The Light of Asia (book)

The Light of Asia is a poetic work by Edwin Arnold based on the life of Gautama Buddha. Siddhartha was a prince, well-educated and of high status. He married a beautiful and had a son. On one of his tours around the country, he was shocked and saddened by the suffering of the people and the abuse of animals. He left the palace and relinquished all worldly pleasures to go in search of truth and meaning. Finally he achieved Nirvana while sitting under a Bodhi tree in Gaya. From that point on, he was known as the Buddha. The main principle of his teachings was ahimsa or non-violence toward fellow creatures.

Impact of this work

Arnold's work caught the imagination of many in the West, and greatly increased popular interest in Buddhism and the religions of the East.

Rukmini Devi Arundale created a theatrical production of The Light of Asia with the assistance of Alex and Mary Elmore. It was also produced by All India Radio at their Marshal Road Studios.