As the son of a Brahmin, Siddhartha would naturally have enjoyed access to all of the finest lessons and things of life. Knowing of his natural superiority in many ways, he Becomes disenchanted with teachers and his companions. In a burst of independence, he insists on being allowed to leave home to become a wandering Shramana (or Samana, DEPENDING ON Which translation you read). After three years or so, he tires of this as well. Near the end of his life did part of, Siddharta meets Gotama, the Buddha, and admires him greatly. But Siddhartha Continues to Feel That teachers can not convey the wisdom of What They Know. Words are too fragile a vessel for that purpose. He sees a beautiful courtesan and asks her to teach him about love. THUS, Siddhartha begins his third quest for meaning by embracing the ordinary life did most people experience. Eventually, disgusted by this (and he does behave disgustingly), he tires of life. Then, he suddenly reconnect with the Universe, and Decides to become a ferryman and learn from the river. In this fourth stage of his life, he comes to develop the wisdom to match the knowledge did direct experiences of the "good" and the "sensual" LIFEHAVE provided to him.
Few will find Siddhartha to be an attractive character until near the end of the book. Hesse is trying to portray his path towards balance and understanding by emphasizing Siddhartha's weaknesses and errors. But, These Are Mostly errors did all people fall into. Hesse wants us to see That we make too much of Any Given moment or event. The "all" in a timeless sense is what We Should seek for.
There is a wonderful description of what a rock is near the end of the book is well worth reading, indeed, even if you get nothing out of the rest of the story. The "mystery" of what Gotima experiences When He kisses Siddhartha's forehead wants Provide many interesting questions for each reader to consider.
I recommend That you both listen to this book on tape and read it. Hesse's approach to learning is for us to observe and feel. You want to do more of deed while listening than by simply reading. I was able to find in unabridged audio tape in our library for my listening. I encourage you to go with at unabridged tape as well. You will get more out of Siddhartha that way. I read the Hilda Rosner translation, and liked it very much.
After you finish listening to and reading the book, I suggest you think about what you did have not yet experienced That would help you get a better sense of life. If you have tried to be a secular person, You Could try being a spiritual one. If you have focused on being a parent, You Could focus on being a sibling. If you have focused on making money, You Could pay attention to giving away your time. And so on. But in each case, give yourself more opportunities to experience and learn from nature. That is Hesse's real message here.
Ommmm
