I read this book when I was in my late teens and the message of "I can think, I can wait, I can fast" made a very big impression on me. One of my all time favorite books which you provided a useful summary and commentary upon. I'd be curious what practices you engage personally to put this wisdom into motion.
Rick, that is an all time line, one that spoke to me as well. Regarding your question - I mediate sometimes. I usually intermittent fast every day. And I often take a deep breath and think about the symbol of the river both as it is described in the story, and as the metaphor for the human mind I wrote in this essay. Also I love the quote from the story that says: "here is a doctrine at which you will laugh. It seems to me, Govinda, that love is the most important thing in the world." I'm glad to hear you read that at such an early age. What parts of it resonated with you the most?
I read it so long ago the main two things I remember that stuck with me are the quote I shared above and just the general subject of meditation, which along with a few other influences at the time led to a lifelong meditation practice.
Or as Kramer did, just say serenity now
These pretzels are making me thirsty.
classic show.
Nice article Jeff! Very concise and to the point. I haven’t read siddhartha, would you recommend?
Thank you, Stefano. Yes I would definitely recommend reading Siddhartha.
I read this book when I was in my late teens and the message of "I can think, I can wait, I can fast" made a very big impression on me. One of my all time favorite books which you provided a useful summary and commentary upon. I'd be curious what practices you engage personally to put this wisdom into motion.
Rick, that is an all time line, one that spoke to me as well. Regarding your question - I mediate sometimes. I usually intermittent fast every day. And I often take a deep breath and think about the symbol of the river both as it is described in the story, and as the metaphor for the human mind I wrote in this essay. Also I love the quote from the story that says: "here is a doctrine at which you will laugh. It seems to me, Govinda, that love is the most important thing in the world." I'm glad to hear you read that at such an early age. What parts of it resonated with you the most?
I read it so long ago the main two things I remember that stuck with me are the quote I shared above and just the general subject of meditation, which along with a few other influences at the time led to a lifelong meditation practice.
Superb read, Jeff! I aspire to write as good as you do.
Thank you, Sebastián, that is very kind of you.
SOLID BRO!
JIM
So glad to hear from you Jim! Hope all is well with you in California. I appreciate you.
The part of the story in siddhartha that resonated most with me was his relationship with his son, and the realization he came to at the end of it
Yeah that part of the story was powerful.
It’s brought me a lot of peace with some of my challenging relationships
I’m glad to hear that, Charisse.
Jeff. I really loved this! So true yet so hard for us humans to realize and live this!!
Thank you Ann. Yes it is hard. I love Siddhartha.
I really enjoyed this Jeff. Thank you.
Thank you, Mary. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Love your writing style, Jeff!
Thank you!
I love this summary. So incredibly true yet so hard for us humans to realize!