Siddhartha (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Blending Eastern mysticism and psychoanalysis, Hermann Hesse presents a strikingly original view of man and culture and the arduous process of self-discovery, reconciliation, harmony, and peace.

This classic novel of self-discovery has inspired generations of seekers . With parallels to the enlightenment of the historical Buddha , Siddhārtha Gautama, Hesse's Siddhartha is the story of a young Indian Brahmin's quest for the ultimate reality— nirvana . His quest takes him from the extremes of indulgent sensuality to the rigors of asceticism and self-denial. After encounters with wandering ascetics, the famous Buddha Gautama, known as the Enlightened One, and his Buddhist monks, a courtesan named Kamala, and a ferryman, he learns that wisdom cannot be taught — it must come from one's own experience and inner struggle.

Steeped in the tenets of psychoanalysis, Eastern philosophy, and mysticism, Siddhartha presents a strikingly original view of man and culture, and the arduous process of self-discovery that leads to reconciliation, harmony, and peace. Siddhartha Includes a glossary of Indian terms. Hermann Hesse uses Pali and Sanskrit interchangeably. Hesse incorporates the teachings of Hinduism in Siddhartha's life choices as a student, householder, forest hermit, and wandering ascetic. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read. Translated by Stanley Appelbaum.
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