Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Quest Books (1969), Edition: 1st Quest Edition, 165 pages (First Published 1879)
Description
Fiction. Poetry. HTML: The Light of Asia, subtitled The Great Renunciation, weaves through its poetic verses the life and philosophy of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment under the bodhi tree and became the Buddha. Receiving high acclaim since its publication in 1879, Edwin Arnold's work was adapted from the Lalitavistara Sutra (The Unfolding of the Play.) In the time before this work came out, little was known about Buddhism or the Buddha outside of Asia..
User reviews
LibraryThing member JamesBlake
Long narrative poem from 1879 by the English author Edwin Arnold, retelling the traditional life story of the Buddha. Mostly of interest as an example of how westerners perceived and approached Buddhism in the nineteenth century. With an introduction by Sangharakshita of the FWBO.
LibraryThing member Marse
This is the story of Siddharta, told in blank verse. It is lovely to read with beautiful imagery. My only complaint is that often Sir Edward would use words that are unknown in English, so that a glossary or notes would be helpful. Overall, however, it is an enjoyable experience to read this book.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1879
Physical description
165 p.; 5 inches
ISBN
0835604055 / 9780835604055
Local notes
This is a 19th century British Theosophical work, a long devotional poem on the life of the Buddha. Anna's first exposure to Buddha-dharma, when she was about 12.