Theme Of Meditation In Siddhartha

The following passage describes how the protagonist and his friend practice meditation which is a major part of Buddhist custom. In the beginning of the novel, when Siddhartha was still living and practicing in his hometown, his day included learning from the holy books, meditation and ablutions. ¨[Godiva and Siddhartha] went to the banyan tree and sat down, twenty paces apart. As he sat down ready to pronounce the Om, Siddhartha softly recited the verse:
´Om is the bow, the arrow is the soul,
Brahman is arrowś goal
At which one aims unflinchingly.´
When the customary time for practice of meditation had passed, Godiva rose. It was now evening.¨ (Hesse 5-6). Siddhartha´s actions represent the last step, Right Contemplation, of the the Holy Eightfold Path. Meditation self-teaches the practitioners to clear their minds of

After, the main character joins with the samanas, wandering ascetics who practice extreme religious habits, the protagonist develops a Buddhist influenced perspective and intentions, ¨Siddhartha had a goal, a single one: to become empty – empty of thirst, empty of desire, empty of dreams, empty of joy and sorrow. ¨(Hesse 11). The following quote resembles the understanding of the Four Noble Truths. Siddhartha understands that suffering is caused by desire. Then, he agrees that suffering can be brought to cessation thus his desire is to become empty and free from suffering. Once a practitioner achieves emptiness they become enlightened. However, it is difficult to be completely empty for example even vacuum contains some particles or atoms. Thus, for a human filled with emotions and thoughts striving to be empty is impossible in principle. The religion states that once a practitioner is enlightened they are filled with peace and wisdom thus it contradicts the search for emptiness. In conclusion, Siddhartha 's quest for emptiness intrigues me because I cannot comprehend the