Siddhartha By: Herman Hesse

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SiddharthaBy Herman Hesse
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Religious Influences

• Hinduism

• Buddhism

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Vocabulary Chapter 1

• Ablutions
• Om
• Atman
• Brahmin
• Upanishads
• Prajapati
• Rig Veda
• samana

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What is the characterization of Siddhartha?
Siddhartha
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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)

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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?

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For Homework

• 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.)

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Vocabulary Chapter 2

• Self
• Reincarnation
• Ascetic
• Meditation
• Nirvana
• Sakyamuni

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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.

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Group 1 (pp.25-26)

• 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?

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Group 2 (pp.27-28)

• 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 Buddhas teachings?
• 5.) What does Sidd notice about Buddhas
  appearance?

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Group 3 (pp.29-30)

• 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?

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Group 4 (pp. 31-32)

• 1.) Why wont 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 Buddhas teachings?
• b. What shines most from his teachings?
• 5.) What flaw/objection does Sidd find?

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Group 5 (pp.33-34)

• 1.) What kind of person is Sidd for having
  questioned the Buddha?
• 2.) What does the Buddha say about Sidds opinion
  of his teachings?
• 3.) a. What is not Buddhas goal? b.What is
  Buddhas goal?
• 4.) How does Sidd respond to Buddhas reply?
  What does he say?
• 5.)a. What do Buddhas teachings teach?
• b. What dont they teach?

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Group 6 (pp.35-36)

• 1.) Why does Buddha feel supported by his
  teachings?
• 2.) What is Sidds wish for Buddhas 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?