Siddhartha

By: Hermann Hesse, Joachim Neugroschel - translator

Narrated by: Firdous Bamji

Siddhartha is Nobel Prize-winning author Hermann Hesse's most famous and influential work, a novel of self-exploration that will linger in your mind and spirit for a lifetime.

A young man, blessed with loving parents and a safe home in a world where want and neglect abound, leaves this haven in search of himself. He joins the Samanas, a band of wandering ascetics without possessions or earthly ties. His quest unfulfilled, he descends into a life of unbounded luxury and indulgence. Where is truth? Where will his soul find true ease? In denial? In decadence? Or in some truth far greater than himself, so simple, so close to him, yet so obvious that only clear eyes may see it?

Siddhartha reawakens questions most of us have long ceased asking ourselves and opens paths to spirituality many of us have never traveled.

Translated by Joachim Neugroschel.

©1999 Joachim Neugroschel (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC.

Life changing

This book is all about finding one's self and is often described as a hippie's paradise, and it truly is. Would definitely read this again.

Beautiful short listen

If you've just discovered or would like to rediscover how beautiful this book is, you won't be disappointed. The translation is excellent as is the narrator's pace and feeling. It's Hesse's most popular for a reason and you shouldn't be disappointed.

Not a journey to nowhere

Phenomenal story. Absolutely fulfilling and satisfying in every way. I recently read a review that classified this book as a Journey to nowhere. And I think that is a shame. You’re allowed to think that, but give it a read first, I have a feeling you will disagree as I do.

Beyond the Noise

Amazing book. A must read for all human beings. When you’re done reading it, read it again and then again.

There is no Eastern Solution

One can either listen to a long boring Great Course Lecture series on Buddhism and Eastern Thought or one can listen to this fairly entertaining book and come away with the same depth of understanding on how the introspective path can lead towards enlightenment.

The author clearly wants to share a reasonable interruption of Eastern Thought, and does it quite cleverly by looking at the life of one fictional person, Sidhartha, and how he learns enlightenment through his many phases of his life.

In the end (for me) there is no Eastern Solution for enlightenment but I find the doubt from introspection to be much more worthwhile than the certainty that comes from the revealed religions of the West. I keep meaning to finish that Great Course Lecture I have, but just have never found the time. Perhaps this book will urge me towards that.

A Classic

This is a well written, beautifully narrated tale for the contemplative of spirit, with a good introduction and an informative epilogue. 'Very enjoyable!

Must Read

I just finished reading Siddhartha.
It opened my eyes and my soul.
I strongly recommend

Om.

This book was really surreal and most definitely life changing for me. Buddha lives in us all. Must reread again and again.

I can see why it's one of Hesse's best-known works

Definitely worth it. I can see why Siddhartha is one of Hesse's best-known works - it's full of enlightening thoughts and its structure, as well as character formation, are fantastic. It isn't the easiest book to read, but several things make this easier - the fact that it is short, the repetition of important concepts and ideas throughout the book (which tie it all together in a way) and the fluidity and simplicity of the storyline. Since the story itself is just the medium for the message, it is actually quite easy to follow, but the messages behind the characters and actions are what we as the readers have to pay attention to. These are messages of the unity of everything, the contrast between the mundane and the holy, life lessons on the passage of time, ways of dealing with conflict and problems and so much more.

A Parable about Enlightenment

Siddhartha follows the life of a man, who like the Buddha, leaves home and comfort and privilege to seek something more. Even encountering the Buddha himself along his journey, he ultimately seeks his own path; his own inner teaching. He goes from one extreme (asceticism) to another (sensuality and worldliness) before reaching equilibrium beside the great river.

Deep, wise, and yet quite accessible, this little book is going to stay with me the rest of my life.