The many-voiced song of the river echoed softly. Siddhartha looked into the river and saw many pictures in the flowing water. The river's voice was sorrowful. It sang with yearning and sadness, flowing towards its goal ... Siddhartha was now listening intently...to this song of a thousand voices ... then the great song of a thousand voices consisted of one word: Om - Perfection ... From that hour Siddhartha ceased to fight against his destiny.
Hermann HesseI have no desire to walk on water," said Siddhartha. "Let the old shamans satisfy themselves with such skills".
Hermann HesseIt is a pity that you students aren't fully aware of the luxury and abundance in which you live.
Hermann HesseWisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else.
Hermann HesseIn each individual the spirit is made flesh, in each one the whole of creation suffers, in each one a Savior is crucified.
Hermann HesseA game master or teacher who was primarily concerned with being close enough to the "innermost meaning" would be a very bad teacher. To be candid, I myself, for example, have never in my life said a word to my pupils about the "meaning" of music; if there is one it does not need my explanations. On the other hand I have always made a great point of having my pupils count their eighths and sixteenths nicely. Whatever you become, teacher, scholar, or musician, have respect for the "meaning" but do not imagine that it can be taught.
Hermann Hesse