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This book helps you think and ponder on stuffs you should do.It has some simple rules of life to make it better and worth.
Nonetheless, I do believe that it is important to have different experiences in life (just as the Buddha himself did) instead of starting out as a monk or an ascetic right from a young age and avoiding everything else - which Govinda, Siddhartha's friend made the mistake of doing, because he sought answers from everyone else but himself and followed blindly instead of going his own way. I found this book to be quite profound and interesting, even though I do not agree with its message in its entirety. While the book suggests different paths to enlightenment, such as the one experienced by Siddhartha (by observing nature and reflecting upon it), I feel that the Buddha's message may have carried more weight as it considers even physical aspects of nature to be an illusion, a veil covering the true essence of reality; although I am not a Buddhist, am not enlightened and can neither confirm nor disprove either of the approaches laid out in the book. I suppose some might say that that's a little like not wanting to learn from others' experiences but we need to experience certain things for ourselves even if we have been warned. What does not kill us, makes us stronger and wiser.I also found this book to have parallels with Jiddu Krishnamurti's "Freedom From The Known".
That is precisely what I criticize about heavy books such as the Bible, the Koran. When the gates of Hell opened wide and my soul entered the forest of uttermost darkness Siddhartha fell into my lap. Although these Holy books are beautiful in their own right they leave way too much to interpretation. The journey Hermann Hesse carries you through is one that is profoundly deep, meaningful, captivating. The simplicity of his words reflect God's authority and grace. Siddhartha is simple, clear, powerful. A great guide to better understand the complexities of Truth.
SiddharthaThis book was recommended reading by an Indian friend, he said it changed his life. I am just beginning the book and will report later if I feel it will change mine.
The book is fine literature that is highly readable. If you are a spiritual seeker, this book will open new doors of understanding to you. It certainly did that for me nearly thirty years ago.Siddhartha is an everyman who ultimately finds a way to align his spirit with the "realities" of life as we perceive it. It reads like a fantasy as it delves into the mystical realm which we all can experience.Being the author of a spiritually-themed book entitled "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude," I appreciate any book that attempts to reveal the truth of our nature. Siddhartha will certainly do that for you if you possess an open mind.Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude"
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