Reflection on “Siddhartha”

Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse: A Journey of Wandering and Crisis, Focused on Hesse’s Life

Key Sections

Siddhartha, reflecting on the origins of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment, realizes that the origin lies in Buddha’s own experiences—his first-person experience. Buddha’s teachings, therefore, are based on something that cannot be presented or proven. Consequently, Siddhartha realizes that Buddha’s enlightenment cannot be transferred to him in its entirety, leading him to challenge Buddha. Ultimately, Siddhartha embraces the importance of personal experience and begins his journey of self-discovery.

These passages express Siddhartha’s deep understanding of emotions and self, revealing his insights into the essence of feelings and the realization of phenomena. He delves into the core of emotions, recognizing that understanding them causes them to radiate their true nature. Furthermore, in terms of self-concept, he discovers that even if experiences are mere illusions or coincidences, they are still worth savoring and cherishing.

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↔ How does this relate to Anil Seth’s concept of consciousness as “controlled hallucination”?

Even if it is so, to find its meaning, it must be fully savored and loved.

Life contains no inherent happiness, sorrow, success, or failure. These concepts require standards and evaluation. They exist solely within the experience of living “I.” No third party can truly empathize with or evaluate my life. Common standards or public opinions are nothing but illusions, mere misconceptions.

Let us clearly distinguish between the aspects of life we can control and those we cannot. While this is the most challenging task, focusing solely on the controllable aspects will clarify how to navigate life. The beginning and momentum of my life lie in faith, and it is this faith that determines the direction and trajectory of the arrow that is my life.