Who is Siddhartha? What is he looking for?
Most of Hermann Hesse’s protagonists are “suchenden”, people who search and look for spiritual fulfilment. Siddhartha is the son of a wealthy Indian Brahmin and grows up in a privileged environment. He is destined to become a Brahim (the Hindu class of Vedic scholars, priests and teachers) and he masters everything about its doctrine. One day, driven by the curiosity of expanding his spiritual knowledge, he decides to abandon his comfort to wander and seek spiritual peace, the nirvana. On his path, Siddhartha meets different teachers. He first follows the Samanaeans of the forest (seekers, people who perform acts of austerity) for years and becomes one by living deprived of food and clothing. Siddhartha then meets the knowing smile of Gautama, the Buddha, and discusses with him the meaning of studying others’ doctrines. He spends many years at the court of a beautiful lady, where he learns the art of love and experiences earthly human desires. His spirituality keeps evolving, but his sufferings do not end. He is troubled by existential questions and mental pain derived from his experiences. He finally finds what he is looking for by a river, where he learns how to listen to the sacred Om.
I read this book with an almost non-existing knowledge of the Buddhism philosophy and history. I devoured it in only four days and learned so much from each and every chapter. I loved the metaphors and the simplicity of the language through which Hermann Hesse explained profound and complex topics. The book makes you mull over tiny details of your life and, perhaps by osmosis, gives you inner peace.