Collected Works On Buddhism and Hinduism (eBook)

Edwin Arnold's 'Collected Works on Buddhism and Hinduism' is a compelling anthology that serves as a bridge between Eastern philosophy and Western readership. Within the pages of this tome, one finds Arnold's 'The Light of Asia,' a narrative poem that eloquently relays the life and teachings of Prince Gautama Siddhartha, later known as the Buddha. Alongside this work are Arnold's renditions of seminal texts such as 'The Song Celestial,' his interpretation of the Bhagavad-Gita, as well as an assortment of writings that intricately detail aspects of Buddhist and Hindu doctrine, poetry, and mythos. Arnold's use of rich, prosaic verse and accessible translations preserves the essence of these timeless narratives, whilst his literary style bridges the gap between the ornate Eastern narrative traditions and the analytical Western literary frameworks, making these treasures more approachable for his contemporaries and scholars alike.

Edwin Arnold, an esteemed English poet and journalist of the Victorian era, was driven by a passion to make accessible the profound philosophies of the East to the English-speaking readership. Such a fascination was arguably precipitated by the milieu of the British imperial presence in Asia, which engendered an intellectual curiosity amongst Europeans regarding the cultures and religions under their colonial domain. Arnold's approach was groundbreaking, as it humanized and valorized Eastern thought at a time when Orientalism often cast these civilizations in a lesser light. The Enlightenment principles of reason and progress echoed in his works, coupled with Arnold's own erudition and poesy, offered a unique retelling that sought to transcend cultural and spiritual boundaries.

Arthur's 'Collected Works on Buddhism and Hinduism' is an indispensable contribution to the cross-cultural literary canon, and is particularly recommended for those with an interest in religious studies, comparative philosophy, and the transcultural exchange of ideas. His contributions lay foundational stones for the Western understanding of Eastern spirituality, and his work endures as both a scholarly resource and a touchstone for those seeking to explore the nexus of Eastern wisdom and Western literary form. Readers who wish to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of South Asian religious heritage, as well as to appreciate the art of prosaic poetry, will find great value in the astute interpretations presented within this collection.