Classics Without All the Class discussion

Please discuss anything having to do with part two here. This is from the chapter named "Kamala" to the end.

If you haven't read part two yet, please post your discussion questions and comments in the thread for part one.

One of my favorite parts of this book is when Siddhartha has been living a life of pleasure, and the narrator describes how having everything had only made him duller and emptier.

That is a relevant comment for the age we live in.

The last chapter really got me thinking, when Siddhartha essentially tells his friend that wisdom and profound inner peace cannot be taught, nor can they be actively sought after. Overall I found Part II to be philosophically profound and got me to think a lot about worldly "riches" versus spiritual richness. If any of that makes sense...I only just finished and I'm still processing! :)

I found the second part easier to digest than the first. I think I was too consumed with the religious language to fully take it all in. I am very happy I carried on as the second part is what made the book for me. I felt he sold out when becoming a merchant and was relieved when he finally renounced this life. My favourite part was when he related his own relationship with his son to that of his father and him. Very thought provoking.

Sam wrote: "I found the second part easier to digest than the first. I think I was too consumed with the religious language to fully take it all in. I am very happy I carried on as the second part is what made..."

I enjoy the second part much more than the first, as well. I find him arrogant and prideful in the beginning, but as he gets older he starts to break and humble himself.

As for his arrogance in the beginning, I have to think that it is not unexpected, as arrogance often accompanies youth, only to be humbled by life's let-downs. In that way, Siddartha's journey resembles (perhaps) many people's.

Speaking for myself, I know I was a bit cocky when I was younger. I've certainly mellowed as I got older.

Rob wrote: "As for his arrogance in the beginning, I have to think that it is not unexpected, as arrogance often accompanies youth, only to be humbled by life's let-downs. In that way, Siddartha's journey rese..."

That is very true. I've never considered that.

I really enjoyed Siddartha. It supports the idea that spiritualism is a journey. Often, the errors in judgement/rebellious behavior is part of the process and in the end the faith and inner peace is stronger as it was for Siddartha. On the other hand, his friend Govinda, who followed the straight and narrow through life, was still yearning for something that he never found. Siddartha saw his mistakes as lessons in life and was happier in the end for having strayed from the path.

The section while he is with the merchant made me think strongly of Ecclesiastes, and the Teacher talking about how he has everything, but it is all meaningless. The two come to difference conclusions, of course, but that struggle with finding meaning is certainly timeless.