Rating:  Summary: Siddhartha is a must Review: 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.
Rating:  Summary: Peace of Mind Review: I have never seen a man look and smile, sit and talk like that, he thought. I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his self. I also will conquer my Self.A great journey, Siddhartha experiences all phases of life looking for peace of mind and satisfaction. No matter how difficult it seems, new starts all always available to conquer ourselves... The first book I ever read for Hermann Hesse, and one of my most favorite by far...
Rating:  Summary: Journey of enlightenment Review: Having heard good things about Siddhartha, I decided to check it out. A one day read, Siddharth is as equally short as it is profound. Although centered around one individual's spiritual journey through life, Siddhartha is much more than a trite diatribe on religion, or Buddhism for that matter. It is more of a cathartic illumination of self-discovery of the title character, Siddhartha, as he learns the lessons and meaning of life the hard way - through his own experiences. A brahmin's quixotic and inquisitive son, initially Siddhartha devoutly adheres to the ascetic lifestyle of the shramana wanderer. A journey, though profligate and debaucherous in nature, teaches Siddhartha the importance of finding, as opposed to simply seeking. For, if we are to only seek, Siddhartha says, we merely uncover what we already know to be underneath. Conversely, if we set out to genuinely find, we will, indeed, gain new knowledge. It is only through sincere finding, says Siddhartha, that we can truly obtain wisdom and understanding. Overall, a short, yet immensely provocative and recommended read.
Rating:  Summary: Great Book. A classic. Review: Herman Hesse is a great author. This is one of his best books. It's about a teenager, Siddhartha, who has everything he needs but he still doesn't feel fulfilled. So he goes on a journey to de-tach himself from everything in order to reach Nirvana (ultimate peace). However, he meets a lovely courtesan, Kamala, who teaches him the ways of love. Also, he starts gambling and becomes a reach man, unlike the man he wanted to be, a simple-living man. He goes through many things to reach Nirvana in the end. if you have not read this book, you should go pick it up now.
Rating:  Summary: Very hokey Review: This book is no doubt well written and a quick, easy read. However, I found it to be very hokey. If you are very spiritual and you like the Celestine Prophecy, then you'll probably love this book. If you are practical and down to earth, I don't recommend it. Many reviewers say that this book changed their life. I don't get it. Maybe I skipped a chapter....
Rating:  Summary: Highly recommended Review: I became a fan of Hesse after reading his Nobel prize winning "Demian." I had been eager to read "Siddhartha" since a long time. Although the story seemed to deviate slightly from the mythical tale of Gautam Buddha, it was still excellently narrated. Siddhartha's epiphany and journey towards enlightenment had me absorbed in the book till I finished it.
Rating:  Summary: A True Classic Review: This book will change your life...no matter what religion you are in..trust me!. Very emotional.
Rating:  Summary: Novel for all times Review: One of the greatest novels i've ever read. Hermann Hesse at his finest.
Rating:  Summary: Watch a special on Eastern Philosophy instead Review: The breadth with which Siddhartha covers Eastern Philosophy could be conveyed in a Discovery or PBS special. It does not even hint at its own limitations. This serves as an introduction to Eastern Philosophy, but by reading the text one might think they are an expert after finishing it.
Rating:  Summary: It's not all about India... Review: Infact it's been written by a German. It doesn't get you into eastern spirituality: it's a man's life tale. More common than it might seem. If feel like becoming a buddhist after reading this, then take a peak at R.Bach's "Johnathan Livingston" novel, or Paulo Cohelo's "The Alchemist". You'll find a common pattern. And maybe read something about Hermann Hesse, the period he lived, the theosophy and the overwhelming romantic quest for the sublime. And have a good life.
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