Siddhartha

As you listen to this compelling spiritual quest - one of the most important works of twentieth century fiction - you will hear Hermann Hesse's story of Siddhartha, a wealthy Brahmin's son whose search for enlightenment leads him to the river of life itself. On his journey, Siddhartha learns from many teachers: the ascetic Samanas, the all-knowing Gotama the Buddha, Kamala the lovely courtesan, and Vasudeva the simple ferryman. But their examples do not satisfy him -- sensualism brings him no comfort, and he rejects the value of suffering. Unwilling to accept the wisdom of others, Siddhartha finally comes to an understanding of himself and his place in the universe, achieving the enlightened state of mind in which he can say to his lifelong friend, "The world, Govinda, is perfect at every moment." Siddhartha reaches new artistic heights through the voice of reader, Derek Jacobi. The skill and insight in Jacobi's reading beautifully evoke the spiritual experience of Siddhartha's quest in this fictional story of Buddha. Here, through his light approach to Hesse's philosophical prose, Jacobi reveals the humor and luminosity of Siddhartha's ultimate resolution. 2 cassettes.