Through the reading and contemplation of Herman Hesse's novel Siddhartha, this course will explore the conscious path of relinquishment, which includes physical, mental, emotional, and psychological letting go in order to reach a spiritual state of non-attachment. Hesse's entertaining and enlightening literary work allows readers to travel along with Siddhartha on his evolutionary path while also inquiring deeply into their own attachments and areas of stuckness in their personal and spiritual lives.
We will read the whole book together during class. Jake will be doing a special presentation on Mahayana Buddhism and Mythology as part of the final class using photographs he took from various temples during his time living and traveling in Southeast Asia.