Classics Without All the Class discussion

In reading Siddhartha, it's important to have a general understanding of Buddhism. If you have any questions about the religion, especially in relation to the text, please ask them here.

I am neither Buddhist nor an expert on Buddhism; therefore, it would be helpful if those more knowledgeable about the subject would answer any questions posted.

I struggled a bit through part one since I had a hard time distinguishing what part of the philosophy was Hesse, what was his character, and what was actually Buddhism. I'm not sure what the overall idea of it is: to completely lose sense of self? Or more to find a sense of contentment? I come from a very western background on faith, so some of the subtleties of Buddhism escape me.

Some of the messages I got were:

Love is the most important thing in the world, deeds and life versus words, everything is happening right now including past and future, everyone has to take their own path, secret knowledge of the Self, of the Eternal Self.