THE BOOK CORNER                                  
                                  Siddhartha   

by Hermann Hesse

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is full of wonderful Eastern wisdom and inspiration. The story is not about buddha, per se, but it is similar to his story in that Siddhartha (Buddha was first given the name Siddhartha) is born of a rich ruler and he follows a path similar to the Buddha's.He lives during Buddha's time and actually meets with him. Although he respects Buddha, he does not become a follower and seeks out his own truth.

Siddhartha experiences the material and sexual cravings that entrap so many of us in this world. He has to work through the suffering they bring before he can reject them. The reader is shown beautifully the value of the spiritual lie as well as what is takes to have it.  

The most memorable aspects of this classic are the simple style in which it is written and the enchantment of the river he comes to love. For me, this was a soothing and easy read. I, too, learned the love of the river. May you enjoy to the greatest depths of your being.
Review by Robert Ongley