Day 1, 20 Dec- Chapter 1: "The Son of the Brahmin"
Day 2, 21 Dec- Chapter 2: "With the Samanas"
Day 3, 22 Dec- Chapter 3: "Gotama"
Day 4, 23 Dec- Chapter 4: "Awakening"
Part II
Day 5, 24 Dec- Chapter 5: "Kamala"
Day 6, 25 Dec- Chapter 6: "With the Childlike People"
Day 7, 26 Dec- Chapter 7: "Sansara"
Day 8, 27 Dec- Chapter 8: "By the River"
Day 9, 28 Dec- Chapter 9: "The Ferryman"
Day 10, 29 Dec- Chapter 10: "The Son"
Day 11, 30 Dec- Chapter 11: "Om"
Day 12, 31 Dec- Chapter 12: "Govinda"
Introduction
Siddhartha
by Hermann Hesse is my favorite book (not to be confused with the best book). I've been reading it annually
since 2009. Last year, I read with two small groups, one on twitter with hashtag #HesseTogether, and the other on whatsapp.
Siddhartha is a short and relatively easy read. The book is broken into two parts with a total of 12 chapters,
~100-150 pages depending on the copy. The audiobooks of Siddhartha are ~6
hours, reading the book in one day or even one sitting is very
doable. I've read Siddhartha multiple times in one sitting. The book is
public domain, see below for free ebook and or audiobook.
Discussion and Reading Schedule
I will read and discuss the book a chapter a day. Readers should read the book at whatever pace they want, but keep discussions to the schedule. Discussing and connecting to previous chapters is always acceptable. But assume at least one person doesn't want spoilers.
Carry over from 2022
Last year I intended to do all these with the corresponding chapters, but I only fasted. This year I want to attempt all of them, but I won't match the activity with the reading day.
Feel free to participate in any, all, or none of the activities. The activities are linked to the reading. They are intended to parallel Siddhartha's journey in some way. This should be something enjoyable. Engage as a form of play with varying opportunities for fun, exploration, or a new experiences, and if lucky enlightenment. If you're unsure about your ability to perform any of the following activities, please consult your physician.
The real reason for this is because I want to justify gambling (with fake money), see Activity 7.
- Activity 1- stand still. Set a timer and or stopwatch, and measure how long you can stand still. Stand without fidgeting, leaning body weight from side to side, bending knees, etc. This activity is a good diagnostic for back strength. If your back is sore or aching, you probably need to strengthen your back and spend more time standing and walking.
- Activity 2- fast. It can be for any length of time, see intermittent fasting for ideas to fit your lifestyle.
- Activity 3- listen to a guru. It can be any topic. Find The One! Alan Watts is a good option.
- Activity 4- when it is time to go home for the day, go somewhere else. (you can go home after the someone else if you choose).
- Activity 5- play in the art of love making
- Activity 6- spend time getting to know someone who Kamaswami would think is a waste of time and money.
- Activity
7- poker night! Maybe we can do a zoom conference and play poker. More
details to come.
- Activity 8- find any body of water. Sit, relax, and appreciate the water (read the chapter by the water if you can bare the weather).
- Activity 9- find someone who has a story to tell, listen to them and attempt to give them all your full attention. Ask a question if you must, but don't share, just listen.
- Activity 10- discipline your child, they probably need it :).
- Activity 11- "Om!"
- Activity 12- Enlighten a friend
Public Domain Ebook and Audiobook
- Siddhartha at Standard Ebooks
- Siddhartha in German and English translation from Project Gutenberg
- Siddhartha public domain audiobook at LibriVox
- Many audio options on podcasts or youtube
Pre-Reading Resources
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