Siddhartha

Discussion in 'Metaphysics, Philosophy and Religion Books' started by pagansrule!, Nov 2, 2005.

  1. Huguito '82

    Huguito '82 Member

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    In my opinion the most important thing to be learned from the book is that the only way to enlightenment is to follow your own path, and this path will be different for every person. (fictional) Siddharta meets the true Buddha but doesnt stay with him and his followers because he feels that he won't find the truth simply by following someone else's rules and teachings. What I've learned then is that you can be inspired by things you read, see and hear but you have to be critical and always look inside yourself for the real truth and although you may find a lot of truth in Buddhism, Christianity or whatever, that doesnt have to mean that every aspect of it is (your) truth.
    I think this might be the real reason that the books main character is named after the true Buddha. The real Buddha is the first person in history to have ever reached true enlightenment and then 'fictional Siddharta' does as well at the end of the book. They both followed their own path instead of blindly following someone else's truth.
    Of course all other things said in this thread are true as well, which kinda underlines my point that everyone has his own truth, which counts for truths about this book as well.
    I started reading Hermann Hesses books about half a year ago and have read 8 so far, I'm so inspired by 'em. My favorite one's so far are 'Narziss und Goldmund' and 'Demian' so far, but i have still to read Steppenwolf and Glasperlenspiel (glass bead game?).
     
  2. George

    George Hip Forums Supporter HipForums Supporter

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    Right on Huguito, I couldn't agree more. My question now is why do we ever argue or ever have a negative feelings toward anything, knowing the truth like you said "everyone's on their own path." I live my day with "every moment is a lesson" in mind. For me that thought turns even the boring daily events into something to really listen to.
    Cheers Mate
     
  3. Huguito '82

    Huguito '82 Member

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    I think everyone SHOULD follow their own path and listen to their inner spirit, but a lot of people are not actually on this path, or realizing their true selfs. And that's the reason a lot of people don't really feel like they're having a fullfilling life. Then they try to make these feelings of unfullfillment more bearable by focusing on materialistic things, or drinking or taking other drugs, or whatever it is that they can mute the voice of their inner self with, neglecting their spiritualistic needs.
    Why do we argue? Well, one reason is that most people don't accept other 'paths' than their own, or somehow feel offended by people with another lifestyle I guess, and don't realize that their truth might not work for everyone. But I think all negative feelings and arguments are actually reflections of one's own shortcomings, and a truly enlightened person actually doesnt have any! But this is a state that is very hard to reach, who doesnt ever argue or have negative feelings. And I guess the only way is to completely open yourself and be aware of the world and the truth as it is, which is of course easier said than done. Meditation is a way I guess. I like your 'every moment is a lesson' statement, trying to learn from every moment is actually a form of meditation I guess, because you're really living in an aware way if you keep this in mind.
    I'm just doing some random reasoning right now, so please feel free to disagree or make comments. I myself have a long way to go, I'm not free of materialism, negative feelings, or alcohol or drugs for that matter. But I'm trying to walk the path one step at a time. I recently quit smoking weed which I used to do a lot, but I feel this was clouding my mind too much, though it might not for other people. And I have very recently started to develop an interest in meditation.
     
  4. inbloom

    inbloom as the crow flies...

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    Sorry to drudge up an old topic, but I'm in the middle of reading this, right now.
    Have to say, it's such an inspiring and well written book. I went through a major
    trip when he meets Buddha, and rejects his teachings to find his own way. Like,
    wow.

    I've been finding myself looking at the world in new ways, while reading this.
    It fills me with a sense of enlightenment, in a way. Really diggin' it.
     
  5. teh-horace

    teh-horace for your pleasure

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    same thing happened to me :)
    after i read this book it seemed like the world was this whole new place or something
    thinking sort of became easier...
    but...apparently i've developed a tolerance! :p
     
  6. TrippinBTM

    TrippinBTM Ramblin' Man

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    the Siddhartha in the book is not the Buddha, the Buddha is Gotama. Siddhartha is just a guy raised to be a priest (the Buddha was raised to be a prince/king) who found that all the normal ways of attaining enlightenment were not working (either as a priest, or a wandering ascetic). He even rejects the Buddha's way, much to his friend's dismay. He follows his own path and eventually comes to find what he wanted serving as a ferry-man on a river, after a tumultuous and meandering life, full of ups and downs. It's a beautiful book.
     
  7. IllusoryFreedom

    IllusoryFreedom Member

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    Siddhartha is one of my all-time favorite books. I read it for the first time last October. :)
     
  8. inbloom

    inbloom as the crow flies...

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    Couldn't have said it better, myself. That perfectly describes the book. :) [​IMG]
     

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