Siddhartha “What could I say to you that would be of value, except that perhaps you seek too much, that as a result of your seeking you cannot find.” --Hesse

Read the article on your desk Read the article and note the following: Highlight 3 similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism Underline 3 differences for each (Buddhism and Hinduism) = total of 6 Circle the words that you do not know

Article Activity Once you are done reading, get in a group of 4. Take your notes and create a Venn Diagram for your group comparing Buddhism and Hinduism Make sure all of your names are on it to hand in! Look up the words that you are unfamiliar with and include those definitions on the piece of paper

Hermann Hesse 1877-1962 German-born Swiss novelist, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946 Called his books “biographies of the soul” Hesse grew up in a Catholic family, but rejected everything he had been taught.

Hermann Hesse Parents were missionaries in India. Hesse attended a seminary but was expelled from school in 1892. In 1911, he visited India and learned about Eastern religions. In 1962, he died in Switzerland.

Siddhartha – Publication Written in 1922 after WWI when people were trying to make sense of the devastation inflicted by “civilized” countries Written in German, first published in the U.S. in 1951

Ancient Indian Society Some research suggests that Indo-Aryan invaders established a long-standing social stratification in India. Records of the caste system date back to the Vedic Period (300 BCE). Certain Hindu scriptures describe a caste system for organizing society but never endorse discrimination based on caste. Traditionally, an individual’s caste defined occupation, diet, social interaction, and style of dress.

Indian Caste System Brahmins / Priests - intellectual and spiritual leaders (Siddhartha) Kshatriya / Warriors and aristocrats - protectors of society Vaishyas / Merchants, farmers, artisans - skilled producers Shundras / unskilled labor Untouchables - outside of caste system

Hindusim and Castes Many sacred texts in Hinduism recognize the traditional caste system as a divine order in which upward social mobility is only achieved through reincarnation, or rebirth. Collected karma (actions) influences your atman’s (soul’s) position in next life.

Concepts in Hinduism Atman – the true soul, or “self,” of a person Hindu concepts of god, spirituality, etc. vary widely with each particular tradition or philosophy. Siddhartha’s family practiced a form of Vedic Hinduism. Here are a few useful terms from that tradition: Atman – the true soul, or “self,” of a person Brahman, the supreme spirit or truth. Most want to find a connection between this universal spirit and self. (Do not confuse this term with Brahmin caste.)

Concepts in Hinduism Samsara – The cycle of life, death, and rebirth connected to reincarnation. The wheel of life is a symbols for this process. Moksha – state of true understanding and freedom from samsara (known in some traditions as Nirvana).

Concepts in Hinduism Meditation - a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of awareness. This is one method for achieving enlightenment. Om – a highly symbolic sound made to focus and guide religious meditation. Each syllable (a-u-m) takes on a specific meaning in Sanskrit and represents a universal element.

From Hinduism to Buddhism Around 500 BC, Buddhism was a new philosophy founded by a “Buddha,” a man who had reached enlightenment by his own means. This Buddha had new ideas about reaching enlightenment and was seen as a savior by many for his views on the caste system.

Buddhism Basics Buddha – means awakened one or enlightened one. Buddhism is a set of beliefs based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as “Buddha.” He is referred to as “Gotama” in Hesse’s novel. The teachings of Buddha focused on ethical conduct, rejection of worldly matters, and meditation as a means to true wisdom and enlightenment.

Religion in Siddhartha Siddhartha combines the beliefs of both traditional Hinduism and early Buddhism. Siddhartha, the protagonist, studies both religions. Thus, it is important to know a few concepts related to both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Siddhartha – The Story About the spiritual journey of Hindu man in India who abandons a life of privilege to seek enlightenment (around 500 BC) The million dollar questions: How do you achieve enlightenment? How do you live a happy, fulfilled life?

Title Translation - Siddhartha “Siddhartha” is made up of two words in the Sanskrit language: siddha = achieved artha = meaning or wealth Together, the words mean “he who has found meaning or existence.”

Siddhartha – The Setting Setting: India, where Siddhartha encounters the Buddha (563 BC – 483 BC) Siddhartha is a Brahmin, a member of the highest ranking social class of the Hindus– the priest class (Not to be confused with “Brahman,” which is the name for the concept of the universal soul)

Siddhartha – Characters Siddhartha – The novel’s protagonist. Siddhartha sets out on a quest for enlightenment and tests the religious philosophies he discovers.  Govinda – Siddhartha’s best friend and sometimes his follower. Like Siddhartha, Govinda devotes his life to the quest for understanding and enlightenment.  Gotama – An enlightened religious leader with many followers. Also known as the Buddha, Gotama is said to have attained Nirvana. 

Siddhartha – Characters Kamaswami - An older businessman who teaches Siddhartha the art of business.  Vasudeva – The enlightened ferryman who guides Siddhartha to a transcendent understanding of himself and the universe.  Kamala – A courtesan who instructs Siddhartha in the art of physical love. In addition to being Siddhartha’s lover, Kamala helps him learn the ways of the city and leave his ascetic life as a Samana behind.

Character Connections The spiritual founder of Buddhism was known as Prince Siddhartha Gautama before his renunciation of social hierarchies. The young protagonist in Hermann Hesse’s novel is known as Siddhartha. He is also the son of a wealthy Brahmin family. The main character should NOT be confused with the spiritual leader! They are two different people who appear separately in the novel.

Siddhartha and the Buddha Hesse’s Siddhartha shares his name with the Buddha, and the novel’s story is similar to what is known about Siddhartha Gautama (pronounced “Gaught-um”). Like Siddhartha, Siddhartha Gautama was born an upper-class Hindu in India. Like Siddhartha, Siddhartha Guatama left home to seek a religious goal and searched for years.

Siddhartha and The Buddha Like Siddhartha, Siddhartha Gautama studied with famous gurus of the day, but found their doctrines lacking. Both practiced the austerities and self-mortifications of the ascetics for many years.

Siddhartha Gautama He sat under a fig tree and meditated for days until he found answers for suffering. Once he understood the answer, he became the Buddha.

Let the meditation begin! As we begin to read Siddhartha, pay attention to the similarities and differences between Siddhartha’s journey and Buddha’s journey. Let the meditation begin! Ommmm. . .