March 10, 2021 Siddhartha by Herman Hess
In the novel, Siddhartha, a young man, leaves his family for a contemplative life, then, restless, discards it for one of the flesh. He conceives a son, but bored and sickened by lust and greed, moves on again. Near despair, Siddhartha comes to a river where he hears a unique sound. This sound signals the true beginning of his life -- the beginning of suffering, rejection, peace, and, finally, wisdom. To add to our conversation, we will have present a friend of a friend who is a lifelong Buddhist and spent part of his childhood in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. He will share how his Buddhist Faith has been important throughout his long life. Thanks to Temp Sparkman for writing comments and questions.
Some questions on “Siddhartha.” I’ve listed pages so you can see the context of each question. I’ve listed pages so you can see the context of each question. Surely group members will be pleased to read passages out load.
Siddhartha had a happy life in a vibrate family. He grew up around learned men and a mother that sang to him. His Brahmin father “saw him growing up to be a prince among the Brahmins.” But Siddhartha began to question his rearing. p 3-5
1. When did you begin questioning the teachings you grew up with?
2. Siddhartha was determined to “Let the self die.” p 11
Have you or anyone you know attempt this kind of inward journey? Is it possible to empty the self?
When a group of Samanas passed through his town Siddhartha and his friend Gaventa decided to join them the in their simple life styles. Then they met the Buddha “Gotama.” p25
3. Is anyone in our group ‘Buddhist’ or has at least read about the Buddha?
After leaving the Buddha, Siddhartha awakens fully present to himself and to the world. (Have someone read p 33, paragraph 2)
4. Has anyone had a similar moment with a devout religious person?
The book gives a long passage on Siddhartha euphoria of the world around him. (Read p 37.)
5. Has anyone experienced this kind of moment of awareness?
Did this turn in Siddhartha pilgrimage surprise anyone? Do you see a connection between this and his early rearing?
Siddhartha has a strange dream, (Read p 40)
6. Anyone here want to interpret the dream?
In a moment or euphoria S. becomes fully present to himself and the world. (Have read p 37, 38.)
7. What were you thinking as this was being read? What does it say about his state of mind? Is this going to set the tone for the rest of his life?
Siddhartha comes upon a beautiful woman Kamal. p 41-43. He wants to please her by reading one of his poems. (Read on p 47.) She likes it enough to give a kiss, but tells him that to get him out of poverty’s grip he should visit the merchant Kamaswami which he did.)
8. Were you surprised that Siddhartha succeeded as a merchant?
Then that he eventually rejects it? (Read last paragraph p 80-81.)
Siddhartha meets a Ferryman at the river and recounts his rejection of riches to give him meaning. Then he meets Kamala, on her way to a pilgrimage to Gotama. with her son named Siddhartha. She is dying from a snake bite.
9. How did you react to Siddhartha attempts to reach his son? (Read p 95, paragraph 2, p 96, paragraph 2, p 100, paragraphs 2 & 3.
Siddhartha has become the Ferryman and is telling the now old ferryman his altered consciousness of the river as summarizing his life.
Read 107 paragraph 2, second paragraph and page 111 first paragraph.)
10. As a group, pronounce ‘Om’ 5 times.
Siddhartha’s oldest friend Gaventa appears and asks Siddhartha “Have you a doctrine, belief or knowledge which you uphold, which helps you to act and feel and right?” (Read p 120, paragraph 3.)
11. If you read the pages of this reunion, what did you make of them?
12. Reviewers have tagged “Siddhartha’ as a search for meaning.
As you read about him, did you reflect on whether you can characterize your own life? Do you remember when you began thinking intentionally about your life? (a teacher, in a business, in government, as housewife/house husband, religious ministry, counselor, et al.)
April 14, 2021 The Jungle by Upton Sinclair.
This 1906 novel by the American journalist and novelist Upton Sinclair (1878–1968). The novel portrays the harsh conditions and exploited lives of immigrants in the United States in Chicago and similar industrialized cities. Sinclair's primary purpose in describing the meat industry and its working conditions was to advance socialism in the United States.
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