SIDDHARTHA

Told in a simple mythical style, the story of Siddhartha is an inspirational classic by the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. First published in 1922, it is an engaging meditation on self-fulfilment, spirituality, philosophy and the nature of true wisdom. As Siddhartha embarks on a journey of self-discovery, he must pass through the various experiences of life before arriving at enlightenment and wisdom. A ferryman he encounters on his journey holds the key to this revelation - and the river on which he steers his vessel has the answers to life's biggest questions. By listening intensely to the river, the oneness of all nature becomes manifest, and the mysteries of the universe are unlocked. Siddhartha is the son of a wealthy Brahmin, and is unable to find peace within his own religion and community, so he sets off on his travels through India, first spending time with a group of ascetics called Samanas. For a while he embraces their doctrines and rejects all worldly goods. When he hears about a man called Gotama the Buddha, he leaves the Samanas. However, Buddhist teaching disappoints him, and he realises that self-discovery must come from his own experiences. He takes a lover and becomes a rich merchant, but after some years, dissatisfied with materialism, he takes off again in search of the spiritual peace he longs for. A classic tale here in 138 page Penguin paperback with fairly large print.