Siddharta 1

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Of the many religions in this world, none of which I openly subscribe to, Buddhism seems to me to be the most relevant one in today's world, regardless of its Eastern origins. I feel that its emphasis on truly spiritual and pragmatic applications of religions is a better fit for the more open minded members of society rather than dogmatic and tradition-filled institutions of most major Western religions.

Siddharta is a remarkable novel because it is essentially a Westerner's interpretation of Buddhist teachings and mythology. The title character goes on a spiritual and physical journey resembling that of Gautama Buddha (at least by what I know of Buddha). One of the main conflicts in the opening act of the novel is Siddharta's struggle with the prospect of reaching spiritual enlightenment through teaching. In fact, Siddharta finds himself at odds with the teachings of Buddha himself. He becomes disillusioned by the notion that Buddha can teach him anything about becoming enlightened. In his words, Siddharta argues "You will not be able to convey and share with anyone, oh venerable on, in words and through teachings what has happened to you in the hour of enlightenment" (Hesse 35).
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This is a remarkable sentiment that send Siddharta into an isolated but enlightening portion of his life. He for the first time is truly alone, not constrained by the teachings of wise-men or the advice and pressures of friends. It is through this trying moment that Siddharta for the first time became aware of the world. To a newly awakened Siddharta, "The world was beautiful and colorful; the world was strange and mysterious" (Hesse 40)!

This last aspect of Siddharta's journey is particularly interesting to me. I often find that some of my most intense spiritual understand moments have occurred in natural isolation, such as a walk in the woods near Lake Tahoe two years ago. I often find that I truly value peace and isolation, and in many ways I try to separate myself from larger groups when it comes to inquisitive and learning experiences. I never truly seem to find myself finding much use for study groups and I, for better or worse, try to problem solve on my own. I therefore sympathized with Siddharta's struggles in accepting the role teachers had in his life.

Now before I start singing Pink Floyd and run off into the woods naked, I must say I need others in my life if my personal journey or pilgrimage is to be successful. Without my parents, my best friends, and my girlfriend I have no idea how I would manage all the stresses in my life and truly discover what is important. In that way I could never be like Siddhartha. But in the mean time I'll put in my headphones and enjoy my pet sea monkeys frolic in total, peaceful isolation.