Siddhartha Research Paper

Siddhartha Essay

Siddhartha is an award winning novel that is extremely well recognized throughout the literature community. It was written by Nobel Prize winner, Hermann Hesse, who was greatly influenced by eastern philosophy. During his formative years he was immersed in eastern culture, primarily Buddhism. This influence ultimately led Hesse to create the inspiring novel, Siddhartha. This novel was a milestone in sharing eastern philosophies with the western world. Throughout the novel Hermann Hesse illustrates the Buddhist outlook on life; highlighting key Buddhist principles. He accomplishes this through the story of Siddhartha and his journey to enlightenment, the ultimate goal in eastern philosophy. Throughout Siddhartha’s journey
While at times Siddhartha may feel that his lifestyle gives him happiness it does not. He receives a false sense of pleasure from temporary gains masking his meaningless life. Siddhartha’s finally comes to the realization of what his existence has become, “He was overwhelmed by a great feeling of sadness. It seemed to him that he had spent his life in a worthless senseless manner; he retained nothing vital, nothing in a way of previous or worthwhile” (Hesse 66). Through Siddhartha’s realization Hesse is able to clearly convey the Buddhist teaching; happiness is only obtainable without cravings. Once Siddhartha was able to break the cycle and see the source of his unhappiness he was able to change it and return to his path of enlightenment and quest for
Siddhartha tries to alleviate his grieving but unfortunately is unsuccessful. Siddhartha’s immense love for his son is consistently rejected. His son’s feelings of disconnect, anger and rebellion are especially clear when his son abandons his father’s care. The night before he ran away, he made this statement,” You want me to become like you, so pious, so gentle, so wise, but just to spite you, I would rather become a thief and a murder and go to hell, than be like you. I hate you; you are not my father” (Hesse 100). Following his son’s desertion Siddhartha immediately wanted to retrieve him; not out of anger but out of concern for his son’s safety. He was advised by his companion and mentor, Vasudeva, not to chase after the boy but accept what has happened and let it be. This message is the exact Buddhist principle Hesse is attempting to convey here. Buddhism teaches that one must accept life for what it is, not fight it and that everything happens for a reason. Acceptance did not come easy for Siddhartha,” He felt something die in his heart; he saw no more happiness, no goal. He sat there depressed and waited” (Hesse 103). Siddhartha overcame by emotions was unable to move forward and think like enlightened individual he was becoming. With the aid of Vasudeva he was able to move past his emotions that initially inhibited his progression. In time he realized just as he left his