Day 4 SIDDHARTHA

 If you want to be truly unique, do you truly belong somewhere?  What is the difference between what teachers teach us and what we must learn on our own?  Is it natural to want to imitate or be unique? GOTAMA: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

 Are feelings real? How do they lead to tangible outcomes?  After a major realization (or awakening) we usually feel stupid. What was presenting us from seeing the truth prior to the realization?  Is it possible to look only to the future, no longer look backwards? AWAKENING: ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

 Equanimity (n) = remaining calm whilst under pressure. We saw this word in The Importance of Being Earnest!  Make sure I get your vocabulary word input. VOCABULARY

 Make a list of ten things you know (with 100% certainty) about yourself.  Make a list of ten things that remind you that you’re growing up –positive (getting license!) or negative (aching bones!). WARM-UP

 Take a look at the fact half-sheet and the back of the handout. There are facts about Buddhism and the historical Buddha.  Complete the handout with a partner.  While you’re answering the two questions on the bottom, keep these three things in mind:  This novel was written just after WWI.  It’s more than an explanation of Indian philosophy.  It’s autobiographical of Hesse. THE HISTORICAL BUDDHA

Gotama  Teaches the Four Noble Truths and that life is pain.  Called the Enlightened One.  Wanted to solve suffering for all humans.  Attained Nirvana Siddhartha  Went on quest for enlightenment.  Adopted Indian Asceticism.  Born into a leader’s family  Is called Siddhartha and the Awakened One.  Does not believe in a personal God. GOTAMA AND SIDDHARTHA

 Why do you think Hesse chose to create two characters whose names, actions, and beliefs relate to the historical figure of the Buddha?  Clearly the difference between Gotama and Siddhartha is important. They are not the same, but they exist at the same moment in time.  Siddhartha is truly on his own. He does not want or need followers. His goal is to achieve peace for himself.  Siddhartha’s way is his own –not Govinda’s, not the Buddha’s, not even Hesse’s.  Perhaps Hesse needed to restore peace to his world and belief in humanity after the turmoil of WWI.  Hesse sorts things out through Siddhartha? TWO DIFFERENT CHARACTERS?

 Why did Hesse not include a clear reference to a particular time period or geographical region?  He wanted to created a legendary or magical world.  Hesse didn’t want readers to be terribly concerned with trying to figure out the truth about actual events. It’s not an explanation of Indian philosophy.  But by placing Siddhartha in ancient India with the Buddha, he creates a timeless, mythic validity.  “The legendary times allow the reader to lose the sense of differentiation and to come nearer to the oneness of the human race.”  The parallels to the Buddha’s life contribute to the legendary quality, too. TIME AND PLACE?

 Where is Siddhartha headed next?  Let’s continue reading and we shall see!  Homework: finish chapters called Kamala and Amongst the People. Presentations? PREDICTIONS