
Review: I admit I did not like this book. I finished it unsatisfied, like I'd missed something. Usually I read books for the characters, and this book was not character driven in any kind of intimate way. The language is sparse, and it failed to draw me in with its heavily didactic tone. It really isn't so much of a novel as it is a parable designed to outline the author's basic philosophy. And it's message is a rather simple one: "Wisdom cannot be taught."

One reviewer wrote that the book is "definitely for those new to spiritual self-examination," and I'd have to agree with that statement. It is an interesting view of Buddhism, but it's very European and can't be taken too authentically as it is an outsider's view looking in on Buddhist/Indian culture.

For me, the book was almost painful in the way that Siddhartha could not deal with happiness. Any time he acheived a modicum of happiness with his life, he became unhappy because he was happy. I could not deal with his ungrateful attitude. It quite literally left me with a frustrated feeling. Since the book was meant to be a parable (or a recitation of a belief), the reader never really gets to know Siddhartha, so he ends up coming across as a self-centered [man]. He liked to listen to himself talk; he used people and was never grateful for their affection for him. He was a seeker, and he simply could not stop seeking no matter what it meant for anyone. He didn't care about people; he cared about his search.

I will admit, however, that there were bits and pieces of the book that I did appreciate. I liked Siddhartha's appreciation of the river, and I enjoyed reading the part where he and the ferryman talked about listening to the river. This is exactly the sort of thing that I was hoping to find in this book. But it was a brief passage and gave way to the cliched doctrine that filled the rest of the book.

The book seemed to be about being true to one's self above all others, that this is the path of wisdom. This message did not speak to me in any way.

Rating:
Summary: Wisdom cannot be taught, but it can be helped along
Review: As young Siddhartha realizes early on his journey for enlightenment, "Wisdom cannot be taught." Paradoxically in reading this insight within the text, along with many more, I found as a reader that I did feel more wise. Sidddhartha is not a book of adventure or excitement, but one of life and introspection. It tells the story of the journey of a man to find meaning, and it is the universal journey we all travel, although today it seems we may get too caught up within the frantic, frenetic nature of life to remember it's how we perceive the world, ourselves, and our place within time that really matters. This book helped me to slow down and just think about the "eternity of a moment" and the wisdom and insights that I may hold inside me. This is a book to read first when you are a teenager and then again every few years later. It's beautiful.

Rating:
Summary: Enlightening
Review: Siddhartha is a coming of age story of sorts. The main character Siddhartha is trying to find his way to enlightenment. He is very smart and learns all that he can from the Brahmin(priests). His father is a Brahmin and expects Siddhartha to follow in those steps as well. Siddhartha sees that he has learned all that he can from the Brahmin and sets out for more knowledge. This pattern is repeated.
This book is a great introduction to Indian Religion and Buddhism. It takes place during the years of the Buddha, and the Buddha makes an appearance in the novel as one of Siddhartha's teachers. This journey to one man's enlightenment will make you question all you think you know and appreciate most of what you take for granted. I can see why monks devote their whole lives to contemplating their existance. One would have to, to understand all of the subtle nuances of eastern religions.
This book will not brainwash anyone into Buddhism, if anything the complexities expressed in this novel will turn them off to Buddhism. There is no violence in this book, but there are some sexual themes. High School age and above should enjoy reading this novel. Parents, if you child reads this book, read it as well and discuss it with them. This book having religious themes may raise questions. Questions you should answer not a public school teacher.

Rating:
Summary: Difficult to recognize where it is abridged
Review: Hesse's _Siddhartha_ has long been perhaps my favorite novel. This audio version from Audio Partners does it full justice. It is based on Hilda Rosner's classic translation. While it is abridged, it is difficult to immediately realize what is missing. Plus, Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius) does a magnificent job with the voice characterizations.

If you dismissed this great novel as something for idealistic undergrads, then I would advise you to read it, or listen to it, again in middle age. You will be surprised how much more you might see in it....

As the book says: Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.

Amen

Rating:
Summary: Samsara and Nirvana
Review: This novel is written in the simple, spare language of a parable, similar to Steinbeck's "The Pearl." However, the book deals with weighty topics: the tension between the individual and society, and what constitutes spiritual fulfillment.

This book does not chart out a path towards enlightenment, that can be followed in simple steps. If you think that can be realized in a book, perhaps you should read something else-- maybe one of the self-help books arcing through the bestseller lists before it disappears into oblivion. Siddhartha is a seeker, and probably only seekers-- those who have not adopted wholeheartedly a certain doctrine or dogma-- will appreciate this book.

Since Siddhartha is a seeker, he makes many "mistakes," but those mistakes are necessary for his individual enlightenment. At first, he is obsessed with spiritual fulfillment, leading him to leave his comfortable Brahmin life and become an ascetic Samana. He meets Gotama the Illustrious One and is aware of the Buddha's enlightenment, but realizes that enlightenment cannot "rub off" on him from the Buddha. At that point, he realizes that he should not smother his Self, but should appreciate his Self and the struggles of external reality (Samsara).

Eventually, Siddhartha becomes disgusted with the wine, women, and song of Samsara, and considers suicide, when he begins to approach true enlightenment. Some have called this the "leap of faith," others "hitting bottom." In any case, only by hitting the depths of despair does Siddhartha attain true enlightenment.

I wholly recommend this book to those interested in spiritual themes and greater truths, but are not ideologically "stuck." Siddhartha suggests a great truth: that while Samsara might not lead to true happiness, one does not appreciate Samsara and Nirvana until one has experienced both.

All in all, this is a wonderful little book that will start the mind thinking of greater truths lying beyond our day-to-day lives. If you are perfectly satisfied with your day-to-day existence or have a certain ideological worldview that neatly explains higher truths, you will not appeciate this book on the same level.

Rating:
Summary: A great work!!
Review: I saw that more than 300 reviews have already been written on this book, but I felt that it would be one of the best ways to express my gratitude to this great work of Hermann Hesse.
the book say that wisdom is difficult to convey in words, as they always distort the essence. And this is what all great teachers from Lao-Tzu to Buddha to Osho have said all along. In fact more than 300 books convey the teachings of Osho. And each of his book is a masterpiece.
This book says some of the essence of the teachings of Buddha and Advaita. It convey them beautiful. When I read this book I feel myself very close to Siddhartha in his search of truth. This may be true that things can convey more than words, but I also think that words are important until we come to the point in our life when we are ready to see the divine in every things all around us. Please just don't read it, but try to experience the teachings in your life. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: The Search For Enlightenment
Review: For a story written in 1922, Hermann Hesse captures the feel of ancient India with an apparent ease and enthusiasm. Siddhartha is a story of a man and his search for enlightenment. As a young boy, Siddhartha decides to denounce his family's wealth and luxuries in an effort to gain wisdom. When his adventure starts he is accompanied by his friend, Govinda, and he is equipped with the knowledge of many teachers and the experience of being a Brahmin's son. Many years pass in which Siddhartha learns the values of thinking, fasting, and waiting. Only through the hardest of times Siddhartha is able to gain wisdom, only through mistakes Siddhartha is able to reach his destination.

Hermann Hesse uses great imagery and imagination in his creation of a story that has excellent symbolism and philosophic value. This historic-fiction novel displays an undeniable look at life while creating a mood that will keep the reader interested, entertained, and turning the pages. Recommended for intrinsic thinkers of any age.

Rating:
Summary: Adventures towards the Self
Review: I have not slept craving companionship or security from an inanimate object for years. The stuffed teddy bear of my childhood has long since been thrown away and I don't recall ever owning a blanky, à la Linus Van Pelt. I grew out of these sorts of things long ago. However, after unintentionally falling asleep while slowly reading Siddhartha in the dim light of my bed lamp, I woke to find myself clinging tightly to the book, as a child does a safety blanket. I admit that a paperback could hardly be considered soft or cuddly, but take my word on it, Siddhartha warms your heart all the same.

Here is a timeless story of self discovery told in a manner which is at once both simple and profound. Presented as the tale of a young boy experiencing the various trials and splendors of life while exploring eastern philosophy and learning about himself, the novel is actually a very easy read with everything presented in a straight forward fashion. Despite this, I continually found myself re-reading the same paragraphs and passages over and over again while slowing my pace to take everything in more gradually. As I did so, I wondered silently to myself what I was attempting to accomplish. Was I trying to find some hidden meaning amid the subtle words and simplistic messages? Could it be that I was merely attempting to absorb every drop of beauty and depth that I possibly could from the story and its plot? Is the answer both? Is it personal and dependant on myself (or my 'self')...?

This is one of the magical things which Siddhartha does, it makes you think. Repeatedly, the story of Siddhartha and his evolving perspective makes you ponder deeply about concepts which are, on the surface, very simple, but which all of us have made complex. Then all at once the book makes even the complexity beautiful... and for fleeting moments scatterred throughout the story everything becomes perfect, till as all things do, the moment passes and fades, so that you may read on.

Siddhartha is the first novel from this author that I have read. Hesse came to me highly recommended by many people and this book did not let me down in the slightest. On the contrary, I am rushing off to the bookstore now to search for more material that I might hope to delve a little deeper.

Rating:
Summary: Siddhartha - A Role Model for the 21st Century
Review: Steps for enlightenment:

Forsake the love of your family and abandon them in pursuit of an intangible goal.

Abandon teachers and friends and all who seek to help you.

Invest all of your money and emotion into a prostitute.

Abandon unborn child to be raised fatherless in the home and place of business of said harlot.

Disappear without warning, abandoning business obligations and personal relationships.

Go live in a shack down by the river.

When burdened with the appearance of your emotionally distraught child, employ mind games to drive child to run away from home.

If child is successfully driven off, do not give chase.

Follow these simple rules, and you will be the Buddha.

Rating:
Summary: A Journey Towards Spirituality
Review: Although written in 1922, Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" is still poignant. Siddhartha, a young man, is the son of a Brahmin (a Hindu man of the highest caste traditionally assigned to the priesthood). However, Siddhartha is not interested in pursuing this avenue for himself. He wants to contemplate Self (life). He does so by becoming an ascetic for several years then decides that he needs to experience more of life. He turns to seek out all the pleasures of life. From one extreme of life to the other Siddhartha comes to realize that a true life seeker cannot accept the teachings of others if he wishes to learn something himself. He learns that true seeking is having no goal, finding means, being free and being receptive. He realizes that wisdom is not communicable. It cannot be taught. Only knowledge can be taught. In addition, truth has two sides (yours and mine), life is an illusion (things do not make you happy) and time is not real (life continues into death).

"Siddhartha" will make you appreciate life. You will find that in order to appreciate happiness you have to experience sadness. The things that others claim make you happy will only bring you grief. Happiness is what you make of it. Accepting life is the road to peace.