Author
Edwin Arnold
1832-1904
Edwin Arnold (1832-1904) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Edwin Arnold
The Light of Asia
"The Light of Asia" by Sir Edwin Arnold is a narrative poem published in 1879. It tells the story of Prince Siddharta Gautama's transformation into the Buddha, the Awakened One. Through verse, Arnold presents the Buddha's life, character, and philosophy, tracing his journey from sheltered prince to enlightened teacher. Written when Buddhism was little known in the West, this free adaptation of ancient texts became one of the first works to successfully introduce Buddhist teachings to Western readers, inspiring figures like Mahatma Gandhi and spawning translations into over thirty languages.
Indian Poetry Containing "The Indian Song of Songs," from the Sanskrit of the Gîta Govinda of Jayadeva, Two books from "The Iliad Of India" (Mahábhárata), "Proverbial Wisdom" from the Shlokas of the Hitopadesa, and other Oriental Poems.
"Indian Poetry" by Sir Edwin Arnold is a collection of translations and adaptations of classic Indian works, likely written in the late 19th century. This anthology includes significant pieces such as "The Indian Song of Songs," which draws from the Sanskrit text of the Gita Govinda, along with selections from the Mahabharata and various Oriental poems. The collection explores themes of love, devotion, and mythological narratives, prominently featuring the divine love story of Krishna and Radha. The opening of this poetic collection begins with an introduction, paying homage to the poet Jayadeva, who richly depicts the adventures and emotional struggles of Krishna in relation to his beloved Radha. It illustrates Krishna's playful yet tumultuous interactions with other maidens, setting the stage for themes of longing and love. The verses weave vivid imagery of the natural world, intertwined with human emotions, as Radha awaits Krishna's presence. The translations echo the lyrical quality of the originals while capturing the essence of divine romance, setting a tone of yearning and spiritual depth that invites readers into the intricate tapestry of Indian poetic tradition.