Siddhartha By Herman Hesse Religious Influences Hinduism Buddhism

Siddhartha By: Herman Hesse

Religious Influences Hinduism Buddhism

Vocabulary Chapter 1 n n n n Ablutions Om Atman Brahmin Upanishads Prajapati Rig Veda samana

What is the characterization of Siddhartha? Siddhartha

Discussion Questions Chapter 1 1. ) What is the plot summary of Chapter 1? 2. ) How do people react to Siddhartha? -Parents -Govinda -Girls -Everyone (in general)

Discussion Questions Continued Ch. 1 3. ) What is the primary conflict introduced in this chapter? -Why is he unhappy? -What does he do about it? -How does he convince his father to go? Why not just go? -Why is Govinda willing to follow him? 4. ) How do you think his life will be as a samana? Will his emptiness fade?

For Homework: n n n Complete Vocabulary List #2 Plot summary of Chapter 2 Three quotes/questions that stood out to you from this chapter or from Chapter 1 (Be sure to have an explanation as to why you selected this quote/question. )

Vocabulary Chapter 2 n n n Self Reincarnation Ascetic Meditation Nirvana Sakyamuni

Chapter 3 In this discussion today, you will answer a series of questions about a section of this chapter. Then, we will switch groups and you will discuss these questions and answers with your new group members. The overall goal is to improve your understanding of the chapter and to communicate different concepts/ideas about the text.

Group 1 (pp. 25 -26) n n 1. ) How popular was the Buddha? 2. ) What was a common custom of the two ascetics and of Buddha throughout Chapter 3? 3. ) Why do they want to know if the lady had seen the Buddha? Has she? 4. ) What other than the woman saying so, encourages Sidd and Govinda that this guy is real?

Group 2 (pp. 27 -28) n n n 1. ) What did they (Sidd and Govinda) observe when they got to the grove? 2. ) How were Sidd and Govinda able to pick out Buddha from the crowd? 3. ) How did the Samanas recognize Buddha in town? 4. ) Why was Sidd skeptical of Buddha’s teachings? 5. ) What does Sidd notice about Buddha’s appearance?

Group 3 (pp. 29 -30) n n n 1. ) What was the experience like about hearing Buddha preach? 2. ) What did Buddha teach? 3. ) Describe the smile used to describe his voice. 4. ) What happened after the sermon? 5. ) Why does Govinda join?

Group 4 (pp. 31 -32) n n 1. ) Why won’t Sidd join Gautama if he says his teachings are good/unflawed? 2. ) What are the emotions Sidd felt for Govinda when they parted? 3. ) Why does Sidd want to speak to the Buddha in private? 4. ) a. How does Sidd describe Buddha’s teachings? b. What shines most from his teachings? 5. ) What flaw/objection does Sidd find? n

Group 5 (pp. 33 -34) 1. ) What kind of person is Sidd for having questioned the Buddha? 2. ) What does the Buddha say about Sidd’s opinion of his teachings? 3. ) a. What is not Buddha’s goal? b. What is Buddha’s goal? 4. ) How does Sidd respond to Buddha’s reply? What does he say? 5. )a. What do Buddha’s teachings teach? b. What don’t they teach?

Group 6 (pp. 35 -36) n n n 1. ) Why does Buddha feel supported by his teachings? 2. ) What is Sidd’s wish for Buddha’s followers? 3. )Why is the Buddha concerned about Sidd and too much cleverness? 4. )What does Sidd admire about Buddha? 5. ) Why does Sidd say Buddha robbed him? What did he give him?