Siddhartha By Hermann Hesse

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Siddhartha, a story of the first Buddha, told by Hermann Hesse and still considered one of his most famous works to date. To write this book, apparently, Hesse, born in 1877, immersed himself in both Hindu and Buddhist scriptures. Mystified by Eastern religion and spirituality Hermann was keen to explore the life of Siddhartha and to do so found himself walking the path of the enlightened one.

Hesse paints a vivid picture of the life of Siddhartha Gautama. Having listened to the audio version, I was captivated by the authenticity of the story. Hesse does a brilliant job that takes the reader back into the history of time. I fell so much in love with the story and wisdom shared that I had to listen to it twice over.

The life of Siddhartha is a journey of self-discovery. Split by the dualities of this existence, pleasure and pain, it can often be challenging to create understanding and find meaning. Siddhartha found the middle path, a life without attachment to either pleasure or pain but rather deep spiritual state characterised by peace and harmony.

The path of Siddhartha is unique. We may not all find ourselves venturing so profoundly in search of answers down one road and then the next. However, I am convinced that we are all on a journey in search of deeper meaning. Taking a spiritual journey in life gives us meaning.

To avoid confusing spirituality with a religious belief perhaps it serves a purpose to share a definition of spirituality. In an interview with Josh Korda he said to me that spirituality is about connecting with the intangible facets of life as they give our existence meaning. I believe on his journey, Siddhartha, grew deeply aware of these intangible facets.

Siddhartha was bought up in a very wealthy family. He found love, had a child, celebrated in the spoils of riches getting drunk and enjoying many such luxuries. Unable to find the answers there he then changed course. Vowing not to eat, fasting for periods of time almost to the brink of starvation. He experienced the highs of life and the very lows. He asked questions of leaders, spiritual teachers. He asked questions to trees, rocks and water.

He found calmness in silence. He found answers in meditation. He saw the truth behind reality. I felt deeply connected and touched by the journey of Siddhartha. Finally, after absorbing the learnings of many great teachers and experiencing some of life’s most significant lessons, Siddhartha vowed to meditate under a Bodhi tree until the answers came to him. Siddhartha pondered for many hours before finding enlightenment. Siddhartha became the first Buddha – the one who is awake. He knew now the universal questions about life and suffering and went on to teach others.

Siddhartha is an outstanding read, one that highlights some of the most fundamental teachings of Buddha in bright and beautiful ways. Regardless of your circumstances in life or the current path you walk we all in some way seek out enlightenment. The timeless lessons shared by Buddha and in this incredible story can be taken onboard to assist us on the path forward. And ultimately, in greater awareness free us from our self-induced suffering allowing us to wake up to become our version of Buddha.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Siddhartha here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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