In Siddhartha, Hermann Hesse grapples with his own sickness with life (Lebenskrankheit) by diving deep into Indian philosophy, particularly the teachings found in the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The extended duration it took to write the latter half of the novel reflects Hesses longing for the transcendental state of unity that Siddhartha seeks. To achieve this, Hesse adopted a reclusive lifestyle, fully immersing himself in the sacred wisdom of both Hindu and Buddhist scriptures. His quest was for the completeness that epitomizes the Buddhas enlightenment. The novels structure mirrors the traditional life stages of Hindu males—student (brahmacharin), householder (grihastha), and recluse (vanaprastha)—alongside the Buddhas four noble truths and eight-fold path, culminating in twelve chapters. Ralph Freedman notes Hesses assertion that Siddharthas ultimate wisdom does not come from any teacher but from a river that speaks in a unique voice and a benevolent old man who embodies hidden saintliness. In a lecture, Hesse emphasized that Buddhas path to salvation, often critiqued for its focus on cognition, transcends mere intellectual understanding; it is a spiritual journey earned through rigorous self-discipline and selflessness. Freedman highlights Hesses internal struggle, portraying the tension between the restless quest for freedom and the serenity of home, as well as the interplay of varied experiences and a unifying spirit. Eberhard Ostermann illustrates how Hesse blends the religious genre with modern narrative, seeking to navigate the complex impacts of modernization, including individualization, pluralism, and self-discipline.
