Review-Siddhartha

A master-piece in itself, with extra-ordinary compilation of thoughts, and enchanting piece of intelligent literature, is good enough to make an impression.

Balanced review would ideally involve the positives and negatives but, literally, I have nothing negative to say about it.

But, a skeptical me, is continuously pushing me to a point which is the essential philosophy of the book. I don’t know whether it is justified to question about the relevance of Siddhartha’s (the book) and Siddhartha’s gravitas and the philosophies behind them. But,the point is “Is it relevant and acceptable to just sit by the side of the river and try to achieve the sense of “being”?” Can we afford such inaction?

Siddhartha is one of the many literatures which try to explain the meaning of life and it takes the reader on a practical journey. Sometimes, Siddhartha guides you on this journey and sometimes, you realize something and try to guide yourself, ultimately, you are guided to your inner self. Finally, the reader tries to discover the truth of life, meaning inherited in it, searching peace and sole purpose of life.

Siddhartha tries to learn from the river. It is a metaphorical use. The “river” here signifies the flow of everything around you, so relating changing aspect of everything with it. The work is about self-discovery. It shows the values and path that everyone should consider integrating with his life to enrich himself with peace. The book has the tendency to get absorbed into the reader and starts resonating with him and making him realize about the right course of action.

It is a tail about the transformation of a mortal to self-evolved, self-realized prophet and wise-man. It tells that realization of “Niravana” is the core and attainment of this fact is the sole purpose of life.

The book has the ability to appeal the inner consciousness of those who have interest in religion and philosophy. In-depth analysis of life and effect of spiritualism on it, have made significant impact on the novel.

ASHUTOSH KATIYAR

2006MT50432