Siddhartha

Hermann Hesse was deeply influenced by tho boundless nature of Indian philosophy - one that inspired him to write one of the most widely read novel of the twentieth century, Siddhartha. Siddhartha, was born into an affluent and privileged Brahmin family, and loved by one and all. Finding himself dissatisfied with the life he is expected to lead, he forsakes his place among the Brahmins and sets out on a spiritual journey to discover nirvana - a higher state of being. This pursuit leads him through a journey of suffering, self denial, allurement of wealth and temptations of sensuality; eventually giving up the material world at the bank of a river, where he meels ferryman who guides him towards his ultimate destiny and shows him how achieving nirvana can not be taught but persevered by one's own will. Here, at the river, he stops searching and submits to the oneness of all.