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"Siddharth" by Herman Hesse

I actually started a new book! yay! Its been a while I know. The last few weeks of my life have been a whirlwind. I actually have a job now (so the description of this blog is no longer relevant but who cares that much right?) and that has monopolized a lot of the time I used to use for reading. But I am finally settling into my new routine and picked up "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse the other night. I knew virtually nothing about his book when I ordered it but it sounded interesting an it was on all the lists I used to create this blog.
Written by German born writer, Herman Hesse, "Siddhartha" tells the story of a man living in India in search of the meaning of life. It parallels the life of the real Buddha and Siddhartha was actually the name the real Buddha had before he took on the more well known one. It was published in 1922 in Germany but didn't make it to the states until the 1950s.
You really can't get more universal than the theme of the search for the meaning of life. People have asked the question of why are we here for generations and that is exactly what this book addresses. Often religion is the catalyst by which these questions come about. In this case, it is Buddhism and I'm not a religious person but if I absolutely had to make an allegiance to a religion, I think it would be Buddhism. The religion is all about one's personal spiritual journey through life which I can relate to and I think a lot of people can. Its the search for clarity, meaning and most of all peace. I feel like I'm on that journey right now in my life so I can greatly relate to this book. The last year of change for me has brought on a lot of introspection and questioning myself and my beliefs. I am definitely in search of peace; of a center.
In the book, "Siddhartha" leaves his life which is comfortable and familiar to join a spiritual group that denounces all worldly things in hopes that stripping away everything that brings ease to his life, he will truly find what matters. For three years, he goes on this journey of self discovery. So far, it has me interested. Once I have digested a bit more of the story, I will write a real review. For now, I hope "Siddhartha" will provide some enlightenment for me on my journey.

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