Reflection Essay Siddharta by Herman Hesse

Among all the other topics from Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, one captivating part is how the book has managed to challenge the reader’s theologically. That is to say, the novel itself contains rich theological terms of Buddhism. However, the reader should aware that although bearing resemblance to Siddhartha Gautama , the story is not about him. It is a story about a man, whose name is similar and undertaking a journey in life to seek a meaning.

by Thomas Bernhard Jutzas CC licensed image

The novel is divided into two parts. As soon as after reading the first part, one will begin to question : Why we do the things we do? Why are we following rules? Who are we going to satisfy?Am I really happy?. This journey of finding answer is fascinating journey to follow, especially for young readers, who have overflowing curiosity. The journey that Siddhartha undertook, might help the readers answer their perennial questions too.

Furthermore, “The ablutions were good, but they were water; they did not wash sins away, they did not relieve distressed heart” - Siddhartha. This specific quote showed that although he was a devoted person, he was still unsatisfied. This is familiar situation that we might feel especially when nothing was going right in our life. We begin to formulate questions, Was this even the right way? Or is there a better way?

The reading experience thus far, has motivated me to think critically of choices and things I did. Through Siddhartha, I am shown of ways that one could undertook in order to find the answer to our itching question. The piece is also able to stir the reader’s emotion for instance, when Siddhartha was asking permission to his father, whom he wholly respected. It is shown in the passage, “ Siddhartha has always obeyed his father” yet, he went against his father to undertake a seemingly formidable journey.