THE NEED OF SPIRITUAL ENDEAVOURS FOR AN INTELLECTUAL EXISTENCE: A RE-READING OF HERMANN HESSE’S SIDDHARTHA

Abstract

HermannHesse’sSiddhartha is focussed on the tribulations of Siddhartha through his quest for inner peace. His journey begins as a young Brahmin who yearned to unwind the complexities of his existence. He ends as an old sage who has found peace within himself and his surroundings. Through this novel Hesse, allows the readers to trace the maturation process both through his experiences and people with whom he comes to contact.Born of Protestant family in Germany he was tremendously influenced by ancient Hindu Philosophy. His search for Eastern mysticism can be seen in this novel. He could recognise the unity of vision
in Hinduism and Buddhism. He could detect the essence of Indian spiritual life led by many people.Siddhartha, the protagonist of the novel, identify the path for attaining enlightenment and he goes in the way where he experiences the worldly life hurdles. He could understand that the enlightenment does not
come from mastering either the material or spiritual world but from finding the common ground between these polarities of existence. Siddhartha finds enlightenment only when he understandsOm, the unity of polarities.