Showing results by author "Anke Dreher - translator" in All Categories

Siddhartha, written by Hermann Hesse in 1920 deals with a man's lifelong search for self discovery during the time of Buddha. He grows up the son of a Brahman, and his quest for self discovery takes him through living as an asthetic until he actually meets the Buddha, but decides not to follow him, but rather discover the joys of sex and a wealth through a beautiful courtesan. He lives the life of the Playboy until one day he renounces it all to seek a more spiritual being. In the end Siddhartha does find enlightenment.

Siddhartha, the respected son of a Brahmin, is expected, by all who know him, to follow in the footsteps of his father. No matter what rituals and meditations Siddhartha undergoes, he is totally unsatisfied with self, rituals, and learning. Sidhhartha leaves his father's house and together with his close friend Govinda, he starts his journey to enlightenment. He starts his journey with the ascetics, and moves on to learn what Gotama can teach, finally discovering his path for himself.

In Siddhartha, Herman Hesse conveys a very profound message for all those who seek meaning in their lives. Though set in India, the concerns of Siddhartha are universal, expressing Hesse's general interest in the conflict between mind, body, and spirit. It is a story of a Brahmin boy who follows his heart and ventures out into the world to experience life as a pious Brahmin, a Samana, a rich merchant, a lover, and ordinary ferryman to a father - each life bringing a new awakening, bringing him closer to the truth until he is finally one with Buddha.