Kiggs, Kiggs Exams 3
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WORLD RELIGION MIDTERM Name of the Student Class Date
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World Religion Midterm What do you take away from your reading of Siddhartha
? What do you think the author intends to communicate about the spiritual path? Does the novel reflect more of a Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, or other perspective in its conclusion, in your opinion? The novel "Siddhartha" authored by Hermann Hesse is a work of great depth, offering numerous significant insights into the inherent human desire for enlightenment and the process of self-discovery. One significant observation is the notion that the path to enlightenment is characterized by a strong emphasis on individuality. Siddhartha embarks on a transformative journey that encompasses distinct stages, namely asceticism, materialism, and ultimately, a profound communion with both nature and the inner self.
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The main idea or the message of the author in this novel center on the fact that true wisdom and spiritual awakening is unattainable by
following a predetermined route. Instead, humans are encouraged to launch their own adventures
to find out the hidden truths
The novel, Siddhartha, has an effective revelation. It lets in readers to apprehend the endless circle of life and how people transform in it. Siddhartha is illustrated as he is going through a series of transformations that depict his personal journey of transformation and rebirth.
This is to reveal that personal improvement always continues irrespective of what age one is. One should keep improving themselves regardless of their prevailing circumstances. Mistakes could be made and challenges may come up along the way. However, that is all part of the unpredictable life. It is like stumbling upon an oasis in a wilderness. Moreover, the author tends to highlight the significance of achieving a sense of balance and harmony in life. By giving an 1
InkSight Chronicles, “Book Review: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse-a Life-Changing Book That Everyone Should Read,” Medium, August 8, 2023, https://medium.com/@InkSightChronicles/book-review-siddhartha-by-hermann-hesse-a-life-changing-
book-that-everyone-should-read-856a721bf85e
.
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excessive amount of or too little time to the material world, Siddhartha fails either to find fulfillment. However, enlightenment and fulfilment eventually come while he establishes equilibrium and harmony with the world as a whole.
In pursuit of contentment and self-realization, this lesson encourages individuals to adopt a holistic way of life, wherein they strive to align their physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Siddhartha, the novel, profoundly delves into the realms of intellect and spirituality, thoroughly examining the intricate depths of the human existence. In this piece, deep perspectives are shared
regarding the fundamental characteristics of existence, the individual quest for personal satisfaction, and the profound interconnected nature of all living beings within the broader scope of the universe. Elsewhere within the piece, Hermann Hesse skillfully communicates a deep and diverse insight about the spiritual journey. He places great importance on the idea that the search for enlightenment is a profoundly personal and unique experience. The way Siddhartha seeks self-discovery does not adhere to a set approach, as it lacks a one-size-fits-all recipe for attaining spiritual enlightenment.
On the other hand, Hesse disagrees, believing that there is no one way of acquiring knowledge, but rather a unique and individual way. It is a journey where one has to immerse themselves in their own experiences and have deeper insights. With this perspective, he encourages individuals to embrace their spiritual journey and learn about themselves so they can gain enlightenment. It is a process that requires questioning, trial and error, and even we make mistakes like Siddharth did in his journey. The story also introduces the idea that acquiring wisdom is normal. Siddhartha went through various changes in his life such as acquisition, austerity, and finally found self-awareness. His description of the life journey reflects the cyclical
nature of human life.
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In this particular part of the Hesse’s essence, we are shown that personal growth is a never-ending journey. We are reminded that anyone can always be good and then redefine their character. This approach encourages people of all abilities to acknowledge the obstacles, setbacks and disappointments in their lives. Another major theme in "Siddhartha" is the importance of finding balance and harmony when in the realm of spiritual journey. Siddhartha’s quest for knowledge was his first extreme move from asceticism to outright materialism. But true
wisdom can only be achieved when they find harmony within themselves and in their relationship with the world around them. According to Hesse, it is neither a denial of material goods, nor an over-consumption of them. Rather, it is to achieve a state of balance and harmony within themselves and everything around them. The connection we get from this revolves around
connecting every part of our being, creating a deep sense of peace
The concluding section of the novel "Siddhartha" encompasses a diverse amalgamation of Hindu, Buddhist, and Taoist viewpoints, intricately interwoven with a profound array of Eastern philosophical principles. The central character, Siddhartha, undertakes a profound spiritual odyssey that delicately interlaces components from other traditions, so challenging the straightforward classification into a singular philosophical structure.
The novel prominently reflects the impact of Hinduism, particularly in its examination of topics pertaining to rebirth and the interdependence of all living beings. The life experience of Siddhartha has a cyclical pattern that shares similarities with the Hindu notion of samsara, which symbolizes the perpetual cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation. Furthermore, Siddhartha's significant insight of interconnectedness with all sentient creatures and the natural environment aligns with the Hindu concept of Brahman, the ultimate and all-encompassing reality that underlies the multiplicity of existence.
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The work exhibits a resonance with Hindu ideals, while also encompassing significant components derived from the Buddhist tradition. The unwavering endeavour of Siddhartha to attain enlightenment and his aspiration to surpass suffering are reflective of the fundamental principles of Buddhism. The work reflects the core principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, which emphasize the presence of suffering and the recommended means to end it. The ultimate realization of enlightenment by Siddhartha can be understood as a manifestation of the Buddhist principle of nirvana, symbolizing the state of liberation from suffering and the ceaseless cycle of rebirth.
Siddhartha’s journey had results that could only be explained by Taoist principles. The emphasis on the Tao, or “way,” is the idea of harmony with the flow of life. Deciding to stay a few banks of the river, Siddhartha took steps to understand how everything was connected. The side of life that Taoism likes to show is its spontaneity and simplicity. Staying this way allows us to acknowledge the frequency with which nature changes things, as well as our own natural tendencies in life.
The climax of Hermann Hesse's novel "Siddhartha" might be interpreted as a comprehensive amalgamation of various influences, culminating in a spiritual message that transcends the confines of individual religious systems. The aforementioned notion highlights the
interconnectedness of human experiences and the collaborative pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. The novel's conclusion embodies a comprehensive Eastern philosophical viewpoint, skilfully incorporating elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. It emphasizes the collective pursuit of deep spiritual enlightenment and the inherent interconnectedness of all aspects of being.
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Bibliography
InkSight Chronicles. “Book Review: Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse-a Life-Changing Book That Everyone Should Read.” Medium, August 8, 2023. https://medium.com/@InkSightChronicles/book-review-siddhartha-by-hermann-hesse-a-
life-changing-book-that-everyone-should-read-856a721bf85e
.
Matus, Douglas. “What Are the Good & Evil Forces in ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’?” Education, November 21, 2017. https://education.seattlepi.com/good-evil-forces-the-epic-gilgamesh-
5376.html
.
Misson, Patrick. “Advaita Vedanta.” Bhagavad Gita Commentary Chapter 11, 2017. http://www.advaita-vedanta.co.uk/index.php/7-content/bhagavad-gita/83-bhagavad-gita-
commentary-chapter-11
.
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