"Appealing" Hermann Hesse

I wrote the stage play Judgment in 1995, which eventually became the basis for the film Appealing (2023). It was only recently that I realized how much the novel Siddhartha affected the content of Judgment (and thus Appealing) — it’s quite astonishing to me. In case you haven’t read the novel, here is a synopsis:

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse explores profound philosophical themes centered around the quest for spiritual enlightenment and the nature of self-discovery. The novel follows the journey of its protagonist, Siddhartha, as he navigates through various stages of life in search of truth, drawing heavily from Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism, while also reflecting Hesse's own existential contemplations. The underlying philosophy of the book emphasizes the individual's path to enlightenment as a personal and unique journey that cannot be wholly taught or learned from others. This reflects the Buddhist concept of the "Middle Way," where Siddhartha learns that neither extreme asceticism nor hedonism leads to true wisdom, but rather a balanced path that integrates all experiences of life.

Central to the philosophy in Siddhartha is the idea of the unity of all things, often encapsulated in the concept of the river that Siddhartha meditates beside. The river symbolizes the flow of life, teaching that all moments are interconnected, and wisdom comes from the understanding of this unity. This notion aligns with the Hindu philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which suggests that the individual self (Atman) and the universal self (Brahman) are one. Siddhartha's interaction with the river and his teacher, Vasudeva, underscores the lesson that enlightenment isn't about escaping the cycle of life but becoming one with it, recognizing the divine in every aspect of existence.

Hesse also explores the theme of time through Siddhartha's experiences. The novel posits that time is an illusion which confines human understanding. By transcending time, Siddhartha achieves a deeper understanding of reality, where past, present, and future merge into an eternal now. This philosophy echoes the teachings of some Buddhist schools that advocate for living in the moment, free from the burdens of past regrets or future anxieties. The river, again, serves as a metaphor for this timelessness, where all moments exist simultaneously, teaching Siddhartha to find peace in the present.

Another philosophical cornerstone in Siddhartha is the notion of love and its transformative power. Siddhartha's relationship with Kamala and his son provide critical lessons on attachment, suffering, and the path to enlightenment. Through these relationships, he learns to love without possession, understanding that true love does not cling but lets go, which is a key aspect of achieving liberation from the self. This theme resonates with Buddhist teachings on non-attachment, where love becomes a means to transcend the ego, leading to a deeper connection with the universe.

Finally, Siddhartha delves into the philosophy of listening and learning from life itself rather than from doctrines or teachers. Siddhartha’s enlightenment is not a result of following any one path but comes from an internal awakening prompted by his life's experiences. This philosophy champions the idea that wisdom is not imparted but discovered through one's own journey, embracing life's contradictions, and finding one's own way to spiritual awakening. Hesse thus promotes a philosophy where the seeker must listen to the voice within, suggesting that true knowledge is self-realized, not bestowed.

There is almost a one-to-one correspondence between the ideas in Siddhartha and Appealing. This is even more obvious in Judgment because I refer to “the universe” instead of “God” (as I do in Appealing). It’s unfortunate that so many people have such a visceral distaste for their concept of “God” that they simply can’t get past the word itself. Appealing encapsulates the mystical experiences of sages from many, varied, religious traditions.

You can find out more about Appealing at AppealingFilm.com, and find Siddhartha at Amazon.

Note that I might make a small commission if you purchase the book through the above link.