One of the best novels I’ve read about the human pursuit of enlightenment is Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha . Set in ancient India, it tells the story of Siddhartha who leaves both the comforts and the religious rituals of a Brahmin’s life in order to seek enlightenment. He joins the wandering ascetics known as Samanas. But the hardships of that asceticism as well as its teachings fail to bring enlightenment to Siddhartha. He meets Gotama Buddha eventually. The Buddha is a really enlightened man. But he cannot enlighten Siddhartha. Enlightenment cannot be taught; it has to be experienced. That’s what Siddhartha learns. “ That is why I am going on my way—not to seek another doctrine, for I know there is none, but to leave all doctrines and all teachers and to reach my goal alone—or die.” Siddhartha tells the Buddha. He has to experience enlightenment in his own way. Doctrines and dogmas, rituals and rigours can’t bring enlightenment. Enlightenment is a personal achievemen
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