Hello,
I strongly encourage the reading of "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse. Set during the time of the Supreme Buddha Shakyamuni, it follows the journey of Siddhartha, who follows a similar spiritual quest for "enlightenment" as the Buddha.
I feel very fortunate that my dad and my friends encouraged me to read this enjoyable and profound novel when I was in high school. I have found this book to be useful over the years whenever I have been faced with life’s challenging questions. “Siddartha” opens the mind to appreciating all of life's events, good and bad, and understanding that life’s lessons lead to experience, knowledge, and eventually wisdom. Herman Hesse’s writing flows so well that it can easily be read in one sitting. I hope you take the time to read this very important book that will potentially change your perception and life.
Other books I recommend from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds addressing the human condition include: "The Four-Fold Way" by Angeles Arrien; "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach; "Mastery" by Hazrat Inayat Khan; and "The Penguin Krishnamurti Reader", a collection of works by Jiddu Krishnamurti. Also interesting are "Striking Thoughts: Bruce Lee's Wisdom for Daily Living" by Bruce Lee and "Chelsea Horror Hotel" by Dee Dee Ramone, the infamous bassist and songwriter from the Ramones.
Best regards,
Ian
