Edwin Arnold Book order (chronological)

The discourse between Arjuna, a prince, and Krishna, the Supreme Being, explores profound philosophical and spiritual themes central to the Mahâbhârata. This classic text has been significant throughout history. Alpha Editions has republished it in a modern format, ensuring its clarity and readability by reformatting and retyping the original work, rather than relying on scanned copies. This effort aims to preserve the text for both present and future generations, highlighting its enduring relevance.

This book is a reproduction of a historical work, presented in large print to enhance accessibility for readers with impaired vision. The publishing house Megali focuses on making such texts available, ensuring that important historical literature can be enjoyed by a wider audience.

Focusing on the core teachings and philosophy of Buddhism, this classic text delves into the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. The author offers clear explanations of essential concepts, supported by various Buddhist scriptures and commentaries. Additionally, historical and cultural contexts enrich the reader's understanding of Buddhism's development. This insightful exploration serves as an excellent introduction for those seeking to grasp the essence of this ancient and influential religion.

The 1861 English translation by Sir Edwin Arnold presents the Hitopadeśa, a classic Indian text featuring fables that blend animal and human characters. This collection imparts maxims and worldly wisdom, offering guidance on political matters through accessible language. Although the text is thought to date back to the 12th century, its origins likely trace to Narayana between 800 and 950 CE. The oldest known manuscript, found in Nepal, dates to the 14th century, linking its content and style to the ancient Panchatantra.

Rooted in the epic Mahabharata, this revered text presents profound wisdom through its poetic narrative of two feuding cousin factions. Known as the Celestial Song, it serves as a practical self-help guide, offering insights for achieving mental steadiness and joy in daily endeavors. Its timeless teachings resonate powerfully with the fast-paced challenges of modern life. Edwin Arnold's translation captures the essence of this spiritual classic, making it accessible to contemporary readers seeking guidance and inspiration.

Exploring themes of love, divinity, and cultural heritage, this collection features a series of poetic sargas centered around Krishna's life and adventures, including his trials and union with Radha. Alongside these narratives, the anthology presents miscellaneous Oriental poems that reflect diverse aspects of Indian and Middle Eastern culture, such as the Rajpoot Wife and King Saladin. The work also includes wisdom from the Hitopadesa, enriching the reader's understanding of philosophical and moral insights from these traditions.

The book features an epic poem by Sir Edwin Arnold that explores the life and teachings of the Buddha through the perspective of an imagined Buddhist follower. Written in a rich, Tennysonian style, it stands out for its deep spiritual insights and poetic form. Arnold, who was also a journalist, attempted to convey the essence of Buddhism in a way that resonates with readers, making this work a significant contribution to religious literature. His later works on Islam and Christianity, while noteworthy, did not achieve the same level of acclaim.

The narrative unfolds as Arjuna, a Pandava prince, grapples with his duty to fight in a righteous war, the Dharma Yudhha, against the Kauravas. His charioteer, Lord Krishna, provides profound guidance, urging him to embrace his warrior role and uphold Dharma. The dialogue explores various philosophical perspectives on duty, ethics, and the pursuit of liberation (moksha). Observing their discourse is Sanjaya, who relays the events of the battlefield to Dhritarashtra, enriching the text's complex interplay of duty and moral dilemmas within the context of Hindu philosophy.

The book showcases the life and teachings of the Buddha through an epic poem narrated by an "imaginary Buddhist votary." Written in a richly crafted Tennysonian blank verse, it reflects Sir Edwin Arnold's deep engagement with Eastern philosophy and spirituality. While his subsequent works on Islam and Christianity, Pearls of the Faith and The Light of the World, did not achieve the same acclaim, they further illustrate his exploration of faith and religion. Arnold's poetic style and thematic focus on enlightenment make this work a significant contribution to spiritual literature.

Exploring the rich tapestry of Indian literature, this collection features "The Indian Song of Songs" from Jayadeva's Gîta Govinda, selections from the Mahábhárata, and insightful proverbs from the Hitopadeśa. It showcases the depth and diversity of Indian poetry, blending classical themes with profound wisdom, offering readers a glimpse into the cultural and philosophical heritage of India. The anthology serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western literary traditions, highlighting the beauty and complexity of these timeless works.

The narrative centers on a profound dialogue between Arjuna, a prince facing a moral crisis on the battlefield, and Krishna, who embodies divine wisdom. This epic discourse explores themes of duty, righteousness, and spirituality, offering insights into the nature of life and the universe. Sir Edwin Arnold's translation captures the essence of the original Sanskrit text, making the philosophical teachings accessible to a broader audience. The work is a cornerstone of Indian literature, blending mythology with deep ethical and spiritual reflections.

Słowa tej książki płomienieją głęboką miłością do nauk Buddy oraz do samego Mistrza. Autor stworzył obraz Jego życia oraz nauk i ubrał go w piękną literacką formę. Książka rozpoczyna się w chwili przyjścia na świat księcia Gautamy i opisuje cuda związane z Jego narodzinami oraz bajeczne życie, które prowadził na dworze swojego ojca, króla Suddhodana. Gautama już w bardzo młodym wieku osiągnął mistrzostwo w ziemskich naukach, a w młodości ożenił się z piękną Yasodharą. W wieku 28 lat Gautama wiedziony głębokim współczuciem dla całej ludzkości postanowił odnaleźć drogę, po której mógłby po Nim kroczyć każdy człowiek żyjący na ziemi dążący do uwolnienia się z niewoli zmysłowego, materialnego życia oraz zmierzający do wolności od kajdanów własnego umysłu. Przez pewien czas oddawał się ascetycznemu trybowi życia, aby zrozumieć, że do uwolnienia wiedzie droga polegająca na mistrzowskim opanowaniu własnej negatywnej ludzkiej natury. Przez wiele lat medytował i osiągnął stan doskonałego oświecenia oraz Nirwanę, stan całkowitej wolności od cierpienia oraz od koła narodzin i śmierci. Rozpoznał Cztery Szlachetne Prawdy i rozpoczął ich nauczanie, które kontynuował przez resztę życia. Do Jego najwierniejszych uczniów należeli członkowie Jego własnej, królewskiej rodziny rodzice i żona.

Volume II contains the following numbers from the renowned Wheel Publication series dealing with various aspects of the Buddha's teaching.

The TREDITION CLASSICS series aims to revive public domain literature by making it available in print, reflecting a passion for timeless works. Each purchase contributes to non-profit literature projects, with a portion of proceeds donated to support these initiatives. By choosing a book from this series, readers play a role in preserving significant literary works and ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.