Siddhartha (Version 2)
Hermann Hesse
In Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse grapples with his own sickness with life (Lebenskrankheit) by diving deep into Indian philosophy, particularly the teachings found in the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The extended duration it took to write the latter half of the novel reflects Hesses longing for the transcendental state of unity that Siddhartha seeks. To achieve this, Hesse adopted a reclusive lifestyle, fully immersing himself in the sacred wisdom of both Hindu and Buddhist scriptures. His quest was for the completeness that epitomizes the Buddhas enlightenment. The novels structure mirrors the traditional life stages of Hindu males—student (brahmacharin), householder (grihastha), and recluse (vanaprastha)—alongside the Buddhas four noble truths and eight-fold path, culminating in twelve chapters. Ralph Freedman notes Hesses assertion that Siddharthas ultimate wisdom does not come from any teacher but from a river that speaks in a unique voice and a benevolent old man who embodies hid