More Than Meets the Eye: Siddhartha, Part One Feraco-EberleSFHP 22 September 2008

Who is Siddhartha? Truly, not a single thing in all the world has so occupied my thoughts as this Self of mine, this riddle: that I am alive and that I am One, am different and separate from all others, that I am Siddhartha! And there is not a thing in the world about which I know less than about myself!...I’ll be my own teacher, my own pupil. I’ll study myself – learn the secret that is Siddhartha. Truly, not a single thing in all the world has so occupied my thoughts as this Self of mine, this riddle: that I am alive and that I am One, am different and separate from all others, that I am Siddhartha! And there is not a thing in the world about which I know less than about myself!...I’ll be my own teacher, my own pupil. I’ll study myself – learn the secret that is Siddhartha. - Page 31 - Page 31

Why “Siddhartha”? Siddhartha looks short, is written quietly, and features only eight major characters Siddhartha looks short, is written quietly, and features only eight major characters That said, it’s deceptively complex, and it explores issues that cut across cultural and generational lines… That said, it’s deceptively complex, and it explores issues that cut across cultural and generational lines… …but before we can get to them, we need to start at the beginning – by answering the question above …but before we can get to them, we need to start at the beginning – by answering the question above The answers will shed new light on our characters, our plot, and (hopefully) the “secret that is Siddhartha” The answers will shed new light on our characters, our plot, and (hopefully) the “secret that is Siddhartha”

What’s in a Name? What factors go into choosing a character’s name? What factors go into choosing a character’s name? Symbolic/thematic meaning – The name’s sound or definition provides a hint or guideline to the character’s arc or personality, or underscores one or more of the author’s main messages Symbolic/thematic meaning – The name’s sound or definition provides a hint or guideline to the character’s arc or personality, or underscores one or more of the author’s main messages Example: Raskolnikov (based on the Russian word for “divided”) Example: Raskolnikov (based on the Russian word for “divided”) Makes sense, considering he swings wildly between extremes! Makes sense, considering he swings wildly between extremes! Example: Cady “Catty” Heron and her identity issues Example: Cady “Catty” Heron and her identity issues Personal resonance – A character’s name has personal meaning to the author Personal resonance – A character’s name has personal meaning to the author Example: Janis Ian and “At Seventeen” Example: Janis Ian and “At Seventeen”

What’s in a Name? Part II We’ll start by looking at the literal meaning of “Siddhartha” We’ll start by looking at the literal meaning of “Siddhartha” This allows us to discover its symbolic importance! This allows us to discover its symbolic importance! According to Wikipedia (always a wonderful and reliable source of academic knowledge): According to Wikipedia (always a wonderful and reliable source of academic knowledge): Sanskrit: A compound of “Sidd” can mean “fulfilled” or “accomplished” A compound of “artha” can mean “aim” or “wealth”

Let’s Mash This Up Therefore, if you mash the two together, the literal meaning is “the wealth of the fulfilled aim” Therefore, if you mash the two together, the literal meaning is “the wealth of the fulfilled aim” In other words, those who search correctly and patiently will eventually find the object of that search – whatever it may be In other words, those who search correctly and patiently will eventually find the object of that search – whatever it may be This begs the question: What’s at the end of this search? This begs the question: What’s at the end of this search? The traditional stated meaning of “Siddhartha” has been modified a bit from the literal mash-up The traditional stated meaning of “Siddhartha” has been modified a bit from the literal mash-up It’s now “he who has achieved his aims,” or “he who is victorious.” It’s now “he who has achieved his aims,” or “he who is victorious.”

Namesakes If, as “Freakonomics” jokingly suggests, naming has some sort of impact on our destiny – or if we follow the Crime and Punishment approach – Siddhartha’s name seems to foreshadow a fortunate future If, as “Freakonomics” jokingly suggests, naming has some sort of impact on our destiny – or if we follow the Crime and Punishment approach – Siddhartha’s name seems to foreshadow a fortunate future Literal mash-up or not, he seems likely to find what he’s looking for Literal mash-up or not, he seems likely to find what he’s looking for Is the reason for the name as simple as that? Is the reason for the name as simple as that? Come on…you know there has to be another reason! Come on…you know there has to be another reason!

Who Was Siddhartha? Multiple answers… Multiple answers… Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism “Gotama” in the story is the Buddha himself! “Gotama” in the story is the Buddha himself! Yet “Siddhartha,” not “Gotama,” is the main character of Hesse’s text Yet “Siddhartha,” not “Gotama,” is the main character of Hesse’s text His name is incomplete – a first name without a last His name is incomplete – a first name without a last

Who Was Gotama? Why bother giving your character half a name? Why bother giving your character half a name? Why bother naming your character “Siddhartha” if he’s not the Buddha? Why bother naming your character “Siddhartha” if he’s not the Buddha? Let’s be honest – at the end of the day, which guy is going to be leading the more impressive life? Let’s be honest – at the end of the day, which guy is going to be leading the more impressive life? Shouldn’t we be reading about that guy? Shouldn’t we be reading about that guy? Why focus on the nobody? Why focus on the nobody?

What Does Gotama Represent? In order to understand why “Siddhartha” and “Gotama” are separated, it’s important to understand first who the Buddha was, and why he was important In order to understand why “Siddhartha” and “Gotama” are separated, it’s important to understand first who the Buddha was, and why he was important Firstly, Gautama/Gotama is a human being, not a superhuman, deity, or immortal Firstly, Gautama/Gotama is a human being, not a superhuman, deity, or immortal The Buddha is not perceived as a god, particularly not in a way analogous to Christian worship of God and Christ The Buddha is not perceived as a god, particularly not in a way analogous to Christian worship of God and Christ Rather, Gotama is simply someone who finds what he set out to look for – a greater spiritual truth Rather, Gotama is simply someone who finds what he set out to look for – a greater spiritual truth

A Role Model for All Ages The idea that an individual could find true peace over the course of a normal lifespan is incredibly inspirational to many The idea that an individual could find true peace over the course of a normal lifespan is incredibly inspirational to many Represents spiritual fulfillment, which people can search for over the course of a lifetime – and never find Represents spiritual fulfillment, which people can search for over the course of a lifetime – and never find Just look at Mother Teresa Just look at Mother Teresa

Reject What You Seek “Gotama” has already achieved what Siddhartha seeks – obtained the knowledge and sense of peace that Siddhartha craves “Gotama” has already achieved what Siddhartha seeks – obtained the knowledge and sense of peace that Siddhartha craves Yet Siddhartha rejects the opportunity to learn from him Yet Siddhartha rejects the opportunity to learn from him He must discover what he seeks himself in order for it to have personal meaning for him He must discover what he seeks himself in order for it to have personal meaning for him In many ways, Siddhartha represents a fundamental contradiction In many ways, Siddhartha represents a fundamental contradiction He knows everything, yet he knows nothing He knows everything, yet he knows nothing His is a spirit in crisis His is a spirit in crisis Siddhartha has no last name – lacks the “Gautama” that history has attached to him – because he is an unfinished product Siddhartha has no last name – lacks the “Gautama” that history has attached to him – because he is an unfinished product The implication, then, is that he will someday walk Gautama’s path – but that the day is far away The implication, then, is that he will someday walk Gautama’s path – but that the day is far away

Understanding We’ve covered two important factors in Hesse’s choice for his main character’s name We’ve covered two important factors in Hesse’s choice for his main character’s name The meaning of the word’s components The meaning of the word’s components The importance of the “incompleteness” The importance of the “incompleteness” Yet there is another reason for the name: a parallel that Hesse recognized as he wrote Yet there is another reason for the name: a parallel that Hesse recognized as he wrote In order to understand that parallel, we need to cover some Buddhist fundamentals – starting with the Three Universal Truths In order to understand that parallel, we need to cover some Buddhist fundamentals – starting with the Three Universal Truths

The Three Universal Truths Also known as the three signs of existence Also known as the three signs of existence Anicca (impermanence) Anicca (impermanence) Anatta (impersonality, non-self) Anatta (impersonality, non-self) Dukkha (suffering) Dukkha (suffering)

Everything Changes Anicca seems fairly self-explanatory Anicca seems fairly self-explanatory However, the idea of essential transience doesn’t necessitate throwing out the idea of permanence However, the idea of essential transience doesn’t necessitate throwing out the idea of permanence It helps to think of the river It helps to think of the river The river will flow more slowly in wide, flat areas, and will flow faster over rapids or downhill The river will flow more slowly in wide, flat areas, and will flow faster over rapids or downhill It gains speed depending on the season and rainfall It gains speed depending on the season and rainfall In short, it exists in a state of permanent development and change, reacting to conditions outside of its control In short, it exists in a state of permanent development and change, reacting to conditions outside of its control

Gotama Gotama’s life also proves helpful Gotama’s life also proves helpful At birth, Siddhartha Gautama was predicted to realize one of two destinies At birth, Siddhartha Gautama was predicted to realize one of two destinies Great king Great king Spiritual leader Spiritual leader His father, a king himself, was determined to prevent Siddhartha from becoming a religious leader, and shielded him from human suffering His father, a king himself, was determined to prevent Siddhartha from becoming a religious leader, and shielded him from human suffering At the age of twenty-nine, Siddhartha finally went out into the world, and caught his first glimpses of decline, sickness, and death At the age of twenty-nine, Siddhartha finally went out into the world, and caught his first glimpses of decline, sickness, and death This resulted in a profound change in his philosophy This resulted in a profound change in his philosophy

…and There’s the Parallel Siddhartha walks the same path of the Buddha – the path to realization, to awareness of a larger world Siddhartha walks the same path of the Buddha – the path to realization, to awareness of a larger world By discovering pain outside of his sheltered world – just as Gotama did – Siddhartha will grow more aware of interconnectedness, of the essential unity of existence By discovering pain outside of his sheltered world – just as Gotama did – Siddhartha will grow more aware of interconnectedness, of the essential unity of existence This is one of the book’s fundamental ideas This is one of the book’s fundamental ideas Everything changes, everything repeats, everything is connected Everything changes, everything repeats, everything is connected Clearly, the name wasn’t simply meant to foreshadow Siddhartha’s fate Clearly, the name wasn’t simply meant to foreshadow Siddhartha’s fate It was also meant to recall his spiritual predecessor It was also meant to recall his spiritual predecessor

Non-Self Anatta is a slightly more abstract concept Anatta is a slightly more abstract concept Just remember that change is constant Just remember that change is constant Because change is constant, we are therefore subjected to constant change Because change is constant, we are therefore subjected to constant change As a result, we must always change and react As a result, we must always change and react This eliminates the need for a “core” self This eliminates the need for a “core” self

Another Helpful Analogy The river always exists, but does it always contain the same water? The river always exists, but does it always contain the same water? You can never point to the river and say, “That, there, is the river” – because tomorrow, nothing you pointed out will remain You can never point to the river and say, “That, there, is the river” – because tomorrow, nothing you pointed out will remain All that remains is the bank of the river – the shell surrounding that which changes All that remains is the bank of the river – the shell surrounding that which changes

Suffer Never, Suffer Always Dukkha refers to all suffering, major or minor Dukkha refers to all suffering, major or minor Suffering is constant in life because it arises from our desire for the non-constant Suffering is constant in life because it arises from our desire for the non-constant We desire transient/impermanent We desire transient/impermanent We miss something indefinable We miss something indefinable “If we suffer never/We won’t know if we are feeling good.” “If we suffer never/We won’t know if we are feeling good.” The Promise Ring, “Suffer Never” The Promise Ring, “Suffer Never”

The Four Noble Truths The Noble Truths provide additional perspective on dukkha The Noble Truths provide additional perspective on dukkha 1) Suffering exists 1) Suffering exists 2) Suffering has a source – a cause for the effect 2) Suffering has a source – a cause for the effect Caused by human desire Caused by human desire 3) Suffering can be eliminated if we overcome our desires 3) Suffering can be eliminated if we overcome our desires Remember the ascetics? Remember the ascetics? 4)You can eliminate desire by following the Eightfold Path 4)You can eliminate desire by following the Eightfold Path …but that lesson will need to wait for another day. …but that lesson will need to wait for another day.

Where We Left Off Last week, we covered the Three Universal Truths, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path Last week, we covered the Three Universal Truths, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path We’ll eventually study how each applies to Siddhartha We’ll eventually study how each applies to Siddhartha For now, let’s review a few other concepts, and get started on some chapter analysis For now, let’s review a few other concepts, and get started on some chapter analysis

A Couple Central Questions By dedicating ourselves entirely to an ideal, to the pursuit of one special thing, can we unlock the potential within ourselves to become something greater? By dedicating ourselves entirely to an ideal, to the pursuit of one special thing, can we unlock the potential within ourselves to become something greater? Can we transcend who we are? Can we transcend who we want to be? Can we transcend who we are? Can we transcend who we want to be?

Bodhisattva One who has achieved enlightenment One who has achieved enlightenment However, rather than attain nirvana, bodhisattvas remain here However, rather than attain nirvana, bodhisattvas remain here Dedicate themselves to the welfare of other living things Dedicate themselves to the welfare of other living things People pray to them for help People pray to them for help We’ve already met two of them at this point in the book We’ve already met two of them at this point in the book One is Gautama One is Gautama Can you find the other? Can you find the other?

The Man Who Sold the World Nirvana is the apex Nirvana is the apex Represents the elimination of desire Represents the elimination of desire In turn, nirvana also brings serenity, wisdom, and compassion In turn, nirvana also brings serenity, wisdom, and compassion Because desire is eliminated, suffering is eliminated Because desire is eliminated, suffering is eliminated Without suffering, the samsara cycle is broken Without suffering, the samsara cycle is broken

The Wheel The samsara cycle represents birth and rebirth, the cycle of existence The samsara cycle represents birth and rebirth, the cycle of existence You enter, leave, and re-enter the material world (which contains suffering) until you break free You enter, leave, and re-enter the material world (which contains suffering) until you break free Hence, your existence here will be defined by suffering – unless you become more self-aware and take steps to reduce your pain! Hence, your existence here will be defined by suffering – unless you become more self-aware and take steps to reduce your pain! Nirvana breaks the cycle Nirvana breaks the cycle Siddhartha Gautama, upon reaching nirvana, claimed he had broken his Samsara cycle Siddhartha Gautama, upon reaching nirvana, claimed he had broken his Samsara cycle

Don’t Be Fooled… Maya vs. Satyam Maya vs. Satyam Maya: “The principle of ‘appearance,’ and the illusory nature of the universe; what we see around us is unreal, but Maya displays it as real.” Maya: “The principle of ‘appearance,’ and the illusory nature of the universe; what we see around us is unreal, but Maya displays it as real.” Think of the Matrix Think of the Matrix Satyam: “The real; that which abides and exists beyond Maya.” Satyam: “The real; that which abides and exists beyond Maya.” Think of life outside the Matrix Think of life outside the Matrix You wish to see beyond the veil You wish to see beyond the veil Acceptance of the veil means accepting your own blindness to the way things work Acceptance of the veil means accepting your own blindness to the way things work This, in turn, prevents you from walking the path – which means you will continue suffering This, in turn, prevents you from walking the path – which means you will continue suffering

Everything You Do… A related concept – one you’re probably more familiar with – is karma. A related concept – one you’re probably more familiar with – is karma. Our decisions have real consequences Our decisions have real consequences We receive what we earn, for good or for ill – and it lasts! We receive what we earn, for good or for ill – and it lasts! Helps determine the way the wheel spins Helps determine the way the wheel spins Once again, nirvana breaks the cycle Once again, nirvana breaks the cycle “Everything you do/Comes back to you/Whatever it may be…/What you do as an angel/Or what you do as a devil/The favor returns itself somehow.” “Everything you do/Comes back to you/Whatever it may be…/What you do as an angel/Or what you do as a devil/The favor returns itself somehow.” 311, “Paradise” 311, “Paradise”

Om The “word of words” can be defined in any number of ways The “word of words” can be defined in any number of ways One useful way to think of Om is to understand that it represents unity, the “one-ness” of all things One useful way to think of Om is to understand that it represents unity, the “one-ness” of all things This is why the Noble Eightfold Path places such high value on all living things – not just humans This is why the Noble Eightfold Path places such high value on all living things – not just humans Siddhartha is able to “pronounce it silently” Siddhartha is able to “pronounce it silently” A true understanding of Om indicates enlightenment A true understanding of Om indicates enlightenment

Take Control Control your circumstances through understanding and dedication Control your circumstances through understanding and dedication If you focus on understanding yourself, you will be more aware of the consequences your actions cause If you focus on understanding yourself, you will be more aware of the consequences your actions cause Less likely to hurt others, or any living thing Less likely to hurt others, or any living thing Everything is connected Everything is connected If you try to do your best every day, your dedication will eventually pay off If you try to do your best every day, your dedication will eventually pay off

A Few More Questions… How much control do you feel you have over your own happiness? How much control do you feel you have over your own happiness? Do you consciously try to do things that satisfy you? Do you consciously try to do things that satisfy you? Do you get too distracted or overworked to focus on such matters? Do you get too distracted or overworked to focus on such matters?

The Brahmin’s Son Notice the title of the first chapter Notice the title of the first chapter It’s another way of saying “Siddhartha” It’s another way of saying “Siddhartha” Notice the title of the last chapter Notice the title of the last chapter Remember, everything goes in a cycle… Remember, everything goes in a cycle… Like a comet around the sun, Govinda’s course carries him haphazardly through Siddhartha’s life Like a comet around the sun, Govinda’s course carries him haphazardly through Siddhartha’s life We get a glimpse of him every so often – and each one is important We get a glimpse of him every so often – and each one is important

From the Top Notice the impermanence of every detail of the first sentence Notice the impermanence of every detail of the first sentence Shade (on a house – that which burns or crumbles) Shade (on a house – that which burns or crumbles) Sunshine (by a river) Sunshine (by a river) Shade (partnered with sunshine; whenever one disappears, so too does the other) Shade (partnered with sunshine; whenever one disappears, so too does the other) Handsomeness Handsomeness Growing up Growing up Right from the get-go, we’re introduced to some of our fundamental concepts – in this case, anicca Right from the get-go, we’re introduced to some of our fundamental concepts – in this case, anicca

Dukkha Siddhartha seems to “have it all” Siddhartha seems to “have it all” Yet Siddhartha is unhappy; he suffers Yet Siddhartha is unhappy; he suffers What is the source of “dukkha” here? What is the source of “dukkha” here? Desire (of course! Desire is the source of all suffering, remember?) Desire (of course! Desire is the source of all suffering, remember?) A better question: What does Siddhartha desire? A better question: What does Siddhartha desire? What are the questions that Siddhartha asks – both the obvious ones, and the unstated ones? What are the questions that Siddhartha asks – both the obvious ones, and the unstated ones? Are they similar to the questions you ask? Are they similar to the questions you ask?

The Wheel Again Much of the reason for Siddhartha’s suffering is that he desires to break the cycle Much of the reason for Siddhartha’s suffering is that he desires to break the cycle Samsara cycle Samsara cycle Town cycle Town cycle He laments that all of the wisdom that generations of Brahmins have gained has seemingly gone to waste He laments that all of the wisdom that generations of Brahmins have gained has seemingly gone to waste “There was wonderful wisdom in these verses; all the knowledge of the sages was told here in enchanting language, pure as honey collected by the bees. No, this tremendous amount of knowledge, collected and preserved by successive generations of wise Brahmins could not be easily overlooked. But where were the Brahmins, the priests, the wise men, who were successful not only in having this most profound knowledge, but in experiencing it?” “There was wonderful wisdom in these verses; all the knowledge of the sages was told here in enchanting language, pure as honey collected by the bees. No, this tremendous amount of knowledge, collected and preserved by successive generations of wise Brahmins could not be easily overlooked. But where were the Brahmins, the priests, the wise men, who were successful not only in having this most profound knowledge, but in experiencing it?”

That’s All for Today… More tomorrow! More tomorrow! Don’t forget Blog #4…or to read “Amongst the People!” Don’t forget Blog #4…or to read “Amongst the People!”

Destinies Linked Govinda (and, to a lesser extent, Siddhartha’s father) ties his destiny to Siddhartha Govinda (and, to a lesser extent, Siddhartha’s father) ties his destiny to Siddhartha Siddhartha shows no indication of caring about this Siddhartha shows no indication of caring about this

Some Important Names Siddhartha Siddhartha The main character in the story The main character in the story Govinda Govinda Siddhartha’s childhood companion Siddhartha’s childhood companion Gotama Gotama An individual who has achieved nirvana An individual who has achieved nirvana Vasudeva Vasudeva The ferryman who plays a bigger role near the end The ferryman who plays a bigger role near the end Kamaswami Kamaswami A merchant who teaches Siddhartha the principles of business A merchant who teaches Siddhartha the principles of business Kamala Kamala The courtesan Siddhartha meets after leaving the Samanas The courtesan Siddhartha meets after leaving the Samanas …and more! …and more!

Some Important Themes Love Love Unity Unity Generational Divide Generational Divide Peace Peace Suffering Suffering Searching Searching Enlightenment / Knowledge Enlightenment / Knowledge Cycles Cycles Identity Identity Poverty Poverty Transformation / Transience / Change Transformation / Transience / Change Teaching Teaching Excess Excess Control Control Compromise Compromise Compassion Compassion Cruelty Cruelty Consequences Consequences Social Status Social Status Relationships Relationships Independence Independence Sleeping / Awakening Sleeping / Awakening Defiance Defiance

Some Important Symbols The River The River The Oar The Oar Snakeskin Snakeskin Songbird / Heron / Birds Songbird / Heron / Birds Forests / Trees Forests / Trees The Gaze The Gaze The Kiss The Kiss The Hut The Hut

Some Important Questions The Brahmin’s Son The Brahmin’s Son Why does Siddhartha leave home? Why does Siddhartha leave home? Who accompanies him? Who does he leave behind? Who accompanies him? Who does he leave behind? With the Samanas With the Samanas What do the Samanas seek to deprive themselves of, and what do they seek to eliminate? What do the Samanas seek to deprive themselves of, and what do they seek to eliminate? Why are the Samanas “mistaken?” Why are the Samanas “mistaken?” Gotama Gotama Why do Govinda and Siddhartha part ways? Why do Govinda and Siddhartha part ways? Why doesn’t Siddhartha stay with Gotama? Why doesn’t Siddhartha stay with Gotama? Awakening Awakening What sort of epiphany does Siddhartha experience? What sort of epiphany does Siddhartha experience? Kamala Kamala What does Kamala represent? What steps does Siddhartha take to win her affection? What do these changes indicate? Why is it important that Siddhartha dreams about Govinda changing into a woman? Amongst the People Amongst the People Which two “worlds” must Siddhartha inhabit during this phase of his life? Why does Siddhartha believe he and Kamala cannot love one another? Samsara Samsara We see the samsara cycle expressed very literally in this chapter. Can you identify the four stages? Why does Siddhartha treat so much of life as a game? What “traps” Siddhartha? What is the revelation at the end of the chapter?