Sidhartha

by Hermann Hesse

Genres: Audiobook, Classics, Fiction

168 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1986

About the author

Many works, including Siddhartha (1922) and Steppenwolf (1927), of German-born Swiss writer Hermann Hesse concern the struggle of the individual to find wholeness and meaning in life; he won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1946.

Other best-known works of this poet, novelist, and painter include The Glass Bead Game , which, also known as Magister Ludi, explore a search of an individual for spirituality outside society.

In his time, Hesse was a popular and influential author in the German-speaking world; worldwide fame only came later. Young Germans desiring a different and more "natural" way of life at the time of great economic and technological progress in the country, received enthusiastically Peter Camenzind , first great novel of Hesse.

Throughout Germany, people named many schools. In 1964, people founded the Calwer Hermann-Hesse-Preis, awarded biennially, alternately to a German-language literary journal or to the translator of work of Hesse to a foreign language. The city of Karlsruhe, Germany, also associates a Hermann Hesse prize.

Reviews

[priyanka pradhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The diction is simple yet the words are constructed in such a way so as to keep the mind constantly worked up to deep thinking. When I picked the book I believed it would be the story of Budha only to find out that it wasn't. Infact this story is about the Budha that resides within all living beings. A beautiful rendition of the aspect 'God' is within all is brought out in this story. The name and the cover might be a bit misleading and that is the best part about it because what we expect is not what we get and that makes the story all the more worth it.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

tavo siela – visas pasaulis
p. 13

šis akmuo – akmuo, jis – ir žvėris, jis – ir dievas, jis – ir Buda, aš gerbiu ir myliu tą akmenį ne dėl to, kad jis kada nors galėtų tapti šiuo arba anuo, o todėl, kad jis nuo amžių ir visada yra viskuo, ir kaip tik tai, kad jis – akmuo, man ir šiandien pasirodo kaip akmuo – kaip tik dėl to jį myliu ir matau kiekvienos jo gyslos ir ertmės, jo geltonumo, pilkumo, jo kietumo, skambesio, sklindančio jį pastuksenus, jo paviršiaus sausumo arba drėgnumo vertę ir prasmę.
p. 152

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern classic so I'd be loathe to give this book less than 4 stars. Generally an intriguing story about a young man seeking wisdom about the nature of the universe and his place in it, but I found it a bit rambling at times often repetitious. Perhaps, if I read it in the original German, I wouldn't find it such a slog to read, but I can't read German, so ... I chose this edition. This book tells the story of Siddhartha, a wealthy Brahmin's son who is disillusioned with his entitled life of wealth, privilege and leisure who, unsatisfied with the results of his meditations and sacrifices, leaves his father's home on a quest to find the deeper meaning of EVERYTHING--and over the course of his long life, Siddhartha experiences many ways of being and many paths to enlightenment, from ascetic monk, to courtesan's lover, to businessman, to ferryman, to father, only to discover that he always possessed within himself the keys to the wisdom he sought.

[Robert Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When someone seeks," said Siddhartha, "then it easily happens that his eyes see only the thing that he seeks, and he is able to find nothing, to take in nothing because he always thinks only about the thing he is seeking, because he has one goal, because he is obsessed with his goal. Seeking means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal”
“Wisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else ... Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it.”

“It may be important to great thinkers to examine the world, to explain and despise it. But I think it is only important to love the world, not to despise it, not for us to hate each other, but to be able to regard the world and ourselves and all beings with love, admiration and respect”

[Adhyatmika · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the son of a prog-rock fan, I'm always intrigued by Siddhartha, as it was the inspiration for Yes’ Close To The Edge album.

This book is better savored slowly. Each step of Siddhartha’s life is changing him, and perhaps I’m changed too from who I am when started reading it. And that’s who we are as humans: we evolve, we change.

If Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist told us to find our own journey, Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha made us realize that what we’re looking for is already inside us all along.

Que sera sera.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exploring the development of Buddhism from Hinduism in India Herman Hesse looks at the struggle to find meaning through external structures amidst existing and burgeoning zeitgeists and hierarchied through the eponymously named protagonist concluding that the self and spiritual journey is fulfilled within not without.

[Jarin Vickers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good short read. A lot to learn and consider, something new to pick up with each read. The first time I read this was in highschool and I certainly didn't appreciate it and I'm still not sure I fully did this time through but I definitely hope to read it again as I continue to expand my views, particularly on eastern theology/concepts.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a classic e-book available from the library, but only on my phone.

Philosophic and VERY interesting - many good points about the basics of life, surviving with nothing or with materialistic "stuff".

Well worth a read.

[Boby Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Really thoughtful. Thank you Hesse

[sn00ze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk at this point in time maybe I'm just over teachings and ideologies. (Pun most definitely intended)

[Manuel Donayre · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I love the spiritual/earthy balance of Taoism and the self-empowering foundations of Nietzsche, this story, to me, embodies the most accessible concepts of self-awareness.

[Hamza Abbas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beautiful books for those who are on the way of finding their own self with an indian narrative

[Shafi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected twists and turns

[Priya Sambhar · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was repetitive and boring.

[Syed Roshaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. The writer explains the spirituality and concepts about it. I just loved it.

[Ronald MacLennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sidddhartha by Hermann Hesse is a profound and poetic novel that explores the journey of self-discovery, inner peace, and enlightenment. Published in 1922, this novel follows Siddhartha, a young man living in ancient India during the time of the Buddha, as he embarks on a journey to understand the essence of life and find his true self. Hesse draws on Eastern philosophy and his own fascination with spirituality to create a story that is both timeless and universally relevant.

Sidddhartha is more than just a story of one man’s quest; it’s a meditation on the human experience, the desire for understanding, and the transformative power of acceptance. Hesse’s exploration of universal truths—inner peace, love, loss, and wisdom—transcends cultural and religious boundaries, making Siddhartha a spiritual classic. This beautifully crafted novel invites readers to look within themselves, inspiring contemplation and, ultimately, a greater appreciation for life’s journey.

For anyone seeking a book that combines poetic language, philosophical depth, and a journey toward spiritual enlightenment, Siddhartha is an essential read that leaves a lasting impression on both the mind and the soul.

[Nadim Asrof · Rating 2 out of 5]

budha in disguise ,I picked it mistakenly for the sake of learning budha ,now loving this book as though I want to learn German to read original version.