1. Siddhartha
By Hermann Hesse

2. Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) German-born novelist, poet, artist
Won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946
His novels are known to explore an individual’s search for:
Authenticity
Self-knowledge
Spirituality

3. Siddhartha (“he who has found meaning”)
Published in 1922
Details Siddhartha’s journey of self-discovery
Set around 500 BCE, during the time of Gautama Buddha (Gotama in our translation)

4. Themes and Symbols Searching for spiritual enlightenment
Teaching and learning
Truth vs. illusion
Mortality
Love
The river
Nature

5. Cultural Vocabulary Brahmin (brahman) Samana (ascetic) Om Nirvana
a member of the highest, or priestly, class among the Hindus
Samana (ascetic)
a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self- mortification for religious reasons Om
a mystic syllable, considered the most sacred mantra in Hinduism
Nirvana
freedom from the endless cycle of personal reincarnations, with their consequent suffering, as a result of the extinction of individual passion, hatred, and delusion

6. Gautama Buddha (Gotama)
563/480 BCE – 483/400 BCE
Was an ascetic and sage
His teachings became the foundation of Buddhism
Buddhism holds that salvation is reached by ending the cycle of rebirth and attaining Nirvana
In the novel, meeting Gotama will send Siddhartha on his journey

7. Siddhartha Vocabulary
List 1
List 2
Ardent
Discontent
Ablution
Palliative
Venerable
Sojourn
Alms
Equanimity
Avarice
Transient
Chasm
Benefactor
Enthrall
Ostracize
Tarry
Insipid
Beckon
Indolent
Fervor
Satiate
Tepid
Forbearance
Ennui
Veneration