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Siddhartha

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
By: (1877-1962)

Once regarded as a cult book in the 1960s by the Flower Power generation, Siddhartha by Herman Hesse remains even today a simple and fresh tale of a man's spiritual quest. Penned by a deeply spiritual German author, Siddhartha explores multiple themes of enlightenment, thinking beyond set rules, love and humanity.

Siddhartha is a young contemporary of the spiritual master Gautam Buddha who lived in India at some time during the 4th century BC. The story has striking parallels to Buddha's own life story in which he abandons his wealth and status as the young prince of Kapilavastu, his wife and young son and his family to embark on a voyage of self discovery. Siddhartha in the book is the son of a respected Brahmin priest and leaves the comfort and security of his home to seek the meaning of life. His close friend, Govinda, joins him and the two wander as mendicants seeking alms and spiritual guidance. They meet Gautam Buddha and are drawn to his teachings, but whereas Govinda decides to dedicate his life to the spiritual order set up by Buddha, Siddhartha continues his sojourn as he feels he must arrive at enlightenment in his own way.

He meets many people from whom he learns valuable lessons about life and death. A ferryman, Vasudeva, teaches him about the river and the flow of life. Kamala a beautiful courtesan teaches him about physical love and how it forms an important foundation of spirituality. Kamaswami, a shrewd businessman shares the secrets of materialism. Siddhartha absorbs important teachings from all these people. The final chapters of this slim volume trace his metaphysical transformation.

Hermann Hesse published the novel Siddhartha in 1922. He was the son of a strict and uncompromising Lutheran missionary whose belief that humans are born evil and into sin was rejected by the young Hermann. Having been exposed very early in life to the religions of Asia, Hermann was deeply conflicted. He initially trained to join the church, but was expelled for his rebellious and disruptive behavior. He was schooled at home by tutors, joined various schools which he soon left and was prone to severe depression. He continued his studies on his own and got a job as a bookstore clerk in his hometown of Calw.

Siddhartha is a book that adds dimension and depth to today's modern world which is steeped in materialism and consumerism.


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Reviews (Rated: 5 Stars - 20 reviews)

Reviewer: - February 7, 2021
Subject: A spark in the darkness
I drank the words of this book and am surprised of the multitude of meanings of it. Bravo for the reader! Graditude.
Reviewer: - July 29, 2019
Subject: Favorite book
After listening to this book for the first time, I had to listen several times over again, to the point that I memorized the titles of the chapters serially. The reader is brilliant! I would have written my B. A thesis on it had I not gotten pushed toward another book. This book is, in a word; short and sweet.
Reviewer: - July 31, 2017
Subject: A Treasure
Absolutely one of the treasures of the 20th century that was an inspiration for Baby Boomers in the 60s and is as beautiful and relevant today --more than ever. A wonderful tale read delightfulfully that will take you through a meaningful life journey. Enjoyed listening tremendously and dreaming along with the author.
Reviewer: - July 6, 2016
Subject: Absolutely love this book
Hesse is truly one of the greats, wonderful ideas and such a beautiful concept of people, check out his other books too, he really was a genius!
Reviewer: - June 22, 2016
Subject: Great book, Great reader
Thanks to the translators and the reader, I got a listened to a lovely story while going round on walks.
Reviewer: - November 24, 2015
Subject: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Great book for everyone.
Reviewer: - October 10, 2015
Subject: Fiction
Good
Reviewer: - August 31, 2015
Subject: Siddhartha, Hesse
That is not the story of Siddhartha Gautama the Buddha. It leads to the idea, that all religions are one, and it doesn't accept dogmas. A unique idea! One of the best books I ever read.
Reviewer: - August 21, 2015
Subject: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
That is not the story of Buddha, but a story about all religions and against dogmas.
Reviewer: - May 19, 2015
Subject: life not of budda,but the life of everyone.
Wonderful, life not of budda,but the life of everyone on the journey from birth to death,loves and losses,highs and lows,wealth and poverty,a wonderful lesson to listen too.
Reviewer: - May 7, 2015
a very enlightening story...
Reviewer: - March 8, 2015
the best spiritual story of buddha i ever heared, very recomend to every one!
Reviewer: - May 23, 2014
Subject: Worth listening
Thank you for the wise and beautiful story and very good reading.
Reviewer: - February 22, 2014
Subject: Hermann Hesse
I really like his works.
Reviewer: - January 30, 2014
For anyone who thinks that this the story of Buddha, IT ISN'T. It is truly a beautiful story, but I can only give it 1 star for a few extremely important reasons. First of all, the title and the image on the cover are misleading - this is not the story of Siddhartha Gautama the Buddha. It may be acceptable if the teachings are somehow aligned to Buddha's, but they are not. They may sound similar to what Buddha has taught but in reality they are but beautifully twisted truth that are extremely misleading and can only lead one further away from the truth that Buddha has taught. I do NOT recommend this book to anyone seeking to gain spirituality!!!
Reviewer: - December 28, 2013
Subject: Beautiful
The reader truly gave this book new life. A must-listen!
Reviewer: - September 17, 2013
Subject: Great
Fantastic book. Excellent reading.
Reviewer: - July 16, 2013
Great book with a great reader. Very enlightening.
Reviewer: - January 16, 2013
Subject: Just delightful
Wonderful book hours and hours of learning and delight while doing otherwise boring chores.
Reviewer: - January 12, 2013
Thanks a lot....., amazing story and very good reading!!! Highly recommendable!!!!


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