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frenandjen's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pascalibrary's review against another edition
5.0
This is a kind of perfect little book. It says what it needs to say and finishes without overstaying its welcome.
When I bought this book, a guy in line in front of me saw what I was buying and asked, “Are you interested in Buddhism?” I responded noncommittally but tended towards the affirmative. He said, “The book is fantastic, and the philosophy is so good.”
This conversation made me hesitant to read the book. I worried it might be typical Western "orientalist" stuff.
This is not only a Buddhist book. It’s sympathetic to Buddhism, but ultimately, it struck me as just as Nietzschean as Buddhist. Even giving it such a label seems contrary to the book's message.
Sometimes I don’t enjoy fiction that presents itself as overtly philosophical, but in this case, it was the right choice. Hesse’s ideas wouldn't have suited any other genre. The core of the message is that there is no message, and presenting it in a traditional philosophical text would have detracted from what Hesse was trying to convey.
I would definitely recommend this book.
When I bought this book, a guy in line in front of me saw what I was buying and asked, “Are you interested in Buddhism?” I responded noncommittally but tended towards the affirmative. He said, “The book is fantastic, and the philosophy is so good.”
This conversation made me hesitant to read the book. I worried it might be typical Western "orientalist" stuff.
This is not only a Buddhist book. It’s sympathetic to Buddhism, but ultimately, it struck me as just as Nietzschean as Buddhist. Even giving it such a label seems contrary to the book's message.
Sometimes I don’t enjoy fiction that presents itself as overtly philosophical, but in this case, it was the right choice. Hesse’s ideas wouldn't have suited any other genre. The core of the message is that there is no message, and presenting it in a traditional philosophical text would have detracted from what Hesse was trying to convey.
I would definitely recommend this book.
vtranreads's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book read more quickly than I was expecting. It follows a man through his life in search of enlightenment. I first thought it was going to be a fast and naive read that would gloss over the realities and difficulties of life, going straight to an abstract philosophy of peaceful Buddhism. But as soon as I thought Siddhartha had achieved his goals, his mindset transformed in unexpected ways. There was a real development going through the Eras of his life. First as a devoted student and son; then a poor, fasting, wandering, Semana owning no property. Then a rich merchant, gambler, with luxuries and a lover. A ferryman who simply learned by listening to the river. And finally a grieving father. Through all these phases, he reached different insights on his way to peace and did not reach his own version of it until he was very old.
When he was a Semana he learned how to "think, fast, and wait" and came to know he could endure the most meager living conditions and to want for little. From there he pilgrimaged with his friend Govinda, to see the enlightened Gotama, who had been known to have reached nirvana. But he knew in his searching heart he would never be able to be taught and would only make the discoveries necessary to reach the enlightened state from his own experience. As a merchant and lover he lost himself to earthly pleasure, and when he emerged he found himself on the brink of despair. He left behind all his possessions and was near death at the riverside when he was saved by the holy Om that resonated there. The river further taught him that time did not exist. That the water spoke all it's rushes, rapids, and bubbles at once and this was the Om. He came to conclude that there was not barrier between rich/poor, divinity/sin, love/hate and that he could approve of all teachings because they were all part of the Om. The flawed relationship with his son allowed him to fully appreciate the suffering of humanity in yearning and grief as well as recognizing that which we can inflict on others. And in that way he could connect with all and thier decisions.
maggiestine's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
ledoyster's review against another edition
5.0
It took me a long time to consider reading this book for I always took it for a biography of Siddhartha Gautamma, The Buddha, written by a westerner author - something that scares the heck out of me. Happily, I was wrong! Despite the title, quite misleading, this is not a story about/starred by Siddhartha Gautamma.
It is a beautiful story of a man and his journey in life learning to handle suffering.
There are a fair amount of wisdom here.
I consider myself someone with a understanding and study of buddhism richer than that of the layman. And I can state: this book is not a 'soft' approach on spirituality.
One of the most adorable books I have ever read.
It is a beautiful story of a man and his journey in life learning to handle suffering.
There are a fair amount of wisdom here.
I consider myself someone with a understanding and study of buddhism richer than that of the layman. And I can state: this book is not a 'soft' approach on spirituality.
One of the most adorable books I have ever read.
aroldo's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jordy_reads_sometimes's review against another edition
5.0
Experience is the teacher of all things, and wisdom is surrendering yourself to the stream of events, the unity of all things.
odin45mp's review against another edition
2.0
A meditative journey on what is the meaning of life. I had trouble connecting with it. Perhaps I am too materialistic. Perhaps I am chasing too much in life. The language Hesse used was beautiful, and I enjoyed the reading of it, about a chapter a day. But I struggled to connect with Siddhartha's journey and discoveries about the nature of life.
lexie_lex's review against another edition
5.0
Solo puedo decir que este libro fue un gran viaje. Antes de empezarlo pensé que tal vez iba a estar lleno de filosofía aburrida e incomprensible, pero, en realidad, es bastante bueno y fácil de digerir. Me gustó mucho del pensamiento expresado y, sin duda, Hesse se queda como uno de los autores sobre los que debo leer más.