Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse (1996, Paperback, Reissue)

This book follows a spiritual journey of the lead character through four stages of life: a Brahmin’s son, an aesthetic in the woods, a merchant/gambler, and finally a wise ferryman. In the end, the wisdom reached by the titular character is a hybrid of Buddhist and Hindu teachings.

I absolutely loved this book in college and have been drawn back to read it several times since. My recent mature reading was the least satisfying. The end particularly troubled me. The complete selfishness of this supposed wise man truly renders him a stunted hero.

I noticed several morally problematic scenes that are not well answered in the novel. For example, the Ferryman tells Siddhartha that his 12 year old son can fend for himself in the forest and world. Even in the world Hesse has constructed here, Siddhartha’s actions are nothing short of criminal negligence. When you step back and look at the entire book, you realize the immense selfishness of Siddhartha in relation to his friend Govinda, his parents, his mistress, his fellow merchants, and even his son.

Siddhartha makes no real sacrifice in his quest for wisdom. He chooses his path and runs roughshod over the lives of those around him. When his son unexpectedly appears, the Ferryman tells him to let his son go (which he does) because his son will not be happy raised by two old men by the river. Never for a moment does Siddhartha consider giving up his Ferryman existence and moving back into the town to raise his son. He doesn’t even really care about his son FOR his son. He spends most of the time worrying about his own bruised heart caused by the son’s rejection of his “love.”

When I was young, I completely identified with the lead character on his spiritual quest. You pursue your goals with determination and ignore the consequences. Now I see how empty a life Siddhartha created for himself. Who would find a life without friends and family rewarding? Not many.

The book was a great choice. My son is supposed to read the book for summer reading to prepare for next school year, but I beat him to it. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it. It helps to realize that all people are different and that you take the good with the bad and mix them all up in this crazy thing we call "life".

Siddhartha is a powerful book. It is focused on one individual's spiritual journey through life. It is a book about illumination of self-discovery, learning the lessons and meaning of life through our individual experiences. It is a journey that teaches us the importance of finding, as contrary to simply seeking. After reading this book we can truly obtain wisdom and understanding of life.

It's a very classic book, it's not too long of a read, which means you don't have an excuse not to read it. I got this for my introduction to religious studies, and I don't think I will be selling it back. It's one of those books you are going to want to keep along with all the other classic readings.

There are good books, and there are important books. Siddhartha is both - an enjoyable read that will help you understand yourself and those around you. This tale about the Buddhist path to enlightenment follows a young man through poverty to riches, from carnality to true love.

A must read for those interested in Buddhism.