The Light of Asia

The Light of Asia is a book written by Edwin Arnold, published in 1879. It is a narrative poem that tells the story of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as the Buddha. The book is divided into eight parts, each representing a significant stage in the Buddha's life. The narrative begins with the birth of Siddhartha, who was born into a royal family in ancient India. It then follows his journey of self-discovery, as he leaves behind his life of luxury and sets out to find the truth about human suffering. The book describes the Buddha's encounters with various people, including ascetics, Brahmins, and ordinary people, as he seeks enlightenment. It also explores his teachings, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which form the foundation of Buddhism. The Light of Asia is not only a retelling of the Buddha's life but also a commentary on the nature of existence, the human condition, and the search for spiritual enlightenment. It is written in a lyrical and poetic style, making it a work of art as well as a philosophical treatise. The book has been widely acclaimed for its vivid imagery, its insightful commentary on Buddhism, and its beautiful language. It remains a classic work of literature and an essential read for anyone interested in Buddhism or Eastern philosophy.1879. In the following Poem I have sought by the medium of an imaginary Buddhist votary, to depict the life and character and indicate the philosophy of that noble hero and reformer, Prince Gautama of India, the founder of Buddhism.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.