In tonight's episode, we honor the timeless work of Oscar Wilde as we celebrate the anniversary of his birth on October 16th, 1854. We’ll dive into one of his most beloved stories, The Selfish Giant, a touching tale about love, kindness, and transformation.

After our literary journey, we’ll turn our gaze to the night sky. This week marks the beginning of the Orionid Meteor Shower, and with the First Quarter Moon rising on October 17th, it's the perfect time to reflect on our intentions and actions. Together, we’ll explore how these celestial events can inspire moments of mindfulness and wonder.

Settle in, take a deep breath, and let these calming stories and cosmic reflections guide you into peaceful rest.

Join me every week on the Late Night Show as we wind down together with reflections on life, history, and the universe. Each episode celebrates anniversaries of remarkable individuals and moments that have shaped our world. From the peaceful messages of John Lennon and Mahatma Gandhi, to the wonders of the night sky, we explore themes of mindfulness, peace, and the beauty of new beginnings.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 25 (last Episode)

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: The Final Understanding

In this narrative, Govinda, who has spent his life in the pursuit of spiritual wisdom through traditional ascetic practices, revisits his childhood friend, Siddhartha, now a wise ferryman. Siddhartha, having taken a radically different path that involved immersing himself in the worldly and the mundane to find truth, imparts a profound lesson that challenges Govinda's strict adherence to monastic discipline. This encounter unfolds at the river's edge, where philosophical discussions reveal Siddhartha's deep realizations about life, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all existence. As Govinda grapples with these insights, he experiences a transformative realization that blurs the lines between the seeker and the enlightenment sought, between the individual self and the universal.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 24

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: Govinda

In this profound encounter between Siddhartha and his old friend Govinda, wisdom and reality intertwine. Govinda, a monk in search of truth, finds Siddhartha living a simple life as a ferryman. Despite Govinda's adherence to his ascetic teachings, he is intrigued by Siddhartha’s serene disposition and unconventional wisdom. Siddhartha, reflecting on his life’s journey and the insights gained through varied experiences, explains the limitations of rigid doctrines and the expansive nature of true knowledge. As Siddhartha shares his understanding of existence and perception, Govinda grapples with these enlightening but challenging perspectives, confronting his own beliefs and the essence of spiritual fulfillment.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 23

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: The Final Lesson

In this poignant episode, Siddhartha and Vasudeva share a deeply transformative conversation in the humble surroundings of their hut. As they weave baskets, the two reflect on Siddhartha's journey—his struggles with desire and envy, his search for understanding, and his profound encounters with the river. The river's laughter becomes a catalyst for an intense and enlightening exchange, where Siddhartha confronts his past, embracing the wisdom that flows from his experiences. This conversation marks a pivotal moment of realization and farewell, where Vasudeva, seeing Siddhartha's newfound peace, decides it's time to leave the material world behind, entrusting the ferryman’s role to Siddhartha.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 22

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: OM

Siddhartha wrestles with the burning wound of longing and envy, as he reflects on his relationship with his son and the people around him. He begins to understand the depth of the desires that drive the "childlike people" and discovers the importance of unity in all aspects of life. The river's laughter brings him back to his own past, forcing him to recognize the cyclical nature of suffering and the futility of resisting fate. He returns to the hut, hoping to find solace and guidance in the wisdom of Vasudeva.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 21

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: The Father

Siddhartha embarks on a journey to search for his runaway son, grappling with a mix of anguish and hope. He reflects on the memories of his past and the lessons he's learned, realizing the importance of letting go and the futility of trying to control another's fate. Guided by the wisdom of Vasudeva and the teachings of the river, he learns to embrace patience and acceptance, recognizing that each path is personal and unique.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 20

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: The Son

In the serene setting by the river, Siddhartha grapples with his role as a father to his grieving son, who struggles to adapt to a life far removed from the luxuries he once knew. Through Vasudeva’s wisdom and the incessant teachings of the river, Siddhartha learns the delicate art of patience and the deep-seated power of acceptance, even as he faces his own internal conflicts and the challenges of fatherhood. This narrative explores the transformative journey Siddhartha undertakes as he seeks to connect with his son, not through force, but through understanding and compassion.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 19

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: Pilgrims

Siddhartha and Vasudeva encounter pilgrims journeying to see the Buddha before his death. Among them is Kamala, who succumbs to a snake bite on the riverbank. Siddhartha, deeply affected by her passing, reflects on the transience of life and the unity of existence. Despite his grief, he finds solace in the arrival of his son and the lessons of the river, with Vasudeva guiding him towards acceptance and peace.

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Episode: 18

New translation by: Ralf Eisend

Narrator: Ralf Eisend

Available as Book and E-Book on ⁠Amazon⁠

This Episode: Siddhartha and Vasudeva

Siddhartha stays with the ferryman, Vasudeva, and learns to handle the boat and listen to the river. While Vasudeva guides Siddhartha in practical tasks, the river itself becomes his ultimate teacher, imparting lessons about life, unity, and timelessness. Through their quiet companionship, Siddhartha learns to perceive the interconnectedness of all things and finds wisdom in the river's eternal flow.