Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper
Hero’s Journey: Siddhartha
Herman Hesse’s book, Siddhartha lends itself perfectly to a hero’s journey. His journey is long, painful, and dangerous, but Siddhartha comes out better because of it. The book was written by Hesse in 1922 and based on a character set in the 500 BCs. It is odd that the book applies to modern India just as it applied to the India of 2 millennium ago (when Siddhartha supposedly lived). This, coupled with a captivating story line makes this a fun book to read, as well as an interesting point of view into early Indian culture. Siddhartha searches for “why” we are on the Earth, and finally finds his answer after many long years.
The book begins with Siddhartha as a young boy living with his Brahmin parents in a moderately wealthy city in India. His father is a rich and powerful Brahmin priest, and Siddhartha is expected to follow in his footsteps as a Brahmin. He learns the ways of his people quickly, and at a tender age, his is participating in conversations with his elders.
This is the time when Siddhartha starts to here things preached to him. He may have already decided that he must find his own way of doing things instead of falling under the spell of his teachers and elders. He has a thirst for knowledge– the author puts it well by saying that he is a “vessel that in not full”. He discovers that the elders and teachers have only placed a drop in the bucket for his quest of knowledge, but it is all they know. He is not happy with his lifestyle because he knows he must strike out into the world and discover for himself the ways of the world.
Still young, Siddhartha tells his father that he wishes to join the wandering squad of possession-less Samanas. His father disagrees, but does not get violent. They have a standing disagreement, and Siddhartha stands by the window in protest all night long. In the morning, his father tells Siddhartha that he may join the Samanas if he wishes. His father tells him that if “you find bliss in the forest, you should come back and teach me. If you finds disillusionment, come back, and we shall again offer sacrifices to the gods together”. Siddhartha is called into the world to discover what knowledge there is out there for him, and to answer the question that nags at him– what is the Self?
He and his friend Govinda descend into the life of the Samanas. They accept them, and after Siddhartha and Govinda get rid of all their possessions, they begin to live like the Samanas. The goal of a Samana is become empty, to shut out joys of life, and just wallow in the sorrow and pain that remains. He lives like this for years on end, and little does he know, but Siddhartha is still running from his Self.
Throughout his life, he is assisted by many people in his journey to the Abyss and back. Govinda is his friend and follower who he sees many times intermittently through the book. His father finally agrees the let Siddhartha try his new belief system with hopes that his own life may benefit from the journey of his son. The Buddha, who Siddhartha meets later in the book, tries in vain to introduce a belief system into Siddhartha, and succeeds in convincing Govinda, but cannot convince Siddhartha at first. Kamala, another character in the latter stages of the book teaches Siddhartha a great many things, including the fact that even after his years as a Samana, he can love. Vasudeva is the ferryman who does little but listen to Siddhartha and provide him with food, shelter, and insight into his life through the river. Kamaswami is the rich trader who gets Siddhartha a job and teaches him of the stresses and joys that can be enjoyed by the rich. All of these people create the story and life of Siddhartha.
As a Samana, Siddhartha and Govinda go to see the Great Buddha. Siddhartha is forced to think for himself when Govinda agrees to join the Buddha’s ranks of monks. At this point in the book, Siddhartha is forced to decided between his great friend and what he believes is right. He could join his friend, and look to become convinced by the Buddha, or he can continue searching for his own answers to the questions about the Self.
After deciding to abandon his friend and the monk’s way of life, Siddhartha continues down the dusty road of life. He comes across a ferryman named Vasuedeva who shows him the river and the secrets that it hold within. Siddhartha is still too nieve to realize the potential, but he continues down the road. When he reaches the town, he sees Kamala. Kamala is the beautiful woman who has a grove in the town that Siddhartha will call home for many years. Siddhartha gives up a lot to be with Kamala, and learn her ways of love. After a brief talk, he knows that he must get money to please Kamala and to learn what she has to teach. To earn this money, he gets a job with a rich merchant named Kamaswami. Kamaswami teaches him many things, including how to do business, but more importantly that most people are extremely concerned with time and money. Siddhartha realizes this, but attempts not to follow it every single time he has the chance.
Siddhartha and Kamala learn from each other. Siddhartha presents her with gifts, but she gives him knowledge. To continue to please her, Siddhartha must continue to work. The stresses start to get to him, and soon he starts to do nothing but earn money just to gamble it away. He becomes lost in the ways of the Samana, and looses the three possessions that he did have as a Samana- the ability to wait, the ability to fast, and the ability to think. He has entered the Abyss of his life. He drinks wine and indulges in “wretched money”. His life becomes worthless, and he soon realizes that he is still running from the Self rather than conquering it.
In a dream, a songbird symbolized all that was good in him. In his dream, it sang every morning, but then one morning, it sung no longer. When he looked into the cage, it was dead. The bird was dead, just as all that was good in had died during his time living the life of a rich person. Like a fog, weariness had set over him slowly and discreetly. Now he knew it was time to return to the old ways.
He left early in the morning without anything. When he had left his father, he had had his youth, and a yearn to learn. Now he had no youth, but his vessel of knowledge was still not full. He took nothing with him, no money, no extra clothes, no food, and no plan. He just knew that he had to shed the rich way and return to the middle way. He realized that was getting no closer to his vision of conquering the Self.
He once again struck out for the road. When he came to a shady area, he sat down and began thinking about how lousy his life was. He had no friends, no money, he had nothing. He had lost his three possessions (thinking, fasting and waiting) and he knew he couldn’t go back to the ways of the rich. He contemplated suicide, but then somewhere deep in his mind, the word “Om” came out. He said the word over and over, and then fell into a deep sleep. When he awoke, he felt like a new man, and next to him was his friend Govinda. Govinda was still a monk, still followed the Buddha, but he was resting when he saw Siddhartha. They chatted a while before parting ways again.
Siddhartha continued down the road until he met Vasudeva by the ferry again. His life had changed a lot since he had last seen Vasudeva. He had now been rich, and then willingly went back into poverty. He had no possessions, just as he did last time he saw Vasudeva. This time, he decided to settle with Vasudeva and live in the middle life.
By the end of the book, Siddhartha had reached the state he wanted– the conquer of the Self. He had a son, and just as Siddhartha had left his father in search of knowledge, so did his son. Siddhartha changed a lot throughout the book, but eventually came back to the same place as when he started, only with much more knowledge under his belt.
Другие работы по теме:
Buddhism Essay Research Paper BuddhismBuddhism is the
Buddhism Essay, Research Paper Buddhism Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world after Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Although it originated in India, it has been adopted in countries like Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Buddhism was founded in India by prince Siddhartha Gautam, who was born about 550 B.C in Northern India.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper Published in 1922
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper Published in 1922, Siddhartha is the most famous and influential novel by Nobel prize-winning German author Hermann Hesse. Though set in India, the concerns of Siddhartha are universal, expressing Hesse’s general interest in the conflict between mind, body, and spirit.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper had one single
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper had one single goal–to become empty, to become empty of thirst, desire, dreams, pleasure and sorrow–to let the Self die. No longer to be Self, to experience the peace of an emptied heart, to experience pure thought… (Page 11, chapter 2)
Napolean Essay Research Paper The qualities of
Napolean Essay, Research Paper The qualities of a Romantic hero are clearly displayed through the ambitions and actions of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s triumphs and ideas for France’s future truly made him a Romantic hero.
Siddartha
’s Maturation As Marked By Key Experiences Essay, Research Paper Siddhartha?s Maturation as Marked by Key Experiences Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse is the story of a young Indian noble who ventures off in the world to find an understanding of the meaning of life. His journey begins as a young Brahmin who yearned to unwind the complexities of his existence.
Siddhartha Overcoming Misfortunes Of The Past Essay
, Research Paper Siddhartha: Overcoming Misfortunes of the Past On page 132 we read “Everything that was not suffered to the end and finally concluded, recurred, and the same sorrows were undergone.” What does
The Hero
’s Journey Essay, Research Paper There are eight steps a person must take to become a hero, most noticably an epic hero, in Greek Mythology. These eight steps are the call, the threshold, the challenges, the abyss, the transformation, the revelation, the atonement, and the return.
Antigone The Hero Essay Research Paper Antigone
Antigone The Hero Essay, Research Paper Antigone the Hero Antingone is the heroine of western drama, and the play bears her name rather than Creon?s. I believe this statement to be true. Not only because Antigone is the Heroine, but because the story also revolves around her. If not for the conflict of disobeying her uncle, the story wouldn’t have a pourpose.
The Hero Essay Research Paper The hero
The Hero Essay, Research Paper The hero is something more than out conscious ideal. He is also our sometimes conscious, sometimes unconscious dream. He represents not only what we value in the external world, the world beyonf ourselves, but what we value in ourselves, in that inner world of our minds or psyches.
Heroes Essay Research Paper Many of our
Heroes Essay, Research Paper Many of our heroes today are characterized by their tremendous strength, or their romantic appeal, but I believe that a hero should not be characterzed by these qualities, but rather what they d with them. What we do with our qualities is what makes the difference between a hero and an ordinary person.
Gatsby Essay Essay Research Paper Gatsby EssayWho
Gatsby Essay Essay, Research Paper Gatsby Essay Who is the real hero of the novel Nick or Gatsby ? discuss In the novel the great Gatsby we can look at two people as the heros, but they are both heros in a different manner . Nick could be seen as a hero because of the way he struggled to help Gatsby realize his dream and the other hero is Gatsby himself who we can see as a hero because of the way he took the blame for the woman he loved and she didn t even acknowledge him after his death .
Siddhartha Gautama Essay Research Paper Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama Essay, Research Paper Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was born in the sixth century B.C. in what is now modern Nepal. His father, Suddhodana, was the ruler of the Sakya people and Siddhartha grew up living the extravagant life of a young prince. According to custom, he married at the young age of sixteen to a girl named Yasodhara.
Siddhartha Suffering Desire Enlightenment Essay Research Paper
In Hermann Hesse?s Siddhartha, a classic novel about enlightenment, the main character, Siddhartha, goes on a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Along the way, Siddhartha encounters many who try to teach him enlightenment, undoubtedly the most important being the illustrious Buddha himself. Although Siddhartha rejects the Buddha?s teachings, saying that wisdom cannot be taught, we can see, nevertheless, that along his journey for understanding Siddhartha encounters the Four Noble Truths that are a central theme in Buddhism: suffering, the cause of suffering, the end of suffering, and the middle path.
Siddhartha
’s Journey Essay, Research Paper Period 4 12-4-95 English 2 Honors Siddhartha’s Journey There are two parts to the main theme of this work. One part is that people can teach religious doctrine, but it may not lead one to find one’s true inner “self”. The other part is that knowledge can be taught, but wisdom comes from experience.
Siddhartha Complexion Essay Research Paper Complexion of
Siddhartha Complexion Essay, Research Paper Complexion of Siddhartha In Siddhartha, Hesse proves to have a great understanding for eastern philosophy. It is a book about finding a path, a place in life, a way to be, a place where one can fit in and a task to fulfill. It is a long process of spiritual maturation Siddhartha goes through.
Greece Heroism Essay Research Paper Greece HeroismIn
Greece: Heroism Essay, Research Paper Greece: Heroism In ancient Greek times heroism was much different than it is now. Today, all you have to do to become a hero most of the time is rich, after you do this the
The Epic Hero Beowulf Thesis Essay Research
Paper The Epic Hero Beowulf An epic is a long narriative peom about the adventures of a legendary or historic hero. The hero is a figure is high social status, one with great strenght or ability, and historical importance. There are many characteristics one must demonstrate ti be considered an epic hero. An epic hero is a brave and courageous warrior, admired for his achievements and courageous qualities.
Tvb Essay Research Paper The Siddhartha of
Tvb Essay, Research Paper The Siddhartha of Hermann Hesse As human beings, we sometimes can not synchronize our minds and souls. When we are at our success of knowledge or intellect, we blind our mind with our ambition which comes along in reaching the knowledge or intellect. As a young brahmin, Siddhartha, has been taught that Brahmin is the soul of “Atman” or the ‘Only One’ (Chapter 1, page 5).
The Siddhartha By Hermann Hesse Essay Research
Paper The Siddhartha As a young Brahmin, Siddhartha has been taught that Brahmin is the soul of “Atman” or the ‘Only One’. It means that Brahmin is the highest position beside the Creator. However he does not think that his superior’s ‘Self’ will give him salvation. Siddhartha thinks his ‘Self’ conquers him.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper In Hermann Hesse
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper In Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha, a man was in search to find his inner peace. This man, Siddhartha would encounter many different stages in his life, creating both successes and
Hero Essay Research Paper 12201English
Hero Essay, Research Paper 1/22/01 English Hahn Hero Hero, person admired for bravery, great deeds, or noble qualities. -Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary. These are just three qualities and characteristics of a hero of the many. James Fenimore Cooper s hero is from the wilderness and a hero from the past. It is insinuated in his stories Cooper s hero will be a hero no matter what.
Siddhartha 4 Essay Research Paper Siddhartha is
Siddhartha 4 Essay, Research Paper Siddhartha is a young man on a long quest in search of the ultimate answer to the enigma of a man s role on this earth. Through his travels, he finds love, friendship, pain, and identity. He finds the true meaning behind them the hard way, but that is the best way to learn them.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper What is the
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper What is the book about? Siddhartha, a book that I have read, by Herman Hesse is about a man named Siddhartha who believed strongly in his morals. Siddhartha shows a great deal of an odd case of stubbornness. Siddhartha shares this example with us when he talks to his father about joining the Ascetics and becoming a Samana.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper SiddharthaIn the novel
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper Siddhartha In the novel Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, the main character experiences many ups and downs while on his journey to inner peace. First, he decides to live his life as a Samana. Later he abandons that life in return for a life as a rich man. In the end he decides that his rich life is unsatisfying and he begins the simple life of a ferryman.
Siddhartha The Teachers Of Siddhartha Essay Research
Paper The most important teachers in life don?t have a college degree. They didn?t obtain a sense of life and morals by years of schooling. These individuals had lived, and have experience to back their words of wisdom. Even one person?s own life experiences can teach him a lot about life! Just like most parents, Siddhartha?s father raised him in a very sheltered environment.
MY HERO Essay Research Paper TO ME
MY HERO Essay, Research Paper TO ME A HERO IS A PERSON WHO HELPS A LIFE. NOT NECESSARILY SAVE IT… BUT AFFECT IT IN A SPECIAL WAY. TO ME THIS PERSON IS MY FATHER.
PARADISE LOST Essay Research Paper THE PURPOSE
PARADISE LOST Essay, Research Paper THE PURPOSE OF CLASSICAL TRAGEDY IS TO AROUSE PITY AND FEAR AND THUS TO PRODUSE IN THE AUDIENCE A CATHARSIS {PROPER PURGATION} OF THESE EMOTIONS THAT HE AS A SPECTATOR OWNS. THE AUDIENCE SENSE OF PITY TOWARDS THE HERO OCCURS BECAUSE THE HERO THROUGH HIS TRAGIC FLAW {HAMARTIA} BECOMES A TRAGIC BUT REMAINS A NOBLE FIGURE.
Herman HesseS Siddhartha Essay Research Paper SiddharthaIn
Herman Hesse?S Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper Siddhartha In Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, Unity is a reflecting theme of this novel and in life. Unity is first introduced by means of the river and by the mystical word “Om.” Siddhartha’s quest for knowledge began when he left his father and sought the teachings of the Samanas.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper In Herman Hess
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper In Herman Hess s, Siddhartha, Siddhartha s constant growth and spiritual evolution is elucidated through the symbolism of the snake, the bird and the river.
Siddhartha Essay Research Paper Siddhartha by Herman
Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, is about a young man who is in search of the meaning of life; which is reaching Nirvana. Everywhere he goes he doesn t find what he is looking for so he moves on to the next place. He eventually reaches nirvana. Siddhartha goes through many things. In 3 chapters: Kamala, By the River and The Son Siddhartha starts getting closer to his goal, Nirvana
A Book Report On Siddhartha By Herman
Hesse Essay, Research Paper Book report by Sam Ruppo – Y1 02-6755133 Name of the book: Siddhartha Author: Hermann Hesse 1. Choose page 30/50/70, and describe what happens there, and how it is connected to the rest of the book.
Siddhartha By Herman Hesse Essay Research Paper
In Herman Hesse?s Siddhartha, Unity is a reflecting theme of this novel and in life. Unity is ?the state of being one or a unit; harmony, agreement in feelings or ideas or aims, etc.? Unity is first introduced by means of the river and by the mystical word ?Om.? Direct commentary from Siddhartha and the narrator also introduces the theme.
Herman Hesse
’s Siddhartha Essay, Research Paper Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha In the book Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse, the main character Siddhartha had many teachers along his quest for happiness. Throughout his life he