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Siddhartha – Chapter 1

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Siddhartha is an allegorical novel by Hermann Hesse. It deals with the spiritual journey of an Indian man called Siddhartha during the time of the Buddha. The book was written in German, in a simple, yet powerful and lyrical style. It was first published in 1922, after Hesse had spent some time in India in the 1910s. It was first published in the U.S. in 1951, and became influential during the 1960s. The novel takes place in ancient India around the time of the Buddha (6th century BC). It starts as Siddhartha, a Brahmin’s son, leaves his home to join the ascetics with his companion Govinda. The two set out in the search of enlightenment. Siddhartha goes through a series of changes and realizations as he attempts to achieve this goal. Play Siddhartha – Chapter 1 Download Siddhartha – Chapter 1

 

 

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Siddhartha – Chapter 2

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Siddhartha and Govinda learn the ways of the Samanas. Play Siddhartha – Chapter 2 Download Siddhartha – Chapter 2

 

 

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Siddhartha – Chapter 3

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The two ascetics find Gotama and Govinda leaves his friend. Play Siddhartha – Chapter 3 Download Siddhartha – Chapter 3

 

 

 

  Art: wall painting in a Laotian temple, depicting the Bodhisattva Gautama (Buddha-to-be) undertaking extreme ascetic practices before his enlightenment. A god is overseeing his striving, and providing some spiritual protection. The five monks in the background are his future ‘five first disciples’, after Buddha attained Full Enlightenment.

 

 

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Siddhartha – Chapter 4

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Siddhartha leaves the grove and continues on the path to self. Play Siddhartha – Chapter 4 Download Siddhartha – Chapter 4

  Art courtesy of The Wonder That Was India

 

 

 

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Siddhartha – Chapter 5

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Kamala, the courtesan, teaches Siddhartha about making love. Play Siddhartha – Chapter 5 Download – Chapter 5

 

 

 

 

 

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Siddhartha – Chapter 6

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Kamaswami, the merchant, hires Siddhartha. Play Chapter 6 Download Chapter 6

 

 

 

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