Siddhartha

The beautiful thing about this book is how it encompasses a life so fully. When one reads this book, one cannot help but to see oneself in each and every stage of Siddharthas life. To read this book is to experience unity each step of the way with the love, curiously, joys, and sufferings of the character. Whenever you put this book down, one cannot help but smile at the world around them, more awake than when picking it up.

Siddhartha is a classic. It is for the thoughtful not for the light reader. I first read this in high school in the 70s and have read it several times since. I will not talk about the plot or characters. Both are well developed. It is the message of the book that matters and why this book has persisted for so many years. It isnt a long book. You can probably finish it in an evening.

I love historical novels, and this book is filled with details of life in India. It gives the reader an insight into a very rich culture. I must also say that I found myself pulling for the hero to find redemption with his life and the poor choices made. The book is long which is a big plus for me as I hate getting a book and becoming interested in it only to end it after 300 pages. I like the way the author takes you with him on his trip which is a real adventure not just an overnight stay

Ive read Hermann Hesses Siddhartha every year in the month of my birth since 1978. Most of those years I read the 1951 New Directions edition. In recent years there have been a dozen other translations of this work, some good and some not as good. This particular translation doesnt tell us who the publisher is, who translated it, or anything else about the publications - take a hint. The problem with this translation is not necessary the translation, it read smoothly enough, however, there are somewhere around a dozen errors in tense, typos, wrong word (through vs. thorough) etc. throughout the text that are more than obvious. I would suggest that if this publisher does a second edition they might want to consider proofreading the text. I do recommend Hesses Siddhartha HIGHLY. I would, however, suggest picking another publisher.

I read this book last week on my Kindle app. Interesting book. Makes you think a lot about the meaning and purpose of life. Not quite sure what to believe and what not to believe. I guess one thing I took from this book was that my life journey will be by own. I will have to make my own mistakes to learn from them. Not sure if this is what book referred to. Recommend folks to read for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

Im probably the last person of my generation to read Siddhartha. Although published in 1922, it was very popular with my hippie friends in the 60s and 70s. I guess I was too busy working to notice. But then at 60 I was doing some psychological upgrades, and my therapist/teacher suggested this book. To help with existential angst and all that. This version had some translation errors, but I got it free from public domain so cant complain, and anyway they didnt interfere with my understanding it. After I finished it I bought the hardcover version, because I made so many notes and highlights in the Kindle one, I wanted the physical book so I could transfer them to it, to keep forever. I couldnt wait to read it each evening. Its an interesting story, but the insights are the meat and potatoes. A great introduction to Buddhism, which has sparked my interest and curiosity for more.

A good book is when the absorber of the read sees reflection of him/herself as in the mirror as it helps to understand one’s soul better, while helping it to grow. I have experienced moments like this while reading Siddhartha. Some of the thoughts expressed here are not the thoughts from the book but rather the thoughts invoked in me by it. First, is the deep philosophical and pragmatic importance of the idea that abilities to “fast, wait and think” are crucial for our inner peace, harmony and ability of one’s soul to find it’s true calling. I am putting abilities of “fasting, waiting and thinking“ in brackets as they have both literal and much deeper and broader meaning to me. It is the idea of inner calmness and equanimity. The ability to take life as it is and to laugh at seeming misfortunes. To play with business affairs without taking them too seriously or without allowing them to rule over you. To be always able to go into a secrete place and a refuge inside oneself, where there is calmness and peace and that anyone of us has capacity to have this place inside ourselves. The peace might allow to learn the art of listening to someone to deeply understand. Listening to understand a completely unknown person, to somebody we know, and very importantly to listen to oneself. The voice of the soul is very timid and one needs to be very attentive in order to hear it’s whisper. The wheel of manifestation can turn fairly quickly but one first needs to hear whisper of the soul which expresses itself with feelings and delicate tender gentle hints. This is the art of paying close attention with quiet heart, with patience and with an open soul devote of passions, wishes, judgement and opinions. My own understanding of the integration of deep insight and wisdom is first to hear, second to understand, then to remember, next to integrate, thereafter to act out and finally to make it part of yourself. Part of it is a potent idea that wisdom can not be passed on. Knowledge can be transferred but not wisdom. Wisdom can not be expressed by words. It should be found and lived. However those who are searching it, may never find it, as their view might be limited by subject of their search. Finding instead of searching is also an art of flowing through the river of live by directing yourself toward the direction of your will however not struggling against the current but rather accepting the ride as it goes and enjoying it. Also accepting that nobody is fully holy or sinful. Neither are many of the actions of the people. Such is the nature of life and what matters is harmony, which is achieved through balance and love. My thoughts might be quit different from what the author of Siddhartha Herman Hess was attempting to deliver. Oh well, the book is like a painting which is never truly finished until it is complete by the observer in his/her soul and mind.

I read Siddartha about 40 years ago along with all of the other books written by Hesse, a number by Kafka, and other existentialist authors. Im so glad I took.the time to read it again. Reading it now, in my sixties, my perspective is findamentally different than it was in my twenties. With Siddartha, Hesse wrote something simultaneously similar to and different from his typical fare. He delved into Eastern Mysticism and my very limited knowledge of Buddhism tells me that he got it right. Siddartha is the story of a young Hindu, a Brahma ftom a high caste family who gives up everything in his search for truth and self. Throughout the book, he uses his knowledge and skills to prosper in whatever venture he might try... be it religion, business, or love. None however fill the void, or answer his question, what is it all about? Finally, it the river that calls to him and brings him the answers he has always sought. Siddartha is a book that can be enjoyed by everyone including those seeking answers themselves.

I read this story as a young man as I began looking for meaning and purpose in my life. I had times when I smoked or drank too much or maybe chased women around but it made me feel less than fulfilled. At that time I became interested in Eastern Wisdom and Philosophy. Reading books like the Art of War and I Ching. I stumbled upon this thinking it was the actual biography of Buddha and it is not, it is Hesses take on that, but this actually was perfect for my needs. Hesse is the intrepid Western explorer who like many of us seeks soul and purpose and found it in the East. This book is one of many he wrote where he pursues that fascination. As alway the writing is great. Buddha is primarily a literary device, though there are parallels with the events of Buddha reaching Nirvana as detailed in Buddhism. I will always remember Siddhartha standing in protest as his father tried to indulge him into a life of riches but he wanted more.

I first read Siddhartha when I had just gotten out of the military and was disillusioned by the experience of war. As I started reading the book, I felt too apart from the characters since I was living in Miami, Fl in the 1960s. The the book took me in. I loved following the path he took to a more fullfilled life. Now, fifty years later, I bought the eBook and realized after re-reading it, that the story really did change my life back then. I am an avid reader but cannot remember a book that made me feel like I was in the story as much as Siddhartha. Its on my iPhone, and when anyone asks what Im reading, I hand them the phone and let them read a couple of pages. They always say What is this book? or they smile and say quietly, Ive read this. This book should be a must read for school kids.