Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse - Essay Example The novel can be interpreted from a Buddhist stand point- Siddharta is in pursuit of his innermost essence (Atman); it is made possible only when he denounces his ego, his own selfish identity (Self). When he has got rid of his selfish ego and is moved by universal love, he experiences eternal bliss, happiness and peace (Nirvana). The major theme of the novel is enlightenment. From the start of Siddharta’s journey he seeks salvation. He joints the Samanas (People who live a life of piety, self- denial, free of possessions and desires), visits Buddha, embraces his earthly desires, and finally communes with nature, all in an attempt to obtain Nirvana. His search for his inner life comes to an end finally; he comes to a complete self –realization. In the end, he grasps the wholeness of life, experiencing the sense of fulfillment and wisdom, which come with it. In short the novel is a classical work dealing with the meaning of life. Self-realization is the key word behind siddartha’s enlightenment and his whole life was a pursuit to listen to the voice within him and respond to it positively. As a child when he was living with his father he knew how to recognize the Atman within the depth of his being, undestructable, at one with the universe. Everybody gave him knowledge but he felt that the vessel was incomplete as his heart was not still, as his soul was not at peace. His knowledge couldn’t locate the self, the innermost. He wanted to press towards the Self, towards Atman, but nobody showed the way, nobody knew it- neither his father, nor the teachers and wise men nor the holy songs. His determination to seek Atman was so strong that he remarks: â€Å"One must find the source within one’s own self, one must possess it. Every thing else was seeking- a detour, error† (Siddharta, Page No.6). Unable to find an answer to his quest, Siddharta joins the