Mar 16, 2004 03:41 PM
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(Updated Mar 16, 2004 03:41 PM)
Hermann Hesse is a formidable name in literature. German by birth, this nobel prize winner seems to have understood the mysteries of India more than most Indians. His story about Siddhartha is nothing but the story of Gautam Buddha. Buddha was name Siddhartha by his parents.
The book gives a beautiful albeit short description of the life of Siddhartha, who wanders off in search of truth. The book describes his tumultous search, from the fet of the Enlightened One, to the merchant and his mistress till the end where he becomes enlightened.
A long life of aggressiveness, meditation and passion leads to the final enlightenment. The author seems to indicate that the ultimate salvation is not to be found by running away from the world, but going through it. Religion is the gentle background, not the central theme of this book.
This probably is the way Gautam Buddha also went though. A must read for anyone interested in the eastern concept of religion.
