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Buddhism -- Fiction Books

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Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha

"Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse is a novel published in 1922 that follows a young Brahmin's spiritual quest for enlightenment in ancient India during the time of the Buddha. Rejecting both ascetic extremes and worldly pleasures, Siddhartha embarks on his own path of self-discovery, encountering love, wealth, suffering, and loss. Through these experiences and the wisdom of a humble ferryman beside a mystical river, he seeks to transcend time and understand the complete unity of all existence.

Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha: eine indische Dichtung

"Siddhartha: eine indische Dichtung" by Hermann Hesse is a novel published in 1922. It follows a young Brahmin's quest for spiritual enlightenment during the time of the Buddha. Rejecting both ascetic deprivation and material wealth, Siddhartha embarks on a solitary journey through love, loss, and ultimately, the wisdom of a river. This lyrical tale explores whether true understanding comes from teachings or lived experience, and what it means to find completeness in an ever-changing world.

Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha: A Poem of India

"Siddhartha: A Poem of India" by Hermann Hesse is a novel published in 1922 that follows a young Brahmin's spiritual quest for self-discovery in ancient India during the time of Gautama Buddha. Rejecting traditional teachings, Siddhartha seeks his own path to enlightenment through asceticism, wealth, love, and loss. His journey leads him to a river where, guided by a humble ferryman, he learns that wisdom comes not from doctrine but from embracing the totality of life's experiences and recognizing the timeless unity of all existence.

Paul Dahlke

Aus dem Reiche des Buddha: Sieben Erzählungen

"Aus dem Reiche des Buddha: Sieben Erzählungen" by Paul Dahlke is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book likely explores themes related to Buddhism, ethics, and the human condition, using characters intertwined with the teachings and philosophy of the Buddha. The main narrative arc appears to center on the character Suriyagoda, a monk who undergoes various trials and tribulations while grappling with love, attachment, and spiritual awakening. The opening of the book introduces Suriyagoda, who has been living as a monk for many years, with his past life before monasticism now a distant memory. The story reflects on Suriyagoda's childhood, highlighting a poignant moment when he decides to leave his father's strict Brahmin household to follow a monk he admires. As he grows within the monastic community, Suriyagoda strives to attain enlightenment but faces the challenge of a prophecy from a mysterious fakir foretelling that he must pass through the trials of love. The narrative delves into Suriyagoda's internal struggles regarding attachment and spiritual discipline as he contemplates his path towards ultimate realization, setting up the groundwork for the moral and philosophical dilemmas he will encounter throughout the collection.

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